Crown Princess Mary's Patronages and Charities

[MaggieDenmark]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Oh, probably that the torch actually did light up as on cue. :wizzard:.

oh of course :-) thank you!!

i'm in love with marys laugh at 8:27 in the video, it sound so cute and funny :-)

[Muhler]

BB has a long interview with Mary this week, where she is talking about her work for Women Deliver.
Most of it is already known from interviews but there are a couple of questions of interest.

Jeg bruger mit hjerte - I use my heart/I follow my heart.
Interviewer: Ulrik Ulriksen.
Billed Bladet #27, 2013. (Yes, I always write the magazine and issue, to make it easier for me to go back in my archive and find it and naturally also as a curtesy to the magazine. - In case you were wondering).

Q: Where does you commitment for the cause originally stem from?
M: "My commitment stems from a meeting with a female obstrititian, gynocolgist, from Chad in Africa. That experience has stuck with me and I've been thinking about it ever since.
The female doctor said to me that when a woman in Chad is getting pregnant, she has one foot in the grave. Ever since I've been thinking: - How come that a woman today has to risk her life by giving life. We do know what it takes for the woman to survive. It's relatively simple and uncomplicated solutions which can be very efficient. But there has to be a will from top to bottom and the other way around for it to fall into place".

Q: You have broken through with great effect already on your first big Women First conference. How are you about obviously being one of the big profiles among the many fantastic strong and wellknown women?
M: "That's difficult answer. It's my firt time at such a highly profiled conference and it's the first time I've been with so many strong women who for so long time have worked on putting focus on women's rights.
I'm very glad to have had this opportunity to use my voice in this way. I think I can contribute with another angle because I see the whole thing with new eyes. I see after all the problems with my eyes and my background and use the knowledge I have and from that I may come up with new ideas. Or at least I feel I can contribute with something.
But I was very nervous before the conference and before I had to go on stage in the final panel-discussion with so great accomplished women as New Zealands former prime minister Hele Clark, Finlands ex-president Tarja Halonen and the African Theo Sowa.
The profile I have now is something I've been building on since I heard the words which the female doctor said to me in Chad years back. It's something I've been working on for seven years now or something like that. It's been a slow process, but I'm pleased with where I am now and with what I can deliver at various levels".

- An interesting insight into the background, eh?
And in translating what Mary said I noticed that she used a number of phrases, that are common in English, but which she has clearly translated to Danish. Which actually made it easier to translate what she said into English. - Confused?

[dazzling]

Mary has become patron of the anniversary "School for 200 years."
Read more here

[Muhler]

Thank you, Dazzling.

The name comes from the fact that King Frederik VI in 1814 signed a law ensuring that all Danish children would get free schooling. It was the beginning of Folkeskolen = the state public school.

Beforehand schooling took place on a local level, homeschooling, by private tutors or in special "latin schools" for talented children spotted by the local clergy, nobillity or magistrates.
And it was predominantly reserved for boys. Meaning that a large percentage of the population, mainly the rural female population, recieved little if any schooling.

Things didn't change over night of course. Teachers were hard to come by and those who taught were badly paid, more often than not less than competent and often the lections were focused almost solely on learning the "Kattekismus" = basic Christian values and rules. Because this was also about ensuring that the children would grow up to be good Christians.

However, by mid 1800's Denmark, Sweden and the US mid-west (very much because immigrants brought the policy of public schooling with them) had an almost 100 % litteracy rate. Defined by almost 100 % of all children going to school and leaving with at least basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetics.

[dazzling]

Source: kongehuset.dk

HRH CROWN PRINCESS PATRON OF HEALTHCARE DENMARK

Crown Princess occur as patron of Healthcare DENMARK, there is an international showcase for the Danish healthcare sector and Danish healthcare companies.

With Healthcare IRELAND want to create a coherent narrative of Denmark as one of the world's leading health of nations. The goal is that foreign health stakeholders will visit Denmark and engage in dialogue with the Danish players.

"In the Danish health care is patient-centered., We're such skilled to involve users in the design of new health solutions. Also focus on improving efficiency and quality. I am convinced that Denmark's expertise and innovative health solutions can help to contribute positively to global health, "said the Crown Princess.

Former EU Commissioner and Minister Mariann Fishcer Boel is Chairman of Healthcare DENMARK.

Published 11 September 2013

[Roskilde]

Thanks dazzling

But Mary will become patron of Healthcare DENMARK, not Healthcare IRELAND. I guess the translation has gone wrong.

By the way, Mary's first task with Healthcare Denmark will be on 30th September in Odense
Kronprinsessen åbner konference i Odense - fyens.dk - Indland/Fyn

[dazzling]

Originally Posted by Roskilde

Thanks dazzling

But Mary will become patron of Healthcare DENMARK, not Healthcare IRELAND. I guess the translation has gone wrong.

By the way, Mary's first task with Healthcare Denmark will be on 30th September in Odense
Kronprinsessen åbner konference i Odense - fyens.dk - Indland/Fyn

Yes the translation got it wrong, I wish they were more accurate. Thanks for pointing it out.

[Roskilde]

Originally Posted by dazzling

Yes the translation got it wrong, I wish they were more accurate. Thanks for pointing it out.

No problems

I recognize the problems with the translation very well myself, just the other way around

[Muhler]

BB informs us that Mary now has 30 protections: Kronprinsesse Mary har nu 30 protektioner - Billed Bladet

Healtcare Denmark.

And translated to normal English the aim is to promote Danish medical companies, manufactures and developers of appliancies in the health sector and healthcare solutions.

We are talking very, very serious export money!
It is an area where DK already has a very strong position, and in some cases a dominant position in a sector that is expanding.

It is also another example where the DRF are used almost aggressively as a tool to promote Danish commerce. There are critics who love to point out that royals are merely ribbon-cutters. Forget it, this is an example where they are used actively to help create jobs and orders.

Mary will of course not be used as an advertising banner.
It's more a question of Mary being used to put focus on healthcare projects in especially the developing world and at exhibitions.
To be cynical, the developing countries is one big vast, ever growing market for the medical industry and if you can establish a foothold for your medication and healthcare systems in a given country through aide, then you quietly have a market for future export. - It isn't just about saving the world, you know.

[Muhler]

I'll place this here because it involves a minister with whom Mary has worked closely in connection with her travels abroad.

The Minister for Developement Christian Friis Bach has resigned.

The reason seems a bit odd and somewhat complicated, but very briefly:

The most unpardonable sin a minister can commit in DK, perhaps apart from committig murder, is to withhold, misinform or mislead the Parliament - whether that is intentionally or unknowingly. That has cost the career of a number of influential politicians over the years.
In this case it involves an international organisation called GGGI (you can read much about it on the Net), which DK supported with considerable amounts from the Ministry of Developement.
Now, the most important people within that organisation, including board members, had a - shall we say - very liberal interpretation indeed regarding the means that was put at their disposal. I.e. taxpayer money.
After a considerable row within GGGI, the former Danish PM Lars Løkke was put in charge of the organisation to clean up and steer it back on course. He has as chairman for GGGI faced a lot of heat here in DK because it has emerged that he travelled in a very extravagant manner - for taxpayer money - which were to go to developement. He defended himself with the fact that he doesn't any more (after it was revealed...) and that the board approved of the very expensive way he travelled as chairman. That is of course a valid defence, legally. Morally, well... less so perhaps.

Because DK is a major contributor to GGGI, the Minister for Developement has a seat in the board. In this case Christian Friis Bach, and he has stated to the Parliament that the board had not approved of the expensive way Lars Løkke travelled. Which has only added the political and public pressure on him.

An investigation within the Ministry for Developement has revealed that the Minister was informed and had approved of the way Lars Løkke travelled. - On page 659 or so, in a subsection, in the documents to a board meeting within GGGI.
Basically the civil servants within the Ministry for Developement have been sleeping and even worse, not informed their Minister correctly. But the Minister is responsible, so Christian Friis Bach has chosen to resign on the spot - surprising everybody.
A more in depth investigation within the ministry will follow and it's pretty safe to say that heads will roll among the civil servants.

It may seem odd to you, and actually it seems a bit odd to me as well, that Christian Friis Bach chose to resign on a matter that apparantly wasn't his fault. Well, to me this smells of a tactical resignation.
By resigning now, before he is getting any heat, he comes out with his honor more or less intact and with his integrity more or less undamaged. Which means that he can without problems return as minister later on. Perhaps after the next election, should the government win.

Mary will now have to work with a new Minister for Developement, Rasmus Helveg. He will be approved by QMII today, - actually as this is written.
And in a little while Christian Friis Bach will meet QMII, who will thank him for his service as he is not resigning in disgrace.

[Archduchess Zelia]

Originally Posted by Muhler

... It may seem odd to you, and actually it seems a bit odd to me as well, that Christian Friis Bach chose to resign on a matter that apparantly wasn't his fault. Well, to me this smells of a tactical resignation.
By resigning now, before he is getting any heat, he comes out with his honor more or less intact and with his integrity more or less undamaged. Which means that he can without problems return as minister later on. Perhaps after the next election, should the government win.

I agree. I think it is sad to see him go because he was one of the most competent ministers in this government, but I think it was a very smart move of him as well. And I'm quite certain that this isn't the last we have seen of CFB (could easily imagine him getting a key role in a new S-R-SF government - perhaps even as a foreign minister). It must be quite sad for Mary as well, it seems like she and CFB were a great team.

[Muhler]

It was certainly remarkable that TV2 news stated that "it was almost impossible to find someone (within political circles) who had something bad to say about Christian Friss Bach".

But to add to the misery, and perhaps also why his decision was easier to make, his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer in January: Christian Friis Bach: Konen ramt af kræft | Billed Bladet
She seems to have pulled through and is now in the recovery phase.

It's actually the first time I hear about it, but then there is a tradition in the Danish press to respect politicians personal lives - unless in collides with their politics.

[dazzling]

HRH CROWN PRINCESS PATRON OF CHILDREN, YOUTH & GRIEF
Click here for more information

[polyesco]

Sounds like a very nice organization and one that Im sure is close to Mary

[Roskilde]

CP Mary has become new patron of Children, Youth & Grief:

"We are deeply thankful and proud that Crown Princess Mary has said yes to become patron of Children, Youth & Grief. We are very pleased that the Crown Princess, who herself lost her mother in a young age shows Children, Youth & Grief her support and recognition. With the Crown Princess we get a professional and beloved partner who can help to create awareness on an important, but nevertheless very taboo area."

Mary says about losing her mother in a young age: "It was like the world continued, and I stood still."


Børn, Unge & Sorg: H.K.H. Kronprinsessen bliver protektor for Børn, Unge & Sorg

Kronprinsessen er ny protektor for Børn, Unge & Sorg - kvinder.bt.dk | www.bt.dk

[MaggieDenmark]

billedebladet information article about todays program for mary
Kronprinsesse Mary fejrer 200-året for fri skolegang -

[polyesco]

First pic of Mary at today's event
Image du Blog princesdanoisacopenhague.centerblog.net

More pics of Mary today
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Feb2014/PPE14020333.JPG

http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Feb2014/PPE14020331.JPG

gallery
PPE Agency

[Roskilde]

Thanks for the gallery, Polyesco,
I see Mary has got a nice colour after the family's private travel.

http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Feb2014/PPE14020331.JPG
http://www.ppe-agency.com/500px/Feb2014/PPE14020338.JPG

**

Here's a picture and an informative article
Royal hyldest til lærerne i jubilæumstale - Folkeskolen.dk

Today Mary officially opened the school's 200th anniversary.
Dressed with smiles and reflective words Mary made ​​a good impression on the audience. In her speech Mary focused on the schools' important role in personal development and as a unifying factor for the community.

"A Summer day, a schoolyard, butterflies in the stomach, a bag packed with lunch bag and pencil case, joy and expectation."

It was how Mary described her own first day of school before she revealed that the butterflies hadn't been reduced when she later in life stood on the sidelines as a parent and watched her own children standing excited and expectant in the schoolyard.

More pictures from today

Arriving
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net

Inside
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net
Image du Blog frederiketmary.centerblog.net

[Muhler]

Thanks Polyesco & Roskilde

Mary looks pretty elegant.

Anyway, as you now know the law of public schooling was implemented some 200 years ago. And that meant that all boys (girls naturally weren't supposed to go to school, they were to be brought up to be good Christian housewives. With the notable exeption of daughters of the middle and upper class, but tht was a private matter) were to go to school to recieve a basic education.

Here is a typical classroom from that time, with no less than four seperate classes recieving "lessons" at the same time! https://app.box.com/s/yk07x18cf2gqsz6npgno

And here is a typical school teacher, with his "main-tool for education": https://app.box.com/s/e4jkgm38tsqcd9c10ouo

School teachers in public school were not trained teacher, they were employed at genuin and private schools or as private tutors, so teachers in public schools were basically inskilled laboures who could read and write at least to some degree and who first and foremost were reasonably well versed in the bible. Apart from that they were more often than not otherwise unemployable, alcoholics and with sadistic tendencies.
They were underpaid, drunk or slept rather than taught, that is when they weren't busy "admonishing" the pupils.

Children went to school four hours in the forenoon and three hours in the afternoon, or until sunset, whatever came first.
The main purpose of the whole thing was to bring up the children to be good Lutheran Christians, so they were drilled, repeat drilled, in Luther's Cathesism each and every day. And only then, if there was time... if the teacher was in the mood... or sober... or competent did the children learn basic reading, writing and arithmetics.

Those who could afford it send their children to private schools, socalled "Latin schools", where the education was orders of magnitudes better. Or they employed private teachers or send their children to boarding schools.

That doesn't mean that children of ordinary people didn't recieve education before that. In the centuries before that the local clergy kept an eye on the brightest boys in his parish and such boys were selected to go to "latin schools" to be destined either to become civil servants, go to the university or pursue a career in the church. Such children were sponsored either by the local noble (a kind of "my peasants are brighter than your peasants", because there was a good deal of competition between nobles in that respect) or in the towns typically by a local guild or merchant.

The beginning of the public school was to put it mildly problematic but by 1860, according to a US historian, (I'll dig up his name if you wish) Denmark, Sweden and the US mid west (the farm belt) had an almost 100 % literacy rate. The top three in the world at that time.

There were quite a few public schools prior to 1814, put these were set up and run locally. And there was no national standard for anything. The reform that was started by the Crown Prince in 1809 and passed in 1814, ensured a number of basic standards in regards to the lessons and the teachers, but it took years before these standards were lived up to.

[redtulip]

I'm always in favour of education for all, adults included, should they not have been privileged to have education early on, and the history of any education establishment is always interesting.

As for Mary; I think she looks excellent, and what she's wearing looks elegant, well-balanced and professional yet not too stiff.