Summary of article in Billed Bladet #26, 2013.
To på toppen - Two on the top.
Written by our Germany correspondent Marianne Singer.
This covers the first part of the visit.
As you know Mary and Benedikte have been invited by the PM for Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hannelore Kraft.
The theme of this the annual and biggest equestrian fair in world in Aachen, is Denmark. And all sails were set in promoting DK as much and as favorable as possible, as a prelude to DK hosting a large equestrian competition in the town of Herning in August. - Perhaps Mary will be there as well?
After the Danish delegation with Mary in front had been shown around at the Landtag, it was time for a short breather at the posh hotel Quellendorf.
Before going to the townhall for an official welcome and signing the guestbook ceremony.
Then outside on the bacony for a pre-show. Consisting of the Music Corps of the Royal Lifeguard, the Guards Hussars, Aachen Stadtreiter and Danish gymnasts. A long, delightful and pretty cold show, because it was quite chilly! Benedikte wrapped her red cape around her while Mary held out a little longer before bottonning up her coat. Then inside for a bit of warmth and a drink.
Mary wore sand colored sandals adorned with rivets. Her jewellery, including the hair-clasp-thingy was from Marianne Dulong.
Her hairdresser, Søren Heedegaard had done her hair. - So he must have gone with her.
The next day it was off for a tour of the city, because it wasn't just about promoting DK, the good citizens of Aachen were also interested in showing off their city and as Mary gets a good deal of coverage...so much the better.
They admired wonderfully decorated windows, one of them with an Aachen specialty, Aachen Pinten, which is a kind of honey-cakes, in this case made as a special tribute to DK and the DRF.
The group, in which also included Kiki Tholsturp married to Roger Moore, also admired a reproduction of a Krøyer painting made from LEGO bricks. - Unfortunately there isn't a clear photo of that in the article.
Because the theme this year is Denmark, the main attraction at the CHIO horse event is the Danish Village, which Mary and Benedikte naturally also visited. Here Mary said: "I think I have been given a really warm reception - also at the townhall square yesterday. It was really good and I was very proud to the Guards Hussars Regiment ride in and also to see the many things on offer tonight at the opening ceremony".
Princess Nathalie and her Alexander are also at CHIO.
