Disparity of Patronages between Princess Marie and Countess Alexandra

[Empress]

Welcome to the Disparity of Patronages between Princess Marie and Countess Alexandra. We have created this thread due to increasing demand for a place for members to discuss the lack of patronages that Princess Marie currently is exhibiting versus the abundance of patronages that Alexandra still holds, as well as the effect Alexandras patronages will have on Marie's choices and decisions regarding patronages going forward.

This is not a thread for Marie/Mary/Alexandra bashing or for comparisons of the marriages except insofar as they effect the patronages.

We realize that there will be some comparison based on the fact that when Alexandra married Joachim, she was the only young princess, but let's keep the comparisons minimal and ON TOPIC.

As I have said, there was clearly a need for this thread, however, if the moderators or administrators sense that this thread is turning nasty or into a free for all comparison, then we will not hesitate to delete posts or close the thread altogether if we can not all play nice.

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Empress, Mandy, Dazzling and GlitteringTiaras​

 

[carlota]

it's not that marie doesn't have patronages. she explicitely mentioned how she was researching what activities may be good for her to do/focus on not a long time ago. it's a matter of time until she gets official patronages.

besides, i doubt that's something that is completely up to marie to decide and orchestrate. it must involve a whole range of people and eventually, the approval of the queen. if it didn't happen as of yet, it's because of the bureaucratic work that must be done. they may also want her to get more familiar with danish before they allocate patronages and solo events to her.

 

[Lilla]

besides, i doubt that's something that is completely up to marie to decide and orchestrate. it must involve a whole range of people and eventually, the approval of the queen.

Yes, and I would be surprised if the Ministry State wasn't involved as well.

 

[Jo of Palatine]

I think it's recommendable that Alexandra keeps patronages even though she reverted back to the status of private citizen. Marie as princess of Denmark surely will get her share of offers and will take on the patronages she feels she can relate to in her own time.

 

[Odette]

How many patronages has Marie been given so far? Whatever happened to those Alexandra gave up when she was no longer Joaquim's wife??
Thank you

 

[sneeuwklokje]

I believe that the patronages that Alexandra gave up went to Mary. Mind you, she still has some 14 (!) patronages. IMO that's not a problem. If the organisations are okay with having a non-royal patron, why should she give them back?? After all, she still is H.E. The Countess of Frederiksborg and still very well known around Denmark.

 

[sgl]

How many patronages has Marie been given so far? Whatever happened to those Alexandra gave up when she was no longer Joaquim's wife??
Thank you

Odette, I don't believe that Marie has been given any patronages at all. I may be wrong (perhaps someone knows for sure), but I have not heard of Marie receiving any patronages at all. I have been waiting to see which areas she will get involved with (i.e. children, the elderly, health, etc.).

 

[Odette]

Odette, I don't believe that Marie has been given any patronages at all. I may be wrong (perhaps someone knows for sure), but I have not heard of Marie receiving any patronages at all. I have been waiting to see which areas she will get involved with (i.e. children, the elderly, health, etc.).

Thank you dear Sgl. I find it unfair to Marie to be the legal wife of the Queen's son and 5 months after the wedding still not having anything to occupy her time with. I am sure she has interests in some area they may be looking for a patron.
I so hope she copes with the winter weather and the loneliness in the Castle this her first winter in Danemark.

 

[alex001]

For anyone whose not sure on them, Alexandra's patronages, past and present, are listed in this thread:
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f24/countess-alexandras-charities-and-patronages-5554.html

There is an article here about "Operation Marie" (how corny!) which said that PR Manager Christian Have says that Marie will probably be involved in patronages in South Jutland, as it is away from the shadow of Countess Alexandra and Crown Princess Mary and that she can become an important "provincial-princess".

Some of the suggestions given include working with ecological concerns on the Jutlandic estates, and those large industries to which Joachim and the Royal Family already have ties, such as Lego, ECCO and Danfoss.

 

[Odette]

Thanks Alex101. I am getting interested to the point of being curious. Why are they trying to keep her away from Alexandra? Alexandra is no longer a member of the DRF and she should not be on an equal level with Marie.

 

[Lilla]

Thank you dear Sgl. I find it unfair to Marie to be the legal wife of the Queen's son and 5 months after the wedding still not having anything to occupy her time with.

Odette, I do think she has got plenty to occupy her time with.

Her education as a Dane didn't begin before after the wedding in May this year. She has to learn Danish, learn about Danish history, culture, the way the Danish society is organizes and so on.

I have spend 10 years in primary school, 3 years in high school and 6 years at university learning about Denmark - well not all was about Denmark - but thinking she can become a Dane or Danish Princess in only 5 months, is IMO having ambitions on her behalf, she has got no chance on earth to satisfy. It's simply impossible. Knowing how we, the Danes, has treated The Prince Consort for many years for his - not acting very Danish way of behaving - she can not do the same mistake.

So I do understand why she is busy studying at the Princess School, and though the petname of that school gives the impression that the studying must be rather superficial - in reality it must be hard work.

 

[sgl]

For anyone whose not sure on them, Alexandra's patronages, past and present, are listed in this thread:
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f24/countess-alexandras-charities-and-patronages-5554.html

There is an article here about "Operation Marie" (how corny!) which said that PR Manager Christian Have says that Marie will probably be involved in patronages in South Jutland, as it is away from the shadow of Countess Alexandra and Crown Princess Mary and that she can become an important "provincial-princess".

Some of the suggestions given include working with ecological concerns on the Jutlandic estates, and those large industries to which Joachim and the Royal Family already have ties, such as Lego, ECCO and Danfoss.

Thank you, Alex001! I have been very curious about the patronage situation for Marie, and I am glad that they are trying to give her a chance to shine.

Odette, I do think she has got plenty to occupy her time with.

Her education as a Dane didn't begin before after the wedding in May this year. She has to learn Danish, learn about Danish history, culture, the way the Danish society is organizes and so on.

I have spend 10 years in primary school, 3 years in high scholl and 6 years at university learning about Denmark - well not all was about Denmark - but thinking she can become a Dane or Danish Princess in only 5 months, is IMO having ambitions on her behalf, she has got no chance on earth to satisfy. It's simply impossible.

She is busy studying at the Princess School and though the petname of that school makes me think the studying must is a bit superficial - in reality it must be hard work.

Lilla, you raise an excellent point. She did not start studying Danish until AFTER the wedding. It is not reasonable to expect her to be strong in Danish after only 5 months. I work in the field of linguistics, and all research states that once someone begins to study a language full-time (even while living in the country where that language is the dominant language), they will need several years to become fluent. The average person takes 7 years to become fluent in a language. I have experience in teaching English as a foreign language, and my students were not able to give a simple speech until after the second semester of classes.

Perhaps the royal family is giving Marie time to become more comfortable with the language and culture before they give her patronages. After all, it would be unfortunate (IMO) to name her the patron of a charity, and then have her wait to get involved.

 

[Lilla]

There is an article here about "Operation Marie" (how corny!) which said that PR Manager Christian Have says that Marie will probably be involved in patronages in South Jutland, as it is away from the shadow of Countess Alexandra and Crown Princess Mary and that she can become an important "provincial-princess".

As I read the article the strategy is to make her The Princess who represent the province, which, in my words, means Jutland and Funen. IMO it is a wice strategy as Copenhagen alwayes seams to overshadow the province and as the article sayes - so many exciting things are going on there that really deserves more focus. That is true - the province is the entrepreneurial nerve of Denmark.

(Or perhaps the strategys aim is to make sure, that not yet another Princess gets the idea of running of to her Jet-Set friends in Copenhagen..................... )

Anyway the article is from B.T. The story might as well be tittle-tattle.

After all, it would be unfortunate (IMO) to name her the patron of a charity, and then have her wait to get involved.

I agree, SGL. That would be bad timing.

 

[Viv]

I believe that the patronages that Alexandra gave up went to Mary. Mind you, she still has some 14 (!) patronages. IMO that's not a problem. If the organisations are okay with having a non-royal patron, why should she give them back?? After all, she still is H.E. The Countess of Frederiksborg and still very well known around Denmark.

I beg to differ, because IMO it is a problem! I have nothing against Alexandra, on the contrary ! But as things have evolved we have ended up with a "shadow" royal family (countess Alexandra and Martin Jørgensen). Occasionally Martin J. is escorting Alexandra to "official" evening events, and the next day there are press reports with photos of Alexandra holding a posey and waving like she used to in her princess days. And this is where I think: Hey, wait a minute! She's not a princess anymore, she does not represent the royal house any more, in fact she only represents herself in her capacity as a former royal.

It cannot be easy for the royal court and Princess Marie to maneouvre in this complex situation. As I wrote on a different thread yesterday: As long as Alexandra is "performing", she'll be breathing down the neck of Princess Marie. Denmark is simply too small for having the past and the present "Princess Joachim" on the same public scene!

 

[Fashionista100]

If Alex can continue to represent her charities in a proper manner and they still want her who cares? Marie is still learning. Mary was in Princess school for almost a year. So Marie is still in the early stages. That is why they were going to send her to Morocco, b/c they speak French, not Danish! Marie will come up with plenty of worthwhile soon. They gave Mary a fashion charity first because they thought it would be easy to start with, and it is a big part of Danish industry. But Mary is still made fun of for this worthwhile cause. As if it describes something upon her character. I am sure that they are trying to do certian things for Marie. If she is to associated with one they want to make sure it is the right one for her.

 

[sgl]

You have an excellent point about Marie, Fashionista100. I forgot that Mary was criticized about the fashion charity. The visit to Morocco involved Legos and children, and there were some negative comments about handing out Legos. I think that no matter what she decides to take on, it will be inevitable that she will be criticized by some people. IMO, the best thing for Marie is to get involved in something that she enjoys doing, is passionate about, and benefits those in need (even if it is not always on a huge scale). I am pulling for her.

 

[magnik]

Marie is a royal spouse JUST since 5 months. She have her princess lessons (she must know many things about Denmark) and start learn the new language after her wedding. (Alexandra learnt Danish quickly mainly because she is fluent in German language. I mean grammar and pronouncation.) Some people learn languages quickly than other people. So it's natural that she doesn't have patronages yet. Maybe after next few months if she will feel better in her new role she decide and choose these patronages as someone mention which will interest her and of course when the Palace decide that she is ready.

Marie isn't hiden by Alexandra or Alexandra by Marie. That's stupid.
Marie is Alex's sons stepmother and that's natural that they will meet each other formal or maybe much more on private.
Who really know how are they relationships by the close doors?

If you're well-known person that's almost normal that if have a chance that you try to help to this or that organization. That's in Alexandra's and other well-known persons.

 

[Lilla]

If Alex can continue to represent her charities in a proper manner and they still want her who cares? Marie is still learning. Mary was in Princess school for almost a year. So Marie is still in the early stages. That is why they were going to send her to Morocco, b/c they speak French, not Danish! Marie will come up with plenty of worthwhile soon. They gave Mary a fashion charity first because they thought it would be easy to start with, and it is a big part of Danish industry. But Mary is still made fun of for this worthwhile cause. As if it describes something upon her character. I am sure that they are trying to do certian things for Marie. If she is to associated with one they want to make sure it is the right one for her.

I agree with you Fashionista100. I don't think Alexandra representing her charities is a problem. She is a popular person who can draw attention to those charities and she is doing a splendid job. In fact she was a gain to Denmark as a Princess and she still is a gain to Denmark as a Countess

IMO Alexandras having her charities can't hinder Princess Marie in finding her own way of fulfilling her role. It is not the present role of Countess Alexandra that is stopping Princess Marie from preforming official tasks. IMO that is due to her only having lived in Denmark for about 5 month - she has a lot to learn before flinging herselfe infront of the merciless media in full scale.

IMO Viv, you are aiming your guns at the wrong direction. You ought to aime them on the media..................

 

[Viv]

IMO Viv, you are aiming your guns at the wrong direction. You ought to aime them on the media..................

Erm....why? The media are only looking after their jobs!

 

[Odette]

Odette, I do think she has got plenty to occupy her time with.

Her education as a Dane didn't begin before after the wedding in May this year. She has to learn Danish, learn about Danish history, culture, the way the Danish society is organizes and so on.

I have spend 10 years in primary school, 3 years in high school and 6 years at university learning about Denmark - well not all was about Denmark - but thinking she can become a Dane or Danish Princess in only 5 months, is IMO having ambitions on her behalf, she has got no chance on earth to satisfy. It's simply impossible. Knowing how we, the Danes, has treated The Prince Consort for many years for his - not acting very Danish way of behaving - she can not do the same mistake.

So I do understand why she is busy studying at the Princess School, and though the petname of that school gives the impression that the studying must be rather superficial - in reality it must be hard work.

Thank you Lilla. How long did it take for Mary to accomplish all these tasks and become patron of the causes she supports?
I am not asking about Alexandra of course since she sounds like superwoman by some........(sarcastic attempt to a joke here)

 

[sgl]

I would also like to know how long Alexandra had to wait before she was given her patronages. Was it immediately upon marriage, or did she wait at least 5 months also?

 

[Odette]

I have no clue and I am sure Lilla and Viv can help us.
One thing I have to admit is that I agree with Viv in some respect. Alexandra left the royal family with a title a settlement and a beautiful house along with an allowance. Why doesn't she remain a private citizen and let the royal family carry on their duties?
Of course the media will run to take photos of events and stir the pot but why doesn't she retire from the "royal" scene.?

 

[Lilla]

Thank you Lilla. How long did it take for Mary to accomplish all these tasks and become patron of the causes she supports?

As far as I remember, CP Mary was living in Denmark for two years before her marriage (Her Princess School). After the marriage she gradually became patron for more and more carities - but not that many. About a year ago (Mary had been living in DK for about 5 years, as far as I remember) it was announced from the court that the Queen and Prince Consort would slovly deliver their patronages to the CP Couple and today the bouth of them seems to be at an official event more or less every day.

I do think Princess Marie ought to be given the same fair chance to get to know her new country, before demanding her to have a full schedule

 

[Viv]

I would also like to know how long Alexandra had to wait before she was given her patronages. Was it immediately upon marriage, or did she wait at least 5 months also?

I don't remember exactly how long she had to wait; but I think that she got her first patronage towards the end of the first year of her marriage. Thereabouts! I don't have an Alexandra-biography, maybe it's mentioned there. Maybe Lilla or one of the other Danes can help!

 

[Lilla]

I have no clue and I am sure Lilla and Viv can help us.

Then I hope one of the other Danes can help, because I can't.

Anyway having a Princess was a completly new thing to Denmark. I guess we were learning about having a Princess and she was learning about being a Princess. Things just happend one step at the time and suddenly the Princess became a Countess...................who chose still to be here.................

(I know I can only speak on my own behalf but...)

 

[Odette]

As far as I remember, CP Mary was living in Denmark for two years before her marriage (Her Princess School). After the marriage she gradually became patron for more and more carities - but not that many. About a year ago (Mary had been living in DK for about 5 years, as far as I remember) it was announced from the court that the Queen and Prince Consort would slovly deliver their patronages to the CP Couple and today the bouth of them seems to be at an official event more or less every day.

I do think Princess Marie ought to be given the same fair chance to get to know her new country, before demanding her to have a full schedule

I am sure that from the outside looking in, we have no real grasp as to the difficulty a lady would have adapting to her new life as a royal.
I agree that Marie needs time to adapt and adjust and learn. There are so many tasks we learn as we go along if given half a chance to try something. I would love to see her getting involved with something where she would not be compared with Alexandra.

 

[sgl]

I am sure that from the outside looking in, we have no real grasp as to the difficulty a lady would have adapting to her new life as a royal.
I agree that Marie needs time to adapt and adjust and learn. There are so many tasks we learn as we go along if given half a chance to try something. I would love to see her getting involved with something where she would not be compared with Alexandra.

Odette, I totally agree with you. I think that it would be lovely to see Marie involved in something that doesn't draw the inevitable Alexandra comparisons (although, I don't know if that is possible-especially with some of the media). I really liked the idea stated earlier that the royal family was looking into an opportunity for Marie to be involved in a rural area that had not been previously served by Alexandra.

I am very grateful to Lilla and Viv for their insights!

 

[marmi]

Well, heres how I see it:

I would like Marie to have 1 official charity by the end of the calendar year. She can pick more up gradually, as her learning progresses.
I would also hope to see some evidence of how her Danish is progressing.
(I'm good at tough deadlines at the moment - its exam time...)

Alexandra should be able to keep her patronages as long as she wants, there are random celebrities with patronages, so why not a countess???

 

[Jo of Palatine]

I really liked the idea stated earlier that the royal family was looking into an opportunity for Marie to be involved in a rural area that had not been previously served by Alexandra.

I wonder why Alexandra did not become involved there in Jytland? It's a part of the country that has a strong German minority so the culture is very much forged by the contrast between these two ethnic groups Scandinavian/German. Alexandra with her ability to speak both Danish and German would have been a good choice for this area.

 

[Viv]

Alexandra should be able to keep her patronages as long as she wants, there are random celebrities with patronages, so why not a countess???

Well, it looks as if she is! IMO the problem in this case is that we (the Danes) are not really used to having non-royals doing such patronages. It has simply not been a tradition in this country up till now! A few actors have been UNICEF-ambassadors and the like, but that's a slightly different
story.

In addition to our "performing" RF we now also have the ex-wife of a prince running about with poseys and waving to gathering crowds. Maybe it's just me , but I see it as a problem, also for Princess Marie in the long run! Lilla doesn't mind and we haven't heard from other TRF -Danes what they think of this rather unique situation!