Prince Frederik & Princess Mary's Official Visit to Australia: Feb. 27-March 11, 2005

[Danielle]

It doesn't look like they listened. I'm really angry. Why can't they just leave them alone and let them enjoy their holiday in peace?

 

[Alisa]

Has it been mentioned who designed that dress?

The dress is by Heartmade by Julie Fagerholt, as is the capelet she wore the previous night.

I saw an article earlier saying that the premier of Tasmania, Paul Lennon, had asked the media to respect the privacy of Mary and Frederik during this time of their unofficial visit to Tasmania.

I admit I am a bit biased, while I do agree that it would be nice for them to have their privacy, I also like seeing photos like the ones Danielle posted. It's a nice change from the " official Frederik and Mary" that we've seen the last couple of days. Here they are just family, Auntie Marie and Uncle Frederik, not The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark.

 

[sara1981]

I have agree with yennie

because the paparazzi got more much money like late Princess Diana because the paparazzi got more photos over late Princess Diana getting more pictures of her and more money of Princess Diana over million dollars when Diana got killed but paparazzi got in charges for Princess Diana's death in 1997 who more deserve it! the France police caught paparazzi when chase the Princess Diana getting pictures of her i would damn knew it! but Diana would be here anytimes!

Sara Boyce

 

[Dennism]

Launceston Examiner

Wedding bells in the air - again
Sunday, 13 March 2005

"The Donaldson clan gathers to celebrate another wedding, Alison Andrews reports. TASMANIA'S tight-knit Donaldson family is now related to the oldest monarchy in Europe but the Donaldsons have their own particular way of doing things.

So at the end of the State's first official Danish royal tour by Crown Prince Frederik and his new Tasmanian Crown Princess on Friday, the former Mary Donaldson and her husband drove to Swansea, on the East Coast to join a special family-style celebration - her cousin's wedding.

Launceston woman Alison Donaldson had wanted her marriage to long-time boyfriend Steve Emery to be a quiet affair.

She invited about 40 guests, mostly relatives, to an outside wedding in the late afternoon at the peaceful Swansea farm owned by her parents Peter and Alison, where most of the Tasmanian family's gatherings seem to take place.

But Alison also wanted Mary there.

Despite the huge media hype that has surrounded the former Hobart girl since she married Prince Frederik last May, Mary is still part of the Donaldson clan and its Scottish members - her father and his brothers - who came with their wives and children to settle in Tasmania nearly 40 years ago, stick together.

Despite just announcing her engagement to Prince Frederik the Christmas before last, Mary flew to Hobart to be at her sister Jane's wedding.

And, despite the grand scale and lavish expectations of Mary and Frederik's fairytale wedding, in Copenhagen, last May, all the Tasmanian clan - Mary's sisters and husbands and their children, her father, John, and stepmother, her aunts and uncles and cousins, including Alison - trooped over to Denmark to be part of the event.

"It's what we do," said Alison's sister and Mary's cousin, Margaret Howard, last year.

Yesterday afternoon, the Donaldsons were doing it again. Against the magnificent backdrop of Great Oyster Bay, with the sun sparkling on the Hazards, the family prepared for Alison's big day.

A huge white marquee had been erected in the front paddock near the house just inside the front gate and various family members, included sisters Margaret and Jackie (Johncock) hurried to and fro with ice buckets, plates and glasses ignoring the small contingent of national and international media on the road side of the fence, their zoom lenses peeled for a Mary sighting.

The occasional local Swansea resident drove up the country road off the main highway, taking more notice of the media than the goings- on in the paddock - the small East Coast town had known for about a week that the Donaldson wedding would be one of three in the town last night. Alison could be seen eagerly greeting each new car-load of relatives, including a number who had come from Scotland for the wedding and Mary's sister, Patricia Baillie and her children.

About 3.30pm, the two Danish royals arrived in a dark green Commodore with a couple of bodyguards, ignored the media and drove up to side of the marquee to greet relatives.

Like the rest of the guests, they were casually attired - Prince Frederik in jeans and a red and white open-necked shirt, Princess Mary in a brown flowing skirt, black singlet top and gold-coloured flatties. Yesterday, they weren't the centre of attention. The day belonged to Mary's cousin Al as she walked from her parents' house, dressed in a long, ivory-coloured, strapless gown to the haunting music of a Scottish piper.

Lucy Graham wandered down the drive with a small, bored wedding guest just after the ceremony in the back garden, to show the little girl the horses in the paddock across the road..."

Unfortunately, there is more to this story but it´s not on the website. Anybody see the rest of it somewhere?

 

[Dennism]

Daily Telegraph

Common touch won our hearts

By NICOLETTE CASELLAi n Hobart

March 12, 2005

FREDERIK promised to think about whether he was a lazy prince while Mary noted that being a princess isn't as easy as it looks.

After two weeks of saying little, the Danish royals spoke at a meticulously orchestrated press conference yesterday to mark the end of their Australian tour.

During the half-hour session before an international press pack of 70, Mary looked uncomfortable being in the spotlight and gave short, formal replies to a host of varied questions.

When asked how a girl who left Tasmania with one suitcase was adjusting to having an entourage to fuss over every aspect of her appearance, she said: "Being a royal isn't as easy as it looks.

"I'm getting used to it but I'm looking forward to jumping into a T-shirt and jeans," Mary said.

"I like to wear jeans, but I feel it is better I dress up when representing Denmark. I'm still the same Mary on the inside but the job demands certain things," the Princess said.

She defended criticism that Frederik and her never held hands or showed affection in public by saying: "We do in private but it is very difficult in public. Sometimes you have to walk fast, other times you are separated".

She said her marriage was not a fairytale because it was their "reality" and cringed at being compared to the late Princess Diana.

"We are very different and I hope people will see that," she said.

Prince Frederik was cool, casual and good humoured throughout, even when he was accused of being a lazy prince who, despite being paid an annual salary of $3.3 million, continually sailed and went on holidays.

When asked if he would consider taking on more serious tasks, he said with a smile: "I'll think about it. I always listen."

He broke into laughter when asked if he was a smoker or a non-smoker, answering "I am in between".

With pressure to conceive a royal heir intense among the Danish contingent, Princess Mary pledged to raise her Prince Frederik's children with strong Australian ties.

Mary stressed she was still part-Australian – despite relinquishing her citizenship on her wedding day – and wanted her children to feel like that too.

"It is only natural that our children will have some Australian influences because a lot of me is influenced by my upbringing in Australia," she said.

She admitted they had "entertained the thought" of buying real estate in Tasmania and Frederik added that their children would be brought up bi-lingual "like most children are in Denmark these days".

He also expressed an interest in competing in the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race.

When asked what they thought of Australia becoming a republic, Frederik answered: "That is a very political question, well beyond us."

Mary showed some emotion when she described her feeling of touching down in her home state a bonafide princess but was careful not to overstep the mark.

"It's very hard to put words on such strong emotions," she said.

"You come to think of all of those things in your childhood and of course I thought of my mother [Henrietta, who died in 1997]. It was a beautiful feeling. It's my home, my first home . . ."

While the 13-day, four-city tour had been exhausting for all involved, Mary said she was energised from her support base.

Frederik spoke for the couple when he said they considered it "an absolutely incredible journey . . . that was very overwhelming at times."

After planting a tree at Government House and visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the couple were choppered to the Port Arthur.

They will spend the next holidaying with Mary's family.

 

[cute_girl]

I feel bad posting these photos. It's invading Mary and Frederik's private time - time spent with their family. I think the media should have left them alone. They have taken more than enough photos during their visit here, but I guess 'secret' photos fetch more money.

I dont think the above pictures are taken by paparazzi,cause I dont think such an important photo agency uses invalid pictures

 

[Dennism]

The Sunday Tasmanian:

Donaldson clan joyfully embraces Mary
By HEATHER LOW CHOY
13mar05

CROWN Princess Mary of Denmark's Tasmanian holiday began exactly as she would have wanted -- with the spotlight on somebody else.

Her official visit over, she left Government House yesterday morning to attend a cousin's wedding on the state's scenic East Coast.

Accompanied by Prince Frederik and Australian Federal Police officers, she arrived at the country wedding near Swansea about 4pm.

The first thing she did was warmly embrace her father John Donaldson.

On Friday, the princess nominated "just being with my family" as what she was most looking forward to about the unofficial part of her time in Tasmania.

The Donaldson clan, who turned out in force for the wedding, gave Prince Frederik a hearty welcome too.

The Donaldsons said they were delighted to have Mary back home.

"We're thrilled to have her back -- we're terribly proud of her," Mary's stepmother Susan Moody said.

"She's handled it all so well. She's been doing such a great job.

"She's the new Diana -- only much, much better. It's a fairytale for Denmark to have such a lovely princess."

Yesterday's nuptials took place at the home of Peter and Alison Donaldson, south of Swansea near tourist destination Kate's Berry Farm.

The Donaldsons' daughter, also named Alison, married in a low-key back yard ceremony which was followed by a marquee reception.

Princess Mary has often said the East Coast is her favourite part of Tasmania with Wineglass Bay a spot she holds particularly dear.

On a previous visit to Tasmania she took the prince there to share it with him.

"She's our daughter, our sister and our friend -- we don't think of her as a princess," Ms Moody said.

Mary's sister Jane Stephens and her three children were delighted to see her.

"It's wonderful having her here," Ms Stephens said. Rumours of the royal visit spread through Swansea well in advance and Princess Mary fans gathered on Cathcart St to await her arrival.

As she was whisked through the property's gates by police, a handful of supporters waved Danish flags.

The Donaldsons' across-the-road neighbours placed a couple of rickety old chairs in their front yard and, dog at their feet, settled in for their eagerly anticipated brush with royalty.

Judith Nicholls of Swansea and Sue Gray of Triabunna, whose family home is opposite the Donaldsons', said they enjoyed seeing Mary, albeit fleetingly.

"She's our girl and she's so beautiful," Ms Nicholls said.

This week the royals are expected to visit London Lakes, an exclusive trout-fishing lodge in central Tasmania.

 

[Xandra]

I don´t think we should get worked up about feeling bad looking at these pics of them "in private". They have loads of privileges, that commoners don´t; soon they will be all locked away in some fantastic resort, with all the privacy in the world. They don´t have to take public transport, and they get a "green corridor" (police escorted through -traffic in Australia, paid by Australian taxpayers), stay in posh hotels etc. Some pics of them is a small price to pay for the privileges of royalty (3.3 million a year , isn´t it?). When (Danish)taxpayers pay for your clothes and lifestyle, they are entitled to see what things you wear and what you do (with their money).

 

[EmmieLou]

How much does Mary get a year, or is the 3.3 million for both of them?

I really hate it when people say Mary is the new Diana, she is not. Nobody will ever be like Princess Diana.

Yes Mary is beautiful, a princess and doing a wonderful job, but Diana was ina different league.

Mary is a woman, and has herself pulled together, Diana was just a young woman when she became a princess and the World watched her bloom.

Diana was a Worldwide phenomenom, Mary is not that well known to people who do not follow the Royals or live in Denmark or Australia.

 

[Alisa]

Thanks for the articles Dennism. I really like this one:


"Daily Telegraph

Common touch won our hearts"

 

[Alisa]

Crown Prince Frederik's speeches

I don't think they have been posted here before.

Speech to the Premier of New South Wales, Australia
Issued Monday February 28, 2005

Your Excellency

Ladies and Gentlemen

Mr Premier, thank you for your warm words of welcome. It is difficult to think of a better place to start our official visit to Australia than here, with this magnificent view over one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I’m always spellbound by the beauty of your city and natural harbour and I’m sure that feeling that will never be lost, no matter how many times we visit.

Since arriving in Sydney I’ve spent most of my time on the water. However, yesterday on the water was something very special. The Crown Princess and I were very touched by the warmth, support and enthusiasm received from the crowds spectating from boats, ferries, coves, homes and in front of the magnificient Opera House. And although the win went to my wife and the crew of the Belle Property boat, it was truly an enjoyable day of good, tough racing.

And I’m sure the spectacular images of the harbour from yesterday will make their way to Denmark and will see even more Danes planning a trip ’downunder’ to experience the beauty for themselves.

Mr. Premier I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for putting together an impressive and exciting program for the coming 7 days here.

Our visit to Australia is one that the Crown Princess and I have looked very much forward to. Our visit will also take us to Canberra, Melbourne and Tasmania.

Already we have been very touched and perhaps a little suprised by the incredibly warm reception we have received by Sydneysiders.

Your Excellency, Premier of New South Wales and Mrs Carr

Ladies and Gentlemen

I ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to her Majesty the Queen of Australia.

To the Queen.

 

[Alisa]

Speech to the Governor of New South Wales, Australia</B>

Issued Thursday March 3, 2005

Your Excellency Governor Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your Excellency, thank you. Thank you for hosting this wonderful evening and thank you for your warm words of welcome.
​

The crown princess and I have looked very much forward to our time in Australia. A time that in many ways is remarkably different from our previous trips to Australia. And the difference lies primarily in the fact that today we visit Australia as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. Despite, a more official air to this visit I can say that the warmth and hospitality that we have already experienced is what we have encountered in each and every one of our previous visits. These are just two things that any visitor to Australia can be assured to meet.

Sydney is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And the wonder that I felt the first time I was in Sydney is just as strong this time. The Sydney Opera house with its magnificent white sails, as a symbol of a nation and as world icon also, represents 'yet another' story linking Denmark and Australia. And although there was some drama in the building of this magnificent house to opera, it is with continued pride and enthusiasm that we (Denmark?) have seen the opening of the 'Utzon Room' that houses a spectacular 14 meter tapestry designed by the genius himself. And follow the vision of completing the Sydney Opera House with planning under the direct guidance of master architect Jørn Utzon.

In Denmark the interest in Australia is bigger than ever. Last year we saw an increase of 70 percent in the number of Danes visiting Australia - despite a traveling distance of 17,000 kilometers. And many Danes have chosen Australia as their home. And even though those Danes may miss certain things from their lives in Denmark, Australia is their home. It is the same for the Crown Princess - Australia will always have a place in her heart (as it has in mine) and Denmark is her cherished home.

'At rejse er at leve'. To travel is to live. These are the words of Hans Christian Andersen and although an intrepid traveller of his time, the world's first great fantasy story-teller never made it as far as the beautiful shores of Australia. But his legacy, his fairytales certainly have. As part of the celebrations of Hans Christian Andersen's 200th anniversary, I will have the pleasure of appointing four Australians as Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors on the 7th of March. The Crown Princess and I will later the same day unveil a bust of the story-teller which will stand proudly on observatory hill.

Denmark has recently opened the acoustically brilliant and architecturally significant Opera House in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. We look forward with enthusiasm to see the Australian Ballet perform in these world class facilities later this year as part of the Hans Christian Andersen celebrations in the country of his origin.

Madame Governor and Sir Nicholas Shehadie

Your Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen

I ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to the Queen of Australia.

To Her Majesty the Queen of Australia

 

[Alisa]

Appointment of H. C. Andersen Ambassadors in Sydney, Australia</B>

Issued Monday March 7, 2005

Hans Christian Andersen was an extraordinary storyteller. The celebration of his 200th birthday is also a worldwide triubute to the imagination and the magic of storytelling. Therefore we have asked a group of international icons, who are all storytellers in their own right, to join the celebration of his life and work as Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors. In December 2003, I appointed Australia’s famous athlete Cathy Freeman as Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador, and I am proud that five distinguished Australians and one New Zealander will join her today.

The Ambassadors will raise awareness about the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen in their home country. They will also draw attention to the promotion of literacy, which is the important humanitarian message of this celebration.

The first Australian Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador to be appointed today is considered Australia's most popular children's author. Her first book Possum Magic is the best-selling children's picture book ever in Australia. She is also known as a passionate advocate of literacy and learning. She has said herself that writing is her second love – her first love is teaching.

Mem Fox, please approach.
​

The next Ambassador is one of Australia's most successful TV and radio stars. In his television show “Enough Rope” he demonstrates that people do not have to be famous to be great storytellers. In his sharp and humorous way he explores the unusual jobs, the unsung achievements and the everyday challenges of ordinary people.

Andrew Denton, please approach

Our third Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador admits to having been a storyteller his whole life, but it was not until the age of 55 he decided to become a full-time writer. And the rest is best-selling history. Through his novels and his motivational speeches he helps us to believe in the value and power of each individual – just like Andersen did.

Bryce Courtenay, please approach.

The fourth Australian Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador appointed today has made the transition from highly-respected stage actor in his native land to sought-after international movie star. This Oscar-winning actor is a storytelling chameleon. He has the ability to portray everyone from a pianist and a pirate to a pelican with humour and complexity.

Geoffrey Rush, please approach.

The fifth Ambassador is truly a storyteller through her song. Since her debut in The Marriage of Figaro in 1971, she has been in the front rank of international opera, and has become one of the most famous sopranos of this century. Besides her classical repertoire, she likes to present songs from her childhood, which evoke the magic and mystery of her homeland New Zealand.

Unfortunately, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa could not be with us today, but she has sent us this message. (Videobånd afspilles).

Right here in Sydney is where, what has been often referred to as a fairytale so, in keeping with the spirit of today… is where our fairytale began. And the fairytale analogies don't stop there…the Crown Princess's has often been asked if she was subjected to the pea test as told in Han Christian Andersen's fairytale 'The princess and the pea'. Literally speaking (and I've spoken with my mother in this regard) there has been no pea, but if there was a pea it certainly wasn't big enough to prevent the Crown Princess from meeting and succeeding in the challenges she has faced in our journey together.

The Crown Princess not only has a passion for reading but also shares in the joy of writing. Together with her obvious interest in Hans Christen Andersen and her believe that literacy gives hope, I have no doubt that her contribution will be meaningful.

When the Crown Princess first came to Denmark, she knew three Danes: Andersen, Utzon and myself. So it seems only natural that today, here in the Utzon room I have the great pleasure of appointing Crown Princess Mary as Honorary Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador to Australia.

(Crown Princess) Mary, please approach.

 

[Alisa]

Speech to the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia</B>

Issued Tuesday March 8, 2005

Your Excellency Governor General and Mrs. Jeffery,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Crown Princess and myself I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your warm words of welcome. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you and Mrs Jeffery's for taking the long trip to Denmark to be a part of our wedding celebrations and for hosting a wonderful Australian dinner in our honour.

The Crown Princess and I have looked especially forward to this, our first trip to Australia as husband and wife. And…I must say we are not disappointed. The warmth and hospitality we have been met with has been exceptional. The events and arrangements we have attended have not only been beneficial to the causes they support but, they have been meticulously arranged, full of interesting people and a lot of fun.

Denmark and Australia are geographically almost as far apart as one can come. However here in the middle of our visit I'm again reminded of the many similarities between the Danes and the Australians - that wonderful dry sense of humour, zest for life and strong value set. Perhaps that is why my wife feels very much a home in Denmark.

Our tour has been organized with energy, professionalism and proactiveness. Three characteristics that can be attributed to Australians all over the world. A recent example of this was at the mere mention of my wife and I 'entertaining' the idea of owning a piece of Australia, we received pretty much the very next day real estate listings for Australian properties.

Danes have always been fond of traveling and many of those Danes that made their way to Australia also chose to make Australia their home. The latest Australian census shows that more than 10,000 persons of Danish origin live in Australia. And although Denmark is just as wondrous, it is not hard to understand such a decision.

One traveling Dane whom we have all heard a lot about in recent times is more renowned for his genius in storytelling than traveling. He gave words to toys and animals which children could easily identify with. He gave voice through his characters to groups which had traditionally been voiceless or oppressed. By children his works are amongst the most widely read in the world, but his work is as much for adults as it is for children. 2005 is the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen and his life and work is being celebrated all around the world.

In Australia the celebrations are many and varied. And one is a Hans Christian Andersen exhibition that will open shortly here in Canberra, at the National Museum of Australia. In July another form of storytelling, aboriginal storytelling, will be exhibited in The National Museum. Storytelling is a very important part of the Aboriginal culture. Stories were used to pass on the knowledge and understandings that the aborigines needed to know in order to survive in this country, long ago. Today we consider the writings of Hans Christen Andersen to contain universal truths about human nature and psychology ‑ important to every one of us. If one was to make comparison, one could say that Hans Christian Andersen, like the Aboriginals had the skill to deliver life important messages through his storytelling.

Mr. Governor General and Mrs. Jeffery

Your Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen
​

I ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to the Queen of Australia.

To Her Majesty the Queen of Australia.

 

[Alisa]

Speech to the Governor of Tasmania, Australia</B>

Issued Thursday March 10, 2005

Your Excellency Governor William Cox and Mrs. Cox,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
​

Your Excellency, thank you. Thank you for hosting this special evening and for your warm words of welcome. The Crown Princess and I have awaited this tour with much anticipation and excitement. And to bring not only the official part of our tour to an end but to also enjoy some relaxing time, I cannot think of a better place than Tasmania. For obvious personal reasons, Tasmania has a special place in our hearts but, there are other obvious reasons and one is the natural beauty that Tasmania boasts.

In Denmark, as in Tasmania our weather is often the subject of many snide remarks. However, we also share in the belief that when the sky is that special blue and the sun shines high and strong that there is no other place in the world one would rather be. So, here's hoping for confirmation of the latter and a silence on the snide remarks ‑ at least for the next week and a half.

The very first Dane to come to Tasmania was Jorgen Jorgensen, a well educated explorer who was a gifted documenter of facts. He was born in Denmark in 1780 and died in Hobart in 1841 where he was buried at St. Mary's Church graveyard. During the Napoleon wars in Europe he traveled to Iceland and after a short time declared himself King of Iceland. 2 months later he was removed from the throne by the British Army. Later he became a British spy and in this role he observed the Battle of Waterloo. (Quite impressive so far…) However, he fell to the temptation of alcohol and gambling and in 1826 he was sent as a convict to Australia. Shortly after his arrival, however, he became a constable and had more contact with the Aboriginals in Tasmania than any other colonist at the time. Jorgen Jorgensen ended up as writer here in Hobart and wrote among other books "A Shred of Autobiography". Actually a documentary about him was recently broadcasted by ABC Lateline describing Jorgensen as one of Australia's more colourful colonial characters - he was referred to as the Convict King.

Another colourful character in Danish history is someone you probably have heard about… Born in to an impoverished home, he fought his way to huge literary success. His own rags to riches story is the essence of fairytales. 2005 marks the 200th anniversary of the life and work of Hans Christian Andersen - a genius whose fairytales were widely inspired by his own life and the characters he met along the way.

"Every character is taken from life; every one of them; not one of them is invented. I know and have known them all:" Wrote Andersen in a letter in 1834.

As part of the celebrations we will have the opportunity to get to know a little more about the character Andersen - a person that traveled always with a long rope and always left a note by his bed saying the he was not dead, only sleeping. A complex, somewhat misunderstood character…yes, but a much loved character. Tomorrow the Crown Princess and I will have the pleasure of opening a Hans Christian Andersen exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Here he will compete for attention against an illusive character - the Tasmanian tiger. An animal that has recently has been officially classified as extinct. Which along with that goes my chance at Ted Turner's 1 million US dollars…

It has also been delightful to see the number of Tasmania products that have fought their way into the Danish market. I have been told that the Danes drink the most Tasmanian wine per capita outside of Australia - and the reason for that is obvious, the wine is outstanding. And we've given you the delights of Danish butter.

The Crown Princess and I are looking so much forward to the events of tomorrow and our remaining time in Tasmania.

Your Excellency Governor William Cox and Mrs. Cox,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I ask you to raise your glasses in a toast to the Queen of Australia.

To Her Majesty the Queen of Australia

 

[pdas1201]

Pics from Various Events (not posted before)

Pics from press conference in Hobart, Tasmania.

 

[pdas1201]

Set 2 from the press conference

 

[pdas1201]

Pics from the State Reception at Wrest Point

Now I see a couple in love ::

 

[pdas1201]

Set 2 from state reception at Wrest Point

 

[pdas1201]

Pics from the Chocolate Lover's Ball

 

[pdas1201]

Pics from the Ruins in Hobart, Tasmania

 

[pdas1201]

Set 2 from the Ruins in Hobart, Tasmania

 

[agisele]

How much does Mary get a year, or is the 3.3 million for both of them?

I really hate it when people say Mary is the new Diana, she is not. Nobody will ever be like Princess Diana.

Yes Mary is beautiful, a princess and doing a wonderful job, but Diana was ina different league.

Mary is a woman, and has herself pulled together, Diana was just a young woman when she became a princess and the World watched her bloom.

Diana was a Worldwide phenomenom, Mary is not that well known to people who do not follow the Royals or live in Denmark or Australia.

true. Mary is only well-known in Denmark and Australia, whilst Diana was a world phenomenon.

besides, Mary and Diana, though similar are two very different people, and have different qualities that attribute to their uniqueness.

 

[Warren]

Many royals, Danish or not, are bound to have many skeletons in their closet. I highly doubt that this source is a reliable one, and yet would not be surprised if it were true.

Yes and no.

In the week before Mary and Frederik met at the Slip Inn during the Sydney Olympics she apparently went out with a Sydney Swans Australian Rules football player.

Nothing has been said about how many times they "went out" during this short period, and the player himself has declined to offer any information whatsoever.

As is usual, where only the bare facts are known, the media will just make up the rest to suit their own agenda.

The more interesting thing is that Mary had a long-term relationship (7 years) with a man in Melbourne. He has not said a word, apart from something to the effect that Mary is an amazing woman and he wishes her well.

If the loyalty and absolute discretion of one's friends and acquaintances can be used as a measure, then Mary is a very special person indeed.
.

True. Mary is only well-known in Denmark and Australia, whilst Diana was a world phenomenon.

To put Susan Moody's quote in some sort of context, Crown Princess Mary has taken Australia by storm on this tour.

Plenty of commentators here have used the expression "the new Diana". It is meant in relation to public interest and media attention; ie enthusiastic crowds, blanket press and television coverage, the number of magazine covers etc etc.

It is not intended as a comparison between the personalities of the two woman but rather the intense public, and therefore media, interest.

I suppose that it will be Prince William's future wife who will bear the brunt of the "New Diana" label to a much greater extent. And she won't be thanking anyone for it.
.

 

[Monalisa]

March 12, 2005. Hobart, TAS. Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark arrive to attend a family wedding (Mary's cousin). The royal couple have ended their official duties and tour and will visit with family and friends over the next week.
Photographer - HOBART

 

[Monalisa]

March 12, 2005. Hobart, TAS. Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark arrive to attend a family wedding (Mary's cousin). The royal couple have ended their official duties and tour and will visit with family and friends over the next week.
Photographer - HOBART

 

[Reina]

How dare they say that she is the "new Diana" WHat the heck does she do to deserve that label. The only thing I get out of Mary is what she wears-that is all.

 

[Napoleon]

what exactly do you expect to "get" out of her? I think most of the comparisons, esp if they arise out of the australia trip, are based largely on the fashion/style angle, the fact that Mary spent so much of her time fundraising and the immense crowds and interest in the visit. in particular, her appearance at the Victor Chang ball echoed diana's own attendance years ago.

are you really looking for subtlety and intelligent commentary from the journalists in this area?

 

[Reina]

Is is too much to ask for "subtlety and intelligent commentary from the journalists in this area". I think it depends on the person. But she is just getting started so maybe there will be more intelligent commentary in the future. And so I also don't think it is appropo. to label her, or anyone-maybe exceot William, the new Diana.

 

[Warren]

What a drag

And so I also don't think it is appropo. to label her, or anyone-maybe except William, the new Diana.

Say what?

I think it highly unlikely that Prince William will ever be labelled "the new Diana", unless of course there is an aspect to William which has so far escaped our attention.
.