Prince Frederik and Princess Mary's Visit to New York: September 17-21, 2007

[Lilla]

Originally Posted by carlota

sincerely, i believe promoting the fashion industry or the furniture industry or the cutlery industry, as big as they can be in denmark or in any other country, can be considered rather "poor" in aims. of course sustainability is a big thing though and denmark is a pioneer in the field and have it very much integrated into their cultures, but don't you think promoting things such as furniture and clothes as well with architechture and windmills is rather disorganized at least?

I do understand your point of view. Fasion, furniture and culture are luxury goods and can't be compaired to issues like for example poverty or desease. But ind a wider range of scale they can and they are even connected. Millons of people all over the world are employed in industries related to the above mentions areas. Actually when it comes to the design industry in Denmark, for a very big part, only the designs are made her, the products are manufactured in third world countryes. For the employees there fasion, furniture and culture are serious business - it's what feeds their children. But of course this wasn't the agenda for the NY trip. Fortunately sometimes it is only the happy part of life we get to se - that was the case here. I for one did enjoy all the wonderfull pictures that came out of the NY trip.

[Empress]

Yes, well would it not be incredibly boring and not to mention not sustainable, if every single country had the same industries?

Hmm - what would we do if every country focused on water preservation, and none on sustainable energy? Fashion and design has to be the main industry in some countries, and Scandavian countries excel at that.

To have a sustainable industry, one has to excel in it, and those that do not excel in a particular industry tend to drift to other industries where they will excel, this is why we have a global economy. A country simply can not make everything that the inhanitants want. Do we want to go back to the middle ages where no one knew anything about anything except what was in their own backyard? Then the whole concept of monarchy as we know it would not exist, and this whole conversation would be a moot point.

Some countries excel at internet technology, which gives us the opportunity to be here, whilst others excel at fashion, design, agriculture, music, shipping, transportation, oil, etc.

If we did not have diverse industries at our disposal, 90 % of what you own, you probably would not own.

[Chimene]

Originally Posted by Empress

Some countries excel at internet technology, which gives us the opportunity to be here, whilst others excel at fashion, design, agriculture, music, shipping, transportation, oil, etc.

One country in particular comes to mind, France. The french are known worldwide for high fashion, cusine, the arts etc. I love swedish furniture design, some call the workmanship art. How do we equate importance? I'm sure there are a milion answers to this question.

[JessRulz]

Originally Posted by highpriestess

But that's the agenda of Creativenation, not F&M's, is it? F&M didn't visit the Department of Energy or the governor of PA, did they? They didn't set up these meetings, did they? So things happened DESPITE of F&M's visit, NOT because of them.

We're not talking about whether the Creative Nation was successful or not. We're talking about whether F&M's visit added any value to it.

The majority of Frederik & Mary's events are listed at the link UserDane provided. Some of them (the visit to the theatre performance for example), are not. Alternatively, to see all their events, see post 8 on page 1 But you're right, other events and meetings took place without Frederik & Mary, because they were not the main focus of the event

[highpriestess]

Originally Posted by JessRulz

The majority of Frederik & Mary's events are listed at the link UserDane provided. Some of them (the visit to the theatre performance for example), are not. Alternatively, to see all their events, see post 8 on page 1 But you're right, other events and meetings took place without Frederik & Mary, because they were not the main focus of the event

Thanks for the link.

The agenda is full of phrases like: "increase awareness", "showcases", "raise the profile of Danish designer". Without any publicity/media coverage, how could they achieve that?

They visited New York Times's new headquarter and NYT didn't write a word about it? Boy, that's a slight. I'm sure their host and whoever put the agenda together was hoping to get some coverage in NYT by arranging that visit.

[Santacruz]

I really doubt that all people who claim that this was a successful trip to New York are close to the CPC or the Royal Court or even close to business partners on this trip. I really have to say: everything about success, financial and economical, real interest in environmental issues or doing serious work on this trip is pure speculation. Wishful thinking maybe. I really would love to see something of real substance from Mary and Frederik. To me it's still too much CPC show.

[UserDane]

I really believe that all people who claim that this was not an unsuccessful trip to New York are about as remote from the CPC or the Royal Court and any business partners on this trip as possible. I would like to say: Every negative comment about success, financial and economical, real interest in enviromental issues or doing serious work on this trip is pure malicious speculation. Pityful wishful thinking maybe. I would really love to see something of real substance from these posters. To me they still display too much of a base negativism of an envious nature.

[Santacruz]

I just doubt what several posters are selling as truth. It is not proven that this trip had any effect on economic issues in the US or Denmark. [edited for personal comment- Empress}

[biboquinhas]

Can someone post here some of the answers Mary and Frederik gave during the press conference? If there a link to it?
She really looks like Hundrey Hepburn with that black elegant dress.
I hope we had seen some pictures of Mary and Isabella walking in Central Park! That would make my day!

[Marengo]

I think we all get the picture by now! Some people think it was a succes, others have doubts. Everybody has made their point more than once (or twice, or over a dozen times). So move on and give it a rest!

[Royal Darkness]

Has anybody an explanation for all the mobile-phones on the table?
Or are these voice-recorders?

Look here:
ANP Beeldbank

I think, one is an IPOD...

[biboquinhas]

I would love to know what were they talking about. Mary seams very relaxed and happy!It was a lovely day in New York and it seams the sumn was shinning for them!
To me it this trip was a sucess, they pay a visit to all the instituions they have schedule, everything turns out O.k, Princess Marywas a really embassador of her country, there wasn't any disasters... so it was a sucess to me!

[Empress]

Originally Posted by Santacruz

I just doubt what several posters are selling as truth. It is not proven that this trip had any effect on economic issues in the US or Denmark. I really look forward if you can prove me wrong with some facts, Userdane.

Hello Santacruz, Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately for you, economic effect can not be measured in one day. As a for instance, look how long its taken for the dollar to decline. That started with Ronald Reagan. If negative effect takes so long to come to bear (and thank goodness it does, otherwise we would be in one heck of a recession) then imagine how long it must take for any positive impact to show. Just take this board for instance. The negative comments are the ones first seized upon, whilst it takes several clear minded and thoughtful people to clear the air enough for even the most basic positive comment to come through.

The fact of the matter is, economic impact can simply not be measured in days. It takes months and years. That is basic business economics. And for all we know this trip of the CP couple was simply step number one in a process that has some ways to go.

[carlota]

thanks everyone who contributed to the discussion and especially to userdane and lillia. it is great, though, that we don't get personal in this kind of conversations: i know lots of other forums where this kind of discussion could be endless and pointless, and most importantly, quite disrespectful. so.. a big thanks to everyone and to our great moderators particularly.

i would just like to reply by quoting a message by highpristess that quite sums up my opinion on the subject:

But that's the agenda of Creativenation, not F&M's, is it? F&M didn't visit the Department of Energy or the governor of PA, did they? They didn't set up these meetings, did they? So things happened DESPITE of F&M's visit, NOT because of them.

We're not talking about whether the Creative Nation was successful or not. We're talking about whether F&M's visit added any value to it.

in the same fashion, i'd say some patronages of the CP couple are important, but... are they vital? i think these are really what royals should be aiming for: important and high quality (either at the moment or prospective) patronages. fashion is a huge deal for denmark from what members usually tell us in the forum but... is it the most important mary can be patron of? would it make a bigger difference if mary attends a fashion show in denmark to promote danish fashion (mind you, taking into account this, i doubt many people appart from us here at the forum know many danish designers so why not try and promote danish catwalks outside denmark?) or would it be better if she attended another event, for eg. a humanitarian activity or something involving education - duke of edinburgh awards type?

(after having said this, i would like to add i'm not blaming mary for not doing it. we will never know whose fault it is that she attends these quite frivolous activities, whether hers or it may well be the panel who decides her schedule instead of her...)

[Santacruz]

Originally Posted by Royal Darkness

Has anybody an explanation for all the mobile-phones on the table?
Or are these voice-recorders?

Look here:
ANP Beeldbank

I think, one is an IPOD...

Is it true that no questions were allowed? Was it just a photo opportunity?

[auntie]

The Crown princess had a fabulous and large variety wardrobe this visit! I really love her toothy wide grinned smile, it's so natrual, it shows the warmth and niceness beneath the poise and position.

[Duke of Marmalade]

I don't get the discussion about the substance and the benefit - it's hard to measure the benefit of a trip like this as it's not economically motivated and not done by the Head of State or an entourage who signs a lot of lucrative contracts. Besides, this is no different to the trips most other CPs do when representing their parents. I find it pointless to say that the Dutch, Belgian or Spanish couple do all the serious trips and are taken seriously while this one is just fluffy and shallow? Why? Because Mary brought along her wardrobe? M & F differ in the their presentation from other CP couples, it's not always my cup of tea but overall I prefer a female CP not to be reduced to flower collecting and hand shaking and we all know Fred is the heir and Mary nothing without him.

I loved Mary's outfits although sometimes I felt it was too much (THAT belt and THAT blouse) and I found that her shoes looked a bit to tight or somehow pressed or maybe the heel was too high? Not sure but sometimes the type of shoe did not look good on her legs. Apart from that, she looked tip-top and like a princess, very regal and although I like the fact that Fred is so unspectacular (otherwise the couple would be unbearable) there were pics were he looked like the alarm clock had just gone off next to him. Wake up call, Fred - while Mary was alert and dynamic all the time. Maybe he's doing the breastfeading?

[biboquinhas]

Originally Posted by Santacruz

Is it true that no questions were allowed? Was it just a photo opportunity?

No!!!! Not at all They were speaking and laughing with the journalists, they were speaking about how they miss little Christian but I don't know detalis and that's what I really want to know!

[Lilla]

Originally Posted by carlota

in the same fashion, i'd say some patronages of the CP couple are important, but... are they vital?

For Denmark design is a major issue and not only when it comes to fasion, it is also about industrial design and organisational design. Design is a major industry in Denmark and as such, it is an extreamly important issue i Denmark. It might not be in other nations, who has specialised in other areas.

If the CP Couple refused patronages of issues within designes, because they favoured more touching causes, they wouldn't be doing their job.

[ricarda]

Originally Posted by carlota

i'd say some patronages of the CP couple are important, but... are they vital? i think these are really what royals should be aiming for: important and high quality (either at the moment or prospective) patronages. fashion is a huge deal for denmark from what members usually tell us in the forum but... is it the most important mary can be patron of? would it make a bigger difference if mary attends a fashion show in denmark to promote danish fashion (mind you, taking into account this, i doubt many people appart from us here at the forum know many danish designers so why not try and promote danish catwalks outside denmark?) or would it be better if she attended another event, for eg. a humanitarian activity or something involving education - duke of edinburgh awards type?

(after having said this, i would like to add i'm not blaming mary for not doing it. we will never know whose fault it is that she attends these quite frivolous activities, whether hers or it may well be the panel who decides her schedule instead of her...)

What exactly is Mary not doing (though you are not blaming her for it)?
Mary is patron of 20 organisations, among them WHO, The Danish Refugee Council and others you obviously don't see as vital, important or high quality. She is involved with Save the Children Denmark, she initiated their anti-bullying campaign, she is involved in the anti-obesity campaign of WHO, she is patron of Research Day. But all that doesn't seem to count for you as humanitarian or education.

Attending the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair is frivolous? No, for the 100st time Mary is not patron of Danish fashion, she is promoting Copenhagen as an international fashion spot. So, it would actually be quite contraproductive if she officially attended catwalks outside Denmark.

Good discussions - and this is not directed towards you but a general statement about this whole discussion which was anything but respectful and non personal - are based on correct facts not on ignorance, prejudice and "I'm negative whatever they may do"-attitudes.

Regarding the value of their attendance, well, you could ask the same with respect to WA and Maxima (what's the value of accompanying the queen, except good pr for themselves) - but you never do.