Four years down the track; Is Mary OK now?

[Marengo]

I think a lot of the more critical opinions are/were catalysed by annoyance that some praised Mary straight into heaven, many times for things that aren't that remarkable (learning another language for example, which is done by many people) or for things that have been done by other princesses before; Alexandra came from another part of the world to for example, or praise for travel abroad alone, waht has been done by many princesses in recent history.

I think recently the ooh-ing and aah-ing at every breath that Mary takes has become less and the Princess is growing on me & seems more confident in her role. She also lost the 'marble' facial expresions the she had in the early days of her marriage (which I always regarded as a sign of shyness, but still it made her seem somewhat fake & haughty). And I think the CP has certainly proven that she is much more then a fashion princess and seems to be dedicating herself to many worthwhile causes.

[mtbcm]

Four Years down the track, Princess Mary is OK!

Definetely; but not Great as I always thought she would be by now.

I don't follow her so much as I follow other same generation Princesses but I have the feeling that she didn't adapt herself as easily as I expected her to do. And it is not only because of the language skills so I'll have to take your word for it ...

I agree with Marengo since I always thought the Mary's chin-up-look a way (a bad way but much better than the chin on the floor and scared eyes look - although people tend to think this is a more honest way to be shy) to cover her own insecurity and shyness and even fear.

But I still don't see her so comfortable, with the at-home-look that Princess Alexandra had at this time of the "job".

I would advise an extra-effort in the Danish Learning issue (she'll feel more confident if she can talk fluently with people - once I read an episode of her running away from journalists and not answering the questions and I thought she didn't prepare herself for that so she run from the situation - safe attitude bad idea ) and to have her husband company more often. She's at ease with him and will be able to see how he handles some situations and learn - I thought she was sent to solo-acts too soon, considering some difficulties she could still have at that point such as to understand Danish-way, the language and even what was expected of her.

Princess Alexandra left, in some chapters, the how-the-crown princess-will-be expectative too high and we, royal fans seem to be more demanding towards "the next" Princess.

I like Mary - I don't see her as the oh-more (to coordinate well a skirt and a top doesn't make you the most fashionable person in the world) or the ah-best (to carry your son in arms doesn't make you the best mum in the world) but I see a person who wants to do her job, who likes it but I also feel something isn't letting her to fully appreciate it as she could.

I'm sorry for my quarter of page ; I think it would make a shorter statement to bring her down.


Regards,
mtbcm

[iowabelle]

Originally Posted by soCal girl

I don't speak Danish so I will take the word of the Danes. If Mary hasn't mastered Danish or isn't even close then she should definitely work on it. Being Crown Princess means mastering the language of her adopted home. It does take time though. However, I understand that in a relationship it's hard to switch gears and start speaking in a different language than they are used to with each other. I don't think Mary is working with her tutors anymore. I doubt the royal court had a tutor sticking around for more than two years. Does anybody know more about this?

It is my understanding that Prince Henrik hasn't mastered Danish either. My guess is that he probably has more language capacity than Mary because he was a diplomat prior to his marriage. If Henrik hasn't mastered Danish, perhaps it's a little much to expect from Mary at this point.

I'm not a huge Mary fan, but the lady is still adjusting to marriage, "princess-ship" and motherhood. Patience, people!

[politikgirl]

I have to admit that Mary is my favourite crown princess, so I may be biased. But I think a lot of people can agree that Mary has lived up to the position she has and carries herself with class, grace and respect for Denmark and the Danish royal family. Yes, she probably needs to work on her Danish, but people learn at different paces and I think, in time, she will be as fluent as Alexandra is now.

[MoonlightRhapsody]

Alexandra set a high bar for anyone who followed or will follow her. She's done a very good job representing Denmark. However, Mary can't be expected to be as fluent or as versed as her former sister-in-law when she hasn't been a princess for even half as long as Alexandra.

I agree that Mary should be fluent in Danish, but as Crown Princess, it isn't as important as when she's Queen Consort. She has a lot of time on her hands to learn it and become fluent. Languages aren't easy to learn in adulthood! Even with the best tutors and teachers, if you aren't cut out to learn languages, you're going to have a very difficult time.

[EmpressRouge]

I'm neutral in my opinion of Mary. I think she's doing a good job, but I never really understood the uber-hype about her. Her demeanor seems a little forced and practiced. She certainly benefits from the enormous popularity of the Danish royal family. The Danes seem to like her, so I guess she's making strides.

[Royal Fan]

I Love her shes awsome lol cant say anything bad about her :P

[eireann]

mtbcm raises a lot of interesting points...especially the one about her doing solo engagements. While it´s nice for her to have the opportunity to do this, I really agree that it is a shame Fred has not accompanied her on more, to guide her more, but like some others on these forums I feel Fred is a little lazy and perhaps not providing her with as much support as he could. As for the language, I think she should be pretty fluent by now and to be giving speeches to important organisations in Danish is quite impressive. The accent will of course take more time. Does anyone know what language she speaks with other members of the family?

[soCal girl]

Originally Posted by eireann

mtbcm raises a lot of interesting points...especially the one about her doing solo engagements. While it´s nice for her to have the opportunity to do this, I really agree that it is a shame Fred has not accompanied her on more, to guide her more, but like some others on these forums I feel Fred is a little lazy and perhaps not providing her with as much support as he could. As for the language, I think she should be pretty fluent by now and to be giving speeches to important organisations in Danish is quite impressive. The accent will of course take more time. Does anyone know what language she speaks with other members of the family?

She speaks English with Frederik and most likely the rest of the family. Unless she needs to practice Danish for a specific occasion, I think the family goes by convenience which is understandable because a simple conversation doesn't need to turn into a stressful task. On the other hand, if Mary's Danish really does need a good amount of improving then it should be a group effort. It's not fair to say Mary should be fluent by now if everyone around her speaks English for convenience.

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by EmpressRouge

I'm neutral in my opinion of Mary. I think she's doing a good job, but I never really understood the uber-hype about her. Her demeanor seems a little forced and practiced. She certainly benefits from the enormous popularity of the Danish royal family. The Danes seem to like her, so I guess she's making strides.

I agree with this entire post. As for myself, interestingly, (well, to me at least! ) I find that more and more, anything Mary-related only yields, well, indifference from me, for some reason, I increasingly could care less what she says or does.

To contrast this a bit, on the other hand, I find I have the opposite reaction with anything Maxima related these days. Until not too long ago, I was utterly convinced Maxima took it easy, had her cake and knew to eat it too. But I have noticed that when you actually look at the content of for example her speeches, that she is very very involved with the content of it, whether she writes the actual speeches or not. What's more, Maxima is really showing a distinct <vision> on the topics she is tackling, and not only a vision, but a forward-thinking one at that! Very impressive actually.

As impressive as I find Maxima's involvement these days, as UNimpressed I am with Mary. She seems indifferent, and it shows in her speeches. They are cliche and distant, unoriginal, and uncommitted. Written by a pro, and without, seemingly, much involvement from Her Royal Highness. When Mary was in Prague, she looked great, granted. But I couldn't help but think: what is this dime-a-dozen girl doing that she is getting this welcome? I just couldn't understand the fuss. And not because she is a common-man born princess: because of her own seeming indifference toward the world. Pay it forward, you get what you sow. Hence Maxima's success, which is inspiring actually, hence my indifference towards anything Mary. Her husband seems indifferent too. And lazy to boot. What goes around, seems to come around: if these royals could care less, why on the planet should I?

[mtbcm]

Originally Posted by soCal girl

It's not fair to say Mary should be fluent by now if everyone around her speaks English for convenience.

I agree completely.

She must be helped in that chapter.

I also agree that not everyone has the same facility in learning languages. I've attended several courses and I've seen people brilliant in so many aspects and just can't or have an added dificulty in learning languages. Others that don't seem so bright do it only by listening. I had a colleage in one of these courses that she not even recognised the words, when the professor was speaking with her she was always like she had never listed those words, which is quite impossible to happen since it was the most elementary words.

And Frederick, his family and friends should help her, without stressing her, speaking as much as they can in Danish. There's no better teacher than daily life I believe.

Regards,
mtbcm

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by princess olga

I agree with this entire post. As for myself, interestingly, (well, to me at least! ) I find that more and more, anything Mary-related only yields, well, indifference from me, for some reason, I increasingly could care less what she says or does.

To contrast this a bit, on the other hand, I find I have the opposite reaction with anything Maxima related these days. Until not too long ago, I was utterly convinced Maxima took it easy, had her cake and knew to eat it too. But I have noticed that when you actually look at the content of for example her speeches, that she is very very involved with the content of it, whether she writes the actual speeches or not. What's more, Maxima is really showing a distinct <vision> on the topics she is tackling, and not only a vision, but a forward-thinking one at that! Very impressive actually.

As impressive as I find Maxima's involvement these days, as UNimpressed I am with Mary. She seems indifferent, and it shows in her speeches. They are cliche and distant, unoriginal, and uncommitted. Written by a pro, and without, seemingly, much involvement from Her Royal Highness. When Mary was in Prague, she looked great, granted. But I couldn't help but think: what is this dime-a-dozen girl doing that she is getting this welcome? I just couldn't understand the fuss. And not because she is a common-man born princess: because of her own seeming indifference toward the world. Pay it forward, you get what you sow. Hence Maxima's success, which is inspiring actually, hence my indifference towards anything Mary. Her husband seems indifferent too. And lazy to boot. What goes around, seems to come around: if these royals could care less, why on the planet should I?

Funny, how differently we perceive what we see and hear - I have almost the exact opposite impression

[missjane]

It's funny how much opinions have changed for some and others are still a little wary. As for me personally, I really like Mary. But then I think that because she's an Australian,and close to my age, I feel that I am caught up in the fairytale of it all. It is a great love story. I think that some people form their own opinions for different reasons, be it emotional, political, fashionable. I also think that because she is not a Dane by birth, some people may feel that she 'stole' the position of Crown Princess from one of their own. Surely even the most doubtful and harshest critics at the time, can now say that she is doing a wonderful job. She is often in the public eye and always looks great, she also attends alot of charity events and has even produced a handsome little heir not too long after marriage. From my perspective the marriage of the Crown Prince and Princess has even improved interest in both countries. What more could anyone ask of her?!!

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by princess olga

I agree with this entire post. As for myself, interestingly, (well, to me at least! ) I find that more and more, anything Mary-related only yields, well, indifference from me, for some reason, I increasingly could care less what she says or does.

To contrast this a bit, on the other hand, I find I have the opposite reaction with anything Maxima related these days. Until not too long ago, I was utterly convinced Maxima took it easy, had her cake and knew to eat it too. But I have noticed that when you actually look at the content of for example her speeches, that she is very very involved with the content of it, whether she writes the actual speeches or not. What's more, Maxima is really showing a distinct <vision> on the topics she is tackling, and not only a vision, but a forward-thinking one at that! Very impressive actually.

As impressive as I find Maxima's involvement these days, as UNimpressed I am with Mary. She seems indifferent, and it shows in her speeches. They are cliche and distant, unoriginal, and uncommitted. Written by a pro, and without, seemingly, much involvement from Her Royal Highness. When Mary was in Prague, she looked great, granted. But I couldn't help but think: what is this dime-a-dozen girl doing that she is getting this welcome? I just couldn't understand the fuss. And not because she is a common-man born princess: because of her own seeming indifference toward the world. Pay it forward, you get what you sow. Hence Maxima's success, which is inspiring actually, hence my indifference towards anything Mary. Her husband seems indifferent too. And lazy to boot. What goes around, seems to come around: if these royals could care less, why on the planet should I?

I agree completely.Particularly with your comparison between the 2 Princesses as my views are very similar to your own.

[Nad25]

Originally Posted by Royal Fan

I Love her shes awsome lol cant say anything bad about her :P

I second that, no wonder the Prince fell for her

[billie-jo]

because he fell in love with her is that not nice all what is.
billie-jo

[Madame Royale]

Four years down the track; Is Mary OK now?

I thought she was OK then

[Tinika]

Originally Posted by princess olga

I agree with this entire post. As for myself, interestingly, (well, to me at least! ) I find that more and more, anything Mary-related only yields, well, indifference from me, for some reason, I increasingly could care less what she says or does.

To contrast this a bit, on the other hand, I find I have the opposite reaction with anything Maxima related these days. Until not too long ago, I was utterly convinced Maxima took it easy, had her cake and knew to eat it too. But I have noticed that when you actually look at the content of for example her speeches, that she is very very involved with the content of it, whether she writes the actual speeches or not. What's more, Maxima is really showing a distinct <vision> on the topics she is tackling, and not only a vision, but a forward-thinking one at that! Very impressive actually.

As impressive as I find Maxima's involvement these days, as UNimpressed I am with Mary. She seems indifferent, and it shows in her speeches. They are cliche and distant, unoriginal, and uncommitted. Written by a pro, and without, seemingly, much involvement from Her Royal Highness. When Mary was in Prague, she looked great, granted. But I couldn't help but think: what is this dime-a-dozen girl doing that she is getting this welcome? I just couldn't understand the fuss. And not because she is a common-man born princess: because of her own seeming indifference toward the world. Pay it forward, you get what you sow. Hence Maxima's success, which is inspiring actually, hence my indifference towards anything Mary. Her husband seems indifferent too. And lazy to boot. What goes around, seems to come around: if these royals could care less, why on the planet should I?

I don't have much of an opinion about Maxima, but I agree with what you've said about Mary here.

[denice]

I like Mary and think she works hard. She is becoming more comfortable in her role as CP. I also think each of the different CPss bring something unique to their country and what is expected of them. I ersonally think it is unfair to compare them.

[Madame Royale]

Originally Posted by denice

I like Mary and think she works hard. She is becoming more comfortable in her role as CP. I also think each of the different CPss bring something unique to their country and what is expected of them. I ersonally think it is unfair to compare them.

I agree with you, denice

Comparing, to me, serves no purpose. I mean, what really comes out of it other than an obvious liking for one and not the other and it in no way benefits a discussion (I mean no disrespect to those who do compare as this is just my view ).

Whilst Mary is my favourite Crown Princess, I happen to think very highly of Maxima, Mette-Marit and Letizia aswell. None are necessarily better than the other (at least I dont think so) and it is their indaviduality that makes them who they are and defines their public role, which, I think they all do wonderfully and with great dedication (looking forward to seeing Letizia out and about now).

Pro Mary I am but pro Maxima, Mette-Marit & Letizia I am also.