Download The world news app and enjoy additional content watch videos and football matches
.jpeg)
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark put on a brave face as she attended a traditional New Year's fete at the Christiansborg Palace this morning, amid rumours of a rift with her mother-in-law, Queen Margrethe.
Get jobs in this app make application
The Australian-born royal, 51, looked radiant in a navy blue coat and a matching hat, as she arrived with her husband, Crown Prince Frederick, 55, who is set to become the next King of Denmark.
The couple, who have been married for 23 years, smiled and waved as they entered the palace, where they joined the Queen for a reception for officers from the Armed Forces and the National Emergency Management Agency.
The event was the second day of the New Year's celebrations, which are usually marked by lavish banquets and ceremonies, but have been scaled down this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fete was also the last public appearance of Queen Margrethe, 83, who announced yesterday that she will abdicate the throne on April 16, her birthday, and pass the crown to her eldest son, Frederick.
The surprise announcement came after months of speculation about the Queen's health and her relationship with her daughter-in-law, Mary, who is said to have clashed with her over royal duties and protocols.
According to sources, the Queen was unhappy with Mary's modern approach to being a royal, and felt that she was overshadowing her son and the rest of the family.
The tension was evident yesterday, when the Queen hosted a New Year's levee for the members of the government, the Supreme Court and the diplomatic corps, and barely acknowledged Mary, who stood behind her in a stunning red gown.
However, today, the Queen seemed to have softened her stance, and greeted Mary warmly, as they posed for photos with the rest of the royal family, including Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix.
The Queen also praised Mary for her work and achievements, and expressed her confidence in her son's ability to lead the country.
"I am proud of my son and his wife, who have shown great dedication and service to the Danish people and the world. I know they will make a wonderful King and Queen, and I wish them all the best for the future," the Queen said in a speech.
The Queen also thanked the Danish people for their support and loyalty during her 50-year reign, and said she was looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and pursuing her hobbies.
"I have been honoured and humbled to be your Queen, and I will always cherish the memories and the friendships I have made. I hope you will continue to show the same love and respect to my son and his family, as you have shown to me. I will not be far away, and I will always be here for you, as your mother, grandmother and friend," the Queen said.
The Queen's abdication will mark the end of an era for Denmark, and the beginning of a new one, with Frederick and Mary taking the helm of the monarchy.
The couple, who met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, have four children: Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 12.
They are widely popular and respected, both at home and abroad, for their modern and down-to-earth style, and their involvement in various causes, such as climate change, gender equality, mental health and humanitarian aid.
They are expected to be crowned in a ceremony at the Copenhagen Cathedral on April 17, followed by a carriage ride through the city and a balcony appearance at the Amalienborg Palace.
