Crown Princess Mary and The Mary Foundation (Launched September 11, 2007)

[Australian]

[quote]

Originally Posted by highpriestess

You completely missed my points. One, I didn't question why her title isn't on there. I'm questioning why Fred's name isn't on the foundation title.

And it could be argued that it's more egoistic to have only her name on the foundation. quote]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this day and age meant to be all about women's independence and all that? She doesn't have to do something only cos Frederik is involved, I am sure Mary is independant enough to do some ventures on her own. Which is what she is displaying here with this Mary Foundation

If my beautiful girlfriend wanted to do some venture, i would not want her to have to put my name on it, If i did ask her she would simply say to me "I am woman, hear me roar, i am strong, i am invinsible, i am WOMAN!" lol

[nouwrein]

Originally Posted by highpriestess

You completely missed my points. One, I didn't question why her title isn't on there. I'm questioning why Fred's name isn't on the foundation title. Mary has name recognition among Danes and Aussies because of her marriage (BTW, this board has a very small audience in the big scheme of things.) Without Fred, no one would have known her. And it could be argued that it's more egoistic to have only her name on the foundation. As if everyone should know who the heck Mary is. (Most people outside of Denmark and Australia would think it's the Virgin Mary.) Princess Grace was a well known actress. She was much better known than her husband before marriage. BTW, she overshadowed her husband completely and that marriage wasn't the fairy tale it seemed.

Last, I didn't question whether their marriage will survive. I only wonder how her dominance so young into their marriage will do to their marriage. We all know how Diana-Charles' marriage turned out. Grace's marriage wasn't that happy in the later years.

I get your point Highpriestess and I agree on that. However, as Maxima had once said to Letizia (sorry for bringing up this name in a Mary thread) when the latter asked for advice, the former said "It's different for every royal house" kind of "Different strokes for every folkes". Sure there had been no Diana Foundation in 1984 or Mette-Marit Foundation, but maybe Denmark now is trying new things - kind of bringing in new ideas for the modern monarchy. If the Danes are content and happy with it, then so be it, there's no need to conform to other royal houses' tradition. But then again, yes I do get your points Highpriestess.

[marmi]

Maybe the fact that most of the public attention is on Mary is a good thing? She can take on the majority of the public side of the role, while Fred is working behind the scenes, learning & perfecting that which he will need to know as King. It could be a good partnership. Mary is well suited to the cameras and draws attention to the causes she supports.

I'm not saying this is my opinion - its just another way of looking at things - taking the "Pollyanna" route, if you will.

[missjane]

Just going back to the grey outfit, i really like it. Her hair is approppriate for the occasion and grey is positively huge here at the moment, also it dosen't cut the body in half and gives a more streamlined, sleek look. a different colour shirt would chop it up and the addition of pretty jewellery is lovely. One of my favourite, slightly more casual outfits.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by highpriestess

I'm questioning why Fred's name isn't on the foundation title.

Do you seriously believe that Frederik's name was not included if he or the queen had wanted it there? I think some posters exaggerate the powers of the CPss in Denmark! and as other posters have already pointed out, Frederik already has a foundation in his name. This Mary foundation aptly reflects the areas and patronages which Mary is now involved in. I fail to see anything egoistic in that.

Originally Posted by highpriestess

Mary has name recognition among Danes and Aussies because of her marriage (BTW, this board has a very small audience in the big scheme of things.) Without Fred, no one would have known her. And it could be argued that it's more egoistic to have only her name on the foundation. As if everyone should know who the heck Mary is. (Most people outside of Denmark and Australia would think it's the Virgin Mary.)

What makes you think that this foundation has an international outlook? Until further notice - and until it has worked for at least some years - I expect it to carry out it's activities in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Isles. So you needn't worry about the her being unknown for the targeted areas - she is very well-known I am happy to assure you

[biboquinhas]

I think Mary cacht all the attentions, in a positive way! Everything she does is capture by photographers so everything she commited to has a high publicity and that is all that matters! Mucht more publicity than Frederick has now!!And if you are starting a foundation that one of the main objective is to collect it is very important that those who are collecting that money are very influent persons like Mary is!!!!!

[nouwrein]

Originally Posted by biboquinhas

I think Mary cacht all the attentions, in a positive way! Everything she does is capture by photographers so everything she commited to has a high publicity and that is all that matters! Mucht more publicity than Frederick has now!!And if you are starting a foundation that one of the main objective is to collect it is very important that those who are collecting that money are very influent persons like Mary is!!!!!

I agree- but it would be nicer to tag along Fred's name with it so both of them gets the publicity But as I've said above, this is something new for the Danish monarchy- maybe they are promoting the "independent women" concept to make the image of the monarchy more modern?

[Madame Royale]

but it would be nicer to tag along Fred's name with it so both of them gets the publicity

But to ascribe Frederik's name to something he is not partisan to, would make very little sense.

[Chimene]

Originally Posted by crisscross1

I guess the whole point of the Mary Foundation is that she is doing good for others, isn't that what is important??

One would think... Seeing the larger picture is somehow unthinkable. The key word is TOLERANCE... TOLERANCE... TOLERANCE...

[Alisa]

Originally Posted by nouwrein

I agree- but it would be nicer to tag along Fred's name with it so both of them gets the publicity

Frederik already has 2 organizations to get his own publicity, "The Crown Prince Frederik fund" and the "His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik Foundation". In addition there is the added publicity from "The Crown Princely Couple Culture Prize". It's commendable that the Danish royal house (like the Belgians) feels comfortable with letting the consort have her own foundation. It goes to show they don't have this archaic view of a consort simply being an accessory to her husband.

[ricarda]

Totally agree. It's not as if they don't share anything. The "CP Couple Culture Prize" (which actually consists of a culture and a humanitarian prize) was founded 3 years ago, now Mary has a foundation of her own as well.
And Frederik has 2 foundations of his own: D.K.H. Kronprinsparret - Fonde

Frederik may have less publicity than Mary but IMO that goes for all cp couples. The focus is on the women, whether they show initiative and independence or whether they are just accessories.
And when it comes to popularity Frederik does not need the help of Mary, he is just as popular as she. There was a poll this year - superwomen and supermen of DK - and Frederik was on top of the men just as Mary was on top of the women.

The Danes have one of the highest percentage of working women in Europe, Danish women are quite independent and IMO this is reflected in the way how Mary presents herself. She has her own foundation and she has her own new years reception, with the approval of the court, I'm sure.
This is IMO what is expected of her, the Danes would not be content with an "accessory"-cp.

[Boris]

I agree, and I don't quite understand the fuss about the name of Princess Mary's charity fund. She initiated it, she's one of the chairwomen and Prince Frederik is not on board - it's as simple as as that. The only thing I would have added is 'Princess' because just 'Mary' might suggest some religious connection.
A job like this is exactly what I expect the wife of a Crown Prince to do these days. I am glad that Mary rather follows the example of Maxima by creating a role and duties of her own, using the privileged position she has to do some good work independantly and in her own name. I can't help to compare her situation to Princess Letizia's who might be immensely suited to take on a higher profile and either chooses not to do so or is advised to stay away from it. There are working, independant women in Spain too, times have changed. Hats off to CP Mary, I'd say.

[Gaia]

I am impressed with the way that the Danes and Mary have continually developed her role as future consort. She appears to be very hands on in her official duties and does not hesitate to get involved in any of the activities. I still smile when I think of her and the trampoline. Bravo Mary!

[norwegianne]

Originally Posted by Boris

The only thing I would have added is 'Princess' because just 'Mary' might suggest some religious connection.

Given that the primary area in which the foundation will work is Denmark, and in Danish the mother of Jesus is called Maria, I don't see the problem. When someone says Mary in Denmark, people think of the Crown Princess.

[Regina]

Originally Posted by highpriestess

I find it very curious and almost egoistic to establish a foundation named after only her, not her and her husband. Without her husband, who would have known Mary Donaldson?

Without Frederik no one would know Mary Donaldson, that's the reason she didn't create this Fundation when she was single Now she is very famous and beloved and I think Denmark is very proud to have such pretty and smart lady who stands up for Tolerance and Social Development. I wish her the Best.

Mary is completely overshadowing Fred in a way I've not seen among other royal couples. It's almost like she's the future monarch and he's the consort. They've only married for three years. I wonder how this will play out in the next 10 or 20 years.

To be honest I think she is not overshadowing Frederik. I think she is just doing her job with style and savoir-faire. I think there are others crown princesses who enjoy a lot to overshadow their husbands but that doesn't happen with Mary (imo). If Portugal was a monarchy I would prefer to have a Princess like Mary who can go alone to any event, who talk in public with confidence and professionalism than a princess who does nothing except smiling and waving. But that's me.

Oh, I forgot to say: I love Mary's dress!!

[Marengo]

Well, I don´t see what all the fuss is about, it is obviously a wonderfull initiative, one to which many will make a donation I hope.

Over the last decades centruries there were MANY people who married into (other) royal families and who gave their name to a foundation, thus gaining more publicity and more money for the cause.

Some examples:

- Prince Bernhard culture foundation
- Queen Emma foundation against tuberculosis
- Queen Fabiola foundation (mentally handicapped)
- Foundation Queen Paola (protection of children)
- Princess Mathilde foundation (weak social groups in society)

I am sure there are others in other countries.

And if it is Mary who is a patron of the foundation, it would be a bit senseless to include Frederiks name too, when he is not involved.

--

Now about modestmess of not including a title... that depends on the perspective you are judginbg it from. Wasn´t it the epithomy of arrogance when King Phillip II of Spain signed his decrees with ´Yo´ (I), or the Duke and Duchess of Orleans who were simply known as ´Monsieur´ and ´Madame´ .
Just a joke people, don´t call for my blood immediately please.

[kaffir]

Originally Posted by Madame Royale

Quite well I'm guessing

The objective of The Mary 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.’

As to the first part, yes, as to the second, it will be an utter failure due to the excesses of multiculturalism and political correctness. Just pick up a Danish newspaper if you need further proof.

[sylla]

Love the dress.

As to the other discussion, since it is the "Mary Fund" is she using her own (or rather Frederik's) money or are taxes covering the cost?

[Fashionista100]

Money was donated by corporations and a gift by the people on their wedding for this purpose. It will be funded through donations.

[highpriestess]

[quote=Australian;665977]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this day and age meant to be all about women's independence and all that? She doesn't have to do something only cos Frederik is involved, I am sure Mary is independant enough to do some ventures on her own. Which is what she is displaying here with this Mary Foundation

Please, you're preaching to a feminist here. I'll agree that Mary should use her name if she puts up HER OWN money to do good deeds. That's not the case here, is it? She's using her position as the crown princess of Denmark to raise funds in order to do good deeds. The donors are not donating money because of Mary Donaldson. They're donating money because of her title and her marriage to Fred. She's by no means an independent, self-made woman. It's like Donald Trump's wife starts a charity with only her name.