General News about Frederik, Mary and Family 5: December 2009 - July 2010

[AnnaNotherThing]

Besides, the queen know from personal experience that having friends who suddenly find themselves the subject of police investigations is a delicate subject for royals. Many years ago, a good friend of the queen and prince Henrik, Jan Bonde Nielsen, was the subject of extensive investigation by the police and the financial squad. There was lots of media coverage about Bonde Nielsen's friendship with the royal family and there were immediate cries that the queen stop any contact. The contact did cease, not least because Bonde Nielsen moved out of the country; but it is a thin line for the royals. If they cut all ties immediately, for example during preliminary investigation, they would undoubtedly face a lot of criticism as well - for not standing by their friends, for actively working against their friends by cutting ties, etc.

Ok, I wrote a long reply to the Rigmor Zobel issue yesterday but I forgot to log in first and my post was lost So anyway, I will try and remember/paraphrase what I said yesterday...

I think I said it is basically hypocritical of the royal family to take this stand, that is 'because you have associations with drugs and have been convicted of drug offences you are no longer worthy to be in our presence'...The hypocrisy comes when you think of all the good work Mary (and Margrethe) does for her charities and public relations relating to drug addicts and rehabilitation programs and supporting and encourage people to seek help, we are here to help, you are not alone...all the spin and the message that we are approachable and accepting of others and their differences and their past life and their future can be different and better...

But when it happens in her personal life that a friend is faced with the same issues as some of her causes, then she cuts them off, freezes them out, denies association...How is that supposed to help RZ? Being cut off from friends might not be the most helpful thing to do...And what do you think THAT says to all the people Mary has had contact with in the past and will have contact with in the future purely based on her charity work, that whatever I say to you to reassure you and support you is just for me, to make me look good and feel good, but the truth is I don't care about you really and your filthy little habit....

The royals make a big deal of saying we are here to help all the down and outs in our society and make their lives that little bit better and they say this to complete strangers and yet they can't even have a show of support for those within their circle and say "We believe in you and your recovery"...Instead it's "you no longer mean anything to us"...I feel for Rigmor Zobel that she was treated this way and I feel for Mary if she was being a true friend and genuinely trying to help!!!

(I think I said what I needed to say better than yesterday)

 

[Madame Royale]

...and my post was lost

Isn't that so infuriating!! I've done that a couple of times and have had to leave the computer soon after and do some yoga to expell the frustration!


As for the above post...

Where has it been stated or confirmed that there is a personal association between the Crown Princess and Mrs. Ravn (Née Zobel). By that I mean the two ladies being good friends?

 

[AnnaNotherThing]

The Mary Foundation Charter: as per her website

The object of the Foundation is to improve the lives of children, adults and families who as the result of their environment, heredity, illness or other circumstances find themselves socially isolated or excluded. The Foundation aims to fulfil its objective by creating opportunities for these individuals and giving them a sense of affiliation and of belonging to a community. The Foundation furthermore undertakes to encourage tolerance of diversity and the revival of hope.’
The Mary Foundation will focus primarily on people living in Denmark, supporting integrated initiatives that go beyond religious and cultural differences and other forms of affiliation based on the governing principle that everyone has the right to belong.

And yet...

 

[Madame Royale]

I'm sorry, but you didn't answer my question...

 

[AnnaNotherThing]

I'm sorry, Madame Royale...the answer to your question is that I am not really sure but I have read that Rigmor Zobel is an old, possibly, school friend of Frederik...So maybe Mary is just guilty by association...

 

[Madame Royale]

I also have heard (read) that Rigmor is an old school associate/friend of Frederik's. Just thought something 'new' (re Mary and Zigmor) had since been reported.

So maybe Mary is just guilty by association...

I get what you mean but I'm not quite sure how the Crown Princess could be seen as being guilty of any misconduct. Quite simply, she isn't.

I wonder if had Frederik attended the dinner whether or not the media would have been so quick to jump the gun. Somehow, I don't think they would have.

Thanks for replying.

 

[wombat]

I don't think any royals today, Danish or other nationalities, undertake engagements without doing their homework thoroughly beforehand. Right now, you can see a Danish series that takes places behind the scenes - of the logistics and preliminary work leading up to all sorts of royal engagements.
It really is not that hard to imagine that this is the case. I'm more surprised that you would think that it does not take place??

I realise all the preparation work takes place and I do not doubt that. But exactly how much time is demanded of the royals is a question I quess no -one can really answer. My opinion is that it most likely it does not add up to be a full time job and therefore I'm of the opinion that it is not exactly 'hard work', but then I don't really know...I have not been in those shoes so am not the one to judge...I just wonder

 

[ashelen]

I realise all the preparation work takes place and I do not doubt that. But exactly how much time is demanded of the royals is a question I quess no -one can really answer. My opinion is that it most likely it does not add up to be a full time job and therefore I'm of the opinion that it is not exactly 'hard work', but then I don't really know...I have not been in those shoes so am not the one to judge...I just wonder

of course it is not a hard job having all that extra help they have! in everything!
i read in billed bladet ad now i can not find it, it might be an old news? Mary is in her first ever vacation alone in 6 years in her home country without the kids and Fred anybody can confirm this?

 

[wombat]

of course it is not a hard job having all that extra help they have! in everything!
i read in billed bladet ad now i can not find it, it might be an old news? Mary is in her first ever vacation alone in 6 years in her home country without the kids and Fred anybody can confirm this?

According to Billed Bladet Mary went to Thailand with a friend:
Billed-Bladet - Mary på ferie uden mand og børn

I hope the link works!

 

[UserDane]

I'm sorry, Madame Royale...the answer to your question is that I am not really sure but I have read that Rigmor Zobel is an old, possibly, school friend of Frederik...So maybe Mary is just guilty by association...

Rigmor's father, Peter Zobel, is an old-time friend, hunting friend, of Mary's father in law. With that connection, she has been seen at some royal events, also escorting her father when he divorced the last time. I don't think, though, that I have seen Rigmor and her husband, referred to as friends of the CP couple.

Re school; according to this link - Rigmor i gråd - var ikke kæreste med kronprinsen - Kendte - BT.dk - Rigmor started at the same school ("gymnasium") when Frederik was a "3rd G" - meaning that Rigmor was two years after Frederik. That usually means that they hang out with different school friends.

 

[Tricota]

The Mary Foundation Charter: as per her website

The object of the Foundation is to improve the lives of children, adults and families who as the result of their environment, heredity, illness or other circumstances find themselves socially isolated or excluded. The Foundation aims to fulfil its objective by creating opportunities for these individuals and giving them a sense of affiliation and of belonging to a community. The Foundation furthermore undertakes to encourage tolerance of diversity and the revival of hope.’
The Mary Foundation will focus primarily on people living in Denmark, supporting integrated initiatives that go beyond religious and cultural differences and other forms of affiliation based on the governing principle that everyone has the right to belong.

And yet...

Easy....

 

[Lumutqueen]

I'm sorry, Madame Royale...the answer to your question is that I am not really sure but I have read that Rigmor Zobel is an old, possibly, school friend of Frederik...So maybe Mary is just guilty by association...

I also have heard (read) that Rigmor is an old school associate/friend of Frederik's. Just thought something 'new' (re Mary and Zigmor) had since been reported.



I get what you mean but I'm not quite sure how the Crown Princess could be seen as being guilty of any misconduct. Quite simply, she isn't.

I wonder if had Frederik attended the dinner whether or not the media would have been so quick to jump the gun. Somehow, I don't think they would have.

Thanks for replying.

I have always thought that Mary knew Rigmor through Joachim as she is supposed to be in his circle of friends.
I think if Frederik had attended the hype would of been worse.

Easy....

Easy?

Google Translate

First time in six years, i think she deserves a break.

 

[bertie5252003]

I would think for someone in Mary's position it would be a nightmare living in a small place and every breath she takes in reported in great detail and frankly I think she ha sdon ean amazing job over the last 6 years, staying sane most be a real struggle. So I am surprised she doesn't need to get away from that more often. It is a real show of her inner strenght that she has not done so ... anjd long may her decision to seek a few mental health days continue. IMHO

 

[muriel]

I would think for someone in Mary's position it would be a nightmare living in a small place and every breath she takes in reported in great detail and frankly I think she ha sdon ean amazing job over the last 6 years, staying sane most be a real struggle. So I am surprised she doesn't need to get away from that more often. It is a real show of her inner strenght that she has not done so ... anjd long may her decision to seek a few mental health days continue. IMHO

I fully agree. It also demonstrates her strong commitment to her new (or not so new) life as the crown princess of Denmark, far away from her carefree life in Aus.

 

[Madame Royale]

I have always thought that Mary knew Rigmor through Joachim as she is supposed to be in his circle of friends.
I think if Frederik had attended the hype would of been worse.

Though in regards to Mary and Rigmor...Being an acquaintance, and being friends (as in confidante) is a different matter. I do recall seeing photos of Rimor attend Joachim and Marie's wedding, though.

As for the dinner...

I think the tabloids would have been more sympathetic to the situation if it were Frederik who had attended the gathering. Mary, being the person who'll always have something to 'prove' (being a foreign born member of the RF) is the ideal target for headline fodder.

 

[efraimsdotter]

I can't say how close friends Mary and Rigmor are, but I do know that Rigmor was invited to crown prince Frederik's 40th birthday party.

 

[Freye]

I can't say how close friends Mary and Rigmor are, but I do know that Rigmor was invited to crown prince Frederik's 40th birthday party.

There were 2 events for Crown Prince Frederik's 40th birthday.
The first was a dinner on the royal yacht for close friends of the Crown Princely Couple.
Ms Zobel was NOT in that group.
The second event was a dinner for a few hundred people, which Peter Zobel attended (hunting friend of DRF) with his daughter Rigmor and her husband.

 

[ashelen]

thank you so much! good for her she probably need it, but myself it would be very difficult to be far from my daughter! althoug i know she use to travel for work without them and i am sure they are very well taken care off!

 

[Tricota]

Easy?

Google Translate

First time in six years, i think she deserves a break.

Not really sure why you think I need a google translation of a Danish article. Anyways, I was not refearing to the article, but to what AnnaNotherThing was...well, pointing out...in tearms of the trust and certain members thereof.

Perhaps I misunderstod.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Not really sure why you think I need a google translation of a Danish article. Anyways, I was not refearing to the article, but to what AnnaNotherThing was...well, pointing out...in tearms of the trust and certain members thereof.

Perhaps I misunderstod.

The google tranlastion was an extra for other readers who couldn't read the original.
I should of made the space between your comment and the translation a bit bigger.

 

[Tricota]

The google tranlastion was an extra for other readers who couldn't read the original.
I should of made the space between your comment and the translation a bit bigger.

No worries.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

I think that Mary was just the unlucky family member of the DRF who was around at the time. If Fred hadnt been sailing it would have been him or both.
I am currently in Australia and Mary apparently getting a dressing down from the Queen is big news out here. The perfect princess failing for the first time - the fact that this issue is being presented that way in the usual media will be highly annoying to Mary.

Royals should think twice who they engage with IN PUBLIC (they do a lot of stuff hidden from the public anyway) therefore its a good lesson, the Danes get away with a lot of things compared to other royal houses, now they have to be extra careful, maybe thats why Margrethe apparently reacted so angrily, because there will be more scrutiny and less privileges that are not subject to polemic from now on.

Of all members of the DRF, Mary is probably the one member who didnt deserve to be caught, she might only have attended on her sailing husband's behalf.

 

[UserDane]

....maybe thats why Margrethe apparently reacted so angrily.

Please, someone enlighten me! I live in Denmark, I read - fairly regularly - Danish newspapers, browse online tabloids once in a while - and still I have not come across one credible source that queen Margrethe has reacted angrily. Please, someone, direct me to the closest thing of proof that the queen has reacted in this way.

I have only seen hearsay and speculation.

Duke, this is not meant as a reaction to your post in particular

 

[Lumutqueen]

Please, someone enlighten me! I live in Denmark, I read - fairly regularly - Danish newspapers, browse online tabloids once in a while - and still I have not come across one credible source that queen Margrethe has reacted angrily. Please, someone, direct me to the closet thing of proof that the queen has reacted in this way.

I have only seen hearsay and speculation.

There isn't one credible source to say she reacted badly.

Mary faces mum-in-law fury Today's News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania

this is the only article that says

A "furious" Queen Margrethe issued a stern warning to Mary over the affair, the magazine Se Og Hoer reported.

which wasn't said by any press secretary of the DRF.

 

[UserDane]

Exactly. Somehow, all these foreign reports all go back to some reporter at Se og Hør or Her og Nu. These two magazine live and thrive on gossip and rumours about celebrities and royals.

Don't the media exercise any kind of source critique anymore ??

 

[wombat]

There is also an article in the OK Magazine in Australia which I saw today, sorry don't know how to scan ot attach it to this site....

 

[Madame Royale]

I think that Mary was just the unlucky family member of the DRF who was around at the time. If Fred hadnt been sailing it would have been him or both.
I am currently in Australia and Mary apparently getting a dressing down from the Queen is big news out here. The perfect princess failing for the first time - the fact that this issue is being presented that way in the usual media will be highly annoying to Mary.

Royals should think twice who they engage with IN PUBLIC (they do a lot of stuff hidden from the public anyway) therefore its a good lesson, the Danes get away with a lot of things compared to other royal houses, now they have to be extra careful, maybe thats why Margrethe apparently reacted so angrily, because there will be more scrutiny and less privileges that are not subject to polemic from now on.

Of all members of the DRF, Mary is probably the one member who didnt deserve to be caught, she might only have attended on her sailing husband's behalf.

Welcome, Duke of Marmalade. I wish you a safe and wonderful time here in Australia. I hope your travels bring you to Melbourne if they haven't already

Though in regards to the impression it's left, I must disgaree with you. The whole "dressing down" saga isn't what I'd called big news here at all. There was a mention of it in a few papers and and one or two glossy mags perhaps (which is quite normal), but that's it. Yesterday's "news" is todays fish 'n' chips wrappings.

I don't believe this will effect the Crown Princess' image at all and neither should it. It's seems well an truly water under the bridge. Here anyway.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Welcome, Duke of Marmalade. I wish you a safe and wonderful time here in Australia. I hope your travels bring you to Melbourne if they haven't already

Though in regards to the impression it's left, I must disgaree with you. The whole "dressing down" saga isn't what I'd called big news here at all. There was a mention of it in a few papers and and one or two glossy mags perhaps (which is quite normal), but that's it. Yesterday's "news" is todays fish 'n' chips wrappings.

I don't believe this will effect the Crown Princess' image at all and neither should it. It's seems well an truly water under the bridge. Here anyway.

THanks - left Melbourne yesterday

The "news" was in the daily newspapers that usually do not cover royalty at all, except for issues like Prince Charles going to Helmand province etc. I think the fact that a spokesperson for the DRF reacted in some way to this event and felt the need to issue a comment indicates that there was some kind of friction about Mary attending an event with Ms Zobel involved. Maybe there was a dressing down, maybe there wasnt but for sure they did not like the coverage and for sure Mary will not like the resulting coverage.

 

[Madame Royale]

The press spokeswoman's comment was brief and uncomitting, though. It doesn't suggest the slightest inclination of friction between Mary and her mother in-law.

Here in Australia, most papers will write about Mary so that isn't something uncommon. Some articles are bigger in some papers, in others they can be much smaller. Though largely, our media remains relatively undiscriminatory in that way.

I think most take any such "news" with a 'pinch of salt'. Especially when it's relayed to the gloss mags

 

[Katrianna]

Headlines and stories carrying such stories as the Crown Princess getting a dressing down by a furious Queen mother-in-law sells magazines and newspapers. It's all an effort to bring in business.