Danish Royal Family, Current Events 2: March 2008 - April 2010

[Terri Terri]

I'm not sure about the decorations on the front of Mary's dress. What were they? In my opinion they looked a little awkward.

http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012759.jpg
CP Mary is wearing the royal family order (QM's portrait with the white and red bow) and a diamond brooch which belonged to Prince Henrik's mother.

Joachim is beaming with his beautiful wife on his arm. The way he always extends his arm to her is so gallant, I think. Frederick could take a lesson from his younger brother.

Why should he? The Crown Prince Couple are obviously comfortable as they are and don't feel the need to hang on to each other all of the time. All couples are different.

Just because they are not arm in arm, doesn't mean that CP Frederik was not equally as proud or beaming at his wife as well, as this photo shows
http://picture.belga.be/belgapicture/picture/prev/18057512.jpg

However, depending on the situation, there are occassions when the Crown Prince Couple are 'arm-in-arm', e.g. the gala dinner for COP 15, the New Year Gala dinner and even at the Court Ball as well!
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10010118.jpg New Year gala
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012799.jpg Court Ball

 

[NotAPretender]

I also don't perceive any lack of attention on the part of the Crown Prince toward his wife that begs a lesson from his younger (divorced) brother. I think each of the men treasures the woman at his side; IIRC, Joachim was equally gallant toward his former wife in all of their public photos, so it seems to be ingrained in his personality. It's certainly a charming trait.

I read that the guard fainted after HM passed by; would this then have been at the end of grand entrance, as the Queen would be the last to enter? As calm and cool as I think we would all like to imagine we would be, I can see where standing stock-still for a long period of time, under intense scrutiny, could bring able physical and psychological strain. Fortunately for him, as they are all dressed alike, we (the public) probably couldn't even pick the guy out of a police lineup. However, I'm sure that he has and is enduring no end of razzing from his fellow guardsman in barracks and at mess.

 

[maria-olivia]

I have two questions
1. The Queen and her sister never wear the family order to-gether with a brooch. Why Mary ?
2. Marie does not wear the family order. What has she to do to have it. I am sure Alexandra got it .
Thanks for answers

 

[Terri Terri]

I have two questions
1. The Queen and her sister never wear the family order to-gether with a brooch. Why Mary ?
2. Marie does not wear the family order. What has she to do to have it. I am sure Alexandra got it .
Thanks for answers

The Queen and her sister are wearing the Family Order Brooches of their father and the Order of the Danebrog (the cross on the bow) as they are both Grand Commanders of that order. The Family Order and the Order of the Danebrog are the ones with the white and red bows.
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012771.jpg
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012762.jpg

CP Mary probably just chose to put the diamond brooch where she did.

Alexandra received the family order about 2 years after she married...so maybe Marie will receive hers around the same time.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Pictured: Danish soldier passes out in royal line up at gala dinner | Mail Online

 

[Ccile]

Holmens Hæderstegns indstiftelse Fredag 29. januar 2010 kl. 20:00 D.K.H. Kronprinsen og Kronprinsessen deltager i Holmens Hæderstegnsmiddag i Chr. VII's Palæ, Amalienborg.

Yesterday evening, the queen hosted a reception at the royal palace. The crown prince couple attended. No pics from this night so far??

 

[rylt11]

Am responding to a few comments - First, the decorations on Mary's dress that I am referring to are the ones down the front of the skirt, not the ones on the sash. They look like big brooches that have "slipped" and landed on the skirt, in my opinion. She looks beautiful as ever, with her ivory complexion and dark hair and eyes.

Joachim always offers his arm to Marie (I hadn't noticed that with Alexandra, but have not been on TRF that long) and I think it looks very gallant. She is petite, perhaps by being arm in arm, he supports her, and enbles her too keep up with him and his longer strides, as they walk down these long entrance halls to functions. He also does this as soon as they have both gotten out of the car.

Frederick, on the other hand, waits until he and Mary are actually in the function room to do so. I'm sure that both princes are very happy in their marriages, the couples certainly look that way, it's just a different style. I think that Joachim's way of escorting his partner looks better, that is all. They look more in step that way.

 

[michelleq]

JMHO, but to me, Joachim has more of a "military" bearing than his brother, more rigid. Yet Frederick has a gentler manner, but both brothers appear very loving to their wives.

 

[rylt11]

Yes, Joachim has a more formal look to him. Even his hair is cropped close to his head, in a military type style. Last year, when he and Marie were in Russia, he let it grow a bit longer. One could see the natural wave and he appeared more continental, better, less rigid.

When he stands very straight, either in uniform or tails with all his decorations or Order of the Elephant, he looks very regal. How tall is he exactly? Surely over six feet.

 

[greenways]

The poor royal guard, hope they had him checked out by a medic!

 

[Stefan]

The Queen and her sister are wearing the Family Order Brooches of their father and the Order of the Danebrog (the cross on the bow) as they are both Grand Commanders of that order. The Family Order and the Order of the Danebrog are the ones with the white and red bows.
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012771.jpg
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Jan2010/PPE10012762.jpg

CP Mary probably just chose to put the diamond brooch where she did.

Alexandra received the family order about 2 years after she married...so maybe Marie will receive hers around the same time.

Alexandra got her Family Order for the Queens Silver Jubiliee in Janary 1997 when she was married for 1 year and 2 months. Perhaps Marie will get her for the Queen's 70th birthday in April.

 

[rylt11]

Perhaps once Marie gets started with her patronages and commands the Danish language a bit better, she will be awarded honors and decorations.

 

[Katelle]

It's striking to see how Mary and Marie's attitudes are a way different. I was looking at the few videos, and every Marie's move, everylook and every smile show how she obviously likes the attention, the spotlight. She was almost parading herself like she was on the catwalk really.
But Mary has that all natural class, and demure attitude. As far as I'm concerned , simple is beautiful.

 

[antonieta]

It's striking to see how Mary and Marie's attitudes are a way different. I was looking at the few videos, and every Marie's move, everylook and every smile show how she obviously likes the attention, the spotlight. She was almost parading herself like she was on the catwalk really.
But Mary has that all natural class, and demure attitude. As far as I'm concerned , simple is beautiful.

It´s funny you say that.

It make's me think some previous comment´s about Crown Princess Mary.

 

[Lumutqueen]

It's striking to see how Mary and Marie's attitudes are a way different. I was looking at the few videos, and every Marie's move, everylook and every smile show how she obviously likes the attention, the spotlight. She was almost parading herself like she was on the catwalk really.
But Mary has that all natural class, and demure attitude. As far as I'm concerned , simple is beautiful.

I've been thinking that ever since Marie became a fully fledged member of the family. And I thought the same about Alexandra.
I think it had something to do with being married to the second son.

 

[rylt11]

Yes, Mary is usually in the spotlight, it's something that happens almost every day. Marie, on the other hand, makes the most of it on the few occasions that she has. Granted, she is a beautiful woman and has started to emerge with her own sense of style.

Mary is more comfortable, is used to the flashing lights, and takes it all more naturally, without having to stop and pose very much. She is more low key, after all, it is she who will be queen one day.

 

[CrownPrincess5]

Does anyone know the relationship between Marie and Mary? Are they close friends, associates or do they dislike each other?

It's striking to see how Mary and Marie's attitudes are a way different. I was looking at the few videos, and every Marie's move, everylook and every smile show how she obviously likes the attention, the spotlight. She was almost parading herself like she was on the catwalk really.
But Mary has that all natural class, and demure attitude. As far as I'm concerned , simple is beautiful.

Yeah Mary has class, but I do not think it is natural. To me, Mary is not being "real". I think because she will be queen, Mary has been seriously programmed on how to act, talk, and walk. I wish she would just open up every once in a while and show us the true side of her. To be honest, there's something about her I just can't put my finger on.

 

[Terri Terri]

And Marie hasn't been taught how to act, talk and walk in her role as a member of the royal family? That's what happens to all the new members of royal families. They have to learn and be taught how to conduct themselves. Its not as if they were born to the royal life and automatically knew what to do when they became royals.
I think CP Mary has become more confident and relaxed in her role as compared to when she first became Crown Princess...and it shows. She comes across as being very real to me. The same as Marie...she acts very differently as a princess compared to when she became publicly known as Joachim's girlfriend.
And we have seen photos which also show that Mary and Marie do get along well together. The only difference is, that while Marie is destined to continue to play a supporting role in the DRF, CP Mary is the future Queen Consort and she is in the process of preparing for the responsibilities of that role. Marie does not and will never have those same responsibilities.

 

[grevinnan]

It's striking to see how Mary and Marie's attitudes are a way different. I was looking at the few videos, and every Marie's move, everylook and every smile show how she obviously likes the attention, the spotlight. She was almost parading herself like she was on the catwalk really.
But Mary has that all natural class, and demure attitude. As far as I'm concerned , simple is beautiful.

CP Mary was just as obviously aware of the cameras in the beginning of her princess life as P Marie is now. P. Marie will grow into her role and most likely become more comfortable with the attention. She is a naturally beautiful women and will develop into a great representative for the Danish royal family.

 

[Terri Terri]

Exactly! That's one of the things all newcomers of royal families have to get used to...the intense media attention.

 

[antonieta]

CP Mary was just as obviously aware of the cameras in the beginning of her princess life as P Marie is now. P. Marie will grow into her role and most likely become more comfortable with the attention. She is a naturally beautiful women and will develop into a great representative for the Danish royal family.

Well said.
Princess Marie it´s doing/or will be doing, and passing for the same things that Cronw Princess Mary did.
In fact, in the beginning the same was said about Crown Princess Marie, that she was inconfortable, she was cold, looking at the camera, and so one...
So if Marie follows Crown Princess Mary steps she will be a great Princess.

 

[principessa]

Svenskdamtidning has a report about the "hovbal".

Svensk Damtidning nr 8.pdf

 

[ricarda]

CP Mary was just as obviously aware of the cameras in the beginning of her princess life as P Marie is now. P. Marie will grow into her role and most likely become more comfortable with the attention. She is a naturally beautiful women and will develop into a great representative for the Danish royal family.

antonieta
Well said.
Princess Marie it´s doing/or will be doing, and passing for the same things that Cronw Princess Mary did.
In fact, in the beginning the same was said about Crown Princess Marie, that she was inconfortable, she was cold, looking at the camera, and so one...
So if Marie follows Crown Princess Mary steps she will be a great Princess.

I would say you have to differ between "growing into/being comfortable with the role" and "being comfortable with the attention".

Marie and Mary both had to learn new roles and it's only natural that you are more and more at ease with that role as the years go by. Mary simply has more experience than Marie and it shows. But I too think that Marie will develop into a great representative of the DRF.

On the other hand I absolutely disagree with the comment that Marie does or did the same things as Mary. Yes, both were/are aware of the cameras and look(ed) into the cameras (Mary has a more relaxed attitude nowadays but she still is - and has to be - aware of the cameras.) I would probably do the same if I were in their shoes. But IMO there is a profound difference between those two when it comes to "being comfortable with the media attention".

IMO Marie looked very comfortable with the media attention from day 1 - no matter what she herself said in the engagement interview. I don't remember one pic where she looked uncomfortabel (with her new role perhaps but not with the attention) and I don't remember any media representative ever calling her cold or uncomfortable in front of the cameras. When the media discovered her in 2006 she was very forthcoming towards the journalists/photographers and posed for pictures in her own flat. (When it turned out that this was perceived as a mistake she claimed naivity in her TV portrait.) IMO Marie is a natural when it comes to the media attention. But she had to learn to keep a greater distance.

When Mary was discovered by the media in 2001 she reacted completely different. Remember that first pic of her. She seemed angry about the media intrusion and also afraid (the way how she held her arms signalled "insecurity"). Several media people said that Mary looked like a deer caught in the light in the beginning and that she had to learn to handle the media attention. I might be wrong but - unlike others - I actually always had the feeling that Mary enjoys her role (and public image) very much but does not so much enjoy the media attention (and the ways to maintain that public image) - but still more than her husband.

Nowadays she gives the media what they want but I wonder if the reason why she sometimes comes across as "un-natural/un-real" in front of the cameras is that she has to do something that is not really in her nature. Because I think she really has a very reserved personality (not very helpful if you have to live a public life) and her natural reaction is to keep the media at a distance (e.g. I do remember that in 2005 she was boycotted by photographers at CIFF because she wanted them to keep a greater distance.) But she had to learn that as a crownprincess you can't keep the media at a distance without being criticized for it.

If I compare Mary and Marie I see a woman with a lot of media and role experience and a great awareness of her public image on one side and a woman who really enjoys the attention on the other side.

 

[Terri Terri]

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments ricarda! CP Mary herself stated that she had looked like a deer in headlights with all of the media attention that came with her relationship with CP Frederik. She said as much in a 2004 pre-wedding interview with Danish journalist Anne Wolden-Raethinge (Ninka) in a series of interviews that became the basis of a bestselling book called "Kronprinsesse Mary"

(e.g. I do remember that in 2005 she was boycotted by photographers at CIFF because she wanted them to keep a greater distance.)

I remembered that incident. Crown Princess Mary attended CPH Vision in Øksnehallen on August 12, 2005. However, it was the guards at the CIFF event who informed the photographers that they had to stay a little bit back from the 7 months pregnant Crown Princess at the time. It had nothing to do with CP Mary or the Royal House per se.
I laughed because there were many, many photos of CP Mary from that particular event, as it was plainly obvious that she had not been boycotted by all of the photographers!
As a matter of fact, photos can be seen on this board of this event at the following link!
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...-international-fashion-fair-ciff-14384-4.html

 

[carlota]

was there any more information released on the "Monarchy from the inside" show to happen in march? i can't wait to see it, hopefully it will be online (or extracts of it at least?)

 

[JessRulz]

Information and links to the special's page on the DR website can be found here: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f220/danish-tv-series-the-monarchy-inside-by-dr-27055.html

 

[iceflower]

The citizens of Fredensborg traditionally walk a torchlight procession
to Fredensborg Palace to welcome Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik
of Denmark to their summer residence Fredensborg Palace, April 8,
2010. CP Frederik and CP Mary attended as well:



** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 ** Pic 5 ** Pic 6 ** Pic 7 **


** belga gallery ** ppe gallery **


And here's an article with a picture gallery from BB:


** Fredensborg bød regentparret velkommen med fakkeloptog **

 

[Eliza]

i've been watching the documentary on the danish royal family these weeks...and i must say it's very entertaining and enlightening! Now if only i can understand danish, it'll make watching the shows that much more enjoyable!

 

[Muhler]

Summary of article in Billed bladet #15, 2010.
Sjov på slotstrappen - Fun on the palace stairs.
Written by Annelise Weimann.

As is tradition the Regent Couple were recieved by a procession of torches when they moved in at Fredensborg for the summer.
They were joined on the stairs to the palace by Mary and Frederik. Dressed warmly as it was pretty chilly these days.
And to the cheer of the locals QMII said: "Nothing can beat living at Fredensborg".
Before going inside again the royals sang along to the national anthem "Der er et yndigt land". (*) Frederik and Henrik belong to the hummers, but QMII sang along loud and clear and Mary tried to follow suit. Alas she couldn't remember the words and whatever she sang it made Frederik crack up and Mary too.

(*) The sounds in that song must be pretty difficult for English speakers in particular.
But then the royal anthem can hardly be easier to sing!
There are two anthems:
Der er et yndigt land = There is a lovely country, which is the national anthem and most commenly used. Not least by soccer/football fans!
And then there is the royal anthem: Kong Kristian = King Kristian.
Notice the spelling. Kristian instead of Christian. The song is about Christian IV, reigning from 1580's to 1650's, if I remember correctly.
He started out as a Kristian, the more Germannic spelling but changed it to Christian, a more Latinised and at the time posh spelling.
Just to clarify: You will sometimes see the royal anthem spelled Kong Kristian and sometimes Kong Christian. Hence the explanation.

 

[Maura724]

Before going inside again the royals sang along to the national anthem "Der er et yndigt land". (*) Frederik and Henrik belong to the hummers, but QMII sang along loud and clear and Mary tried to follow suit. Alas she couldn't remember the words and whatever she sang it made Frederik crack up and Mary too.

Nice - I always really like it when I see heads of state (royals, presidents, or whoever) singing their anthem with enthusiasm.