Mary and Frederik

I was shooting some architectural photography at Docklands in Melbourne today when these two tried to get in on the action… Tassie girl, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik.

How Crown Princess Mary Met Crown Prince Frederik in a Sydney Pub

Fairy tales do come true, and Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark are living proof of that. Their love story began in the most unexpected of places: a pub in Sydney, Australia. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the chance encounter that led to a beautiful royal romance and a life of royalty for a girl from Tasmania.

A Chance Encounter

The story begins in September 2000, during the Sydney Olympic Games. Crown Prince Frederik, the heir to the Danish throne, was in Australia to support the Danish athletes and enjoy the festivities. On the other side of the world, Mary Donaldson, a young Australian woman from Tasmania, was also in Sydney, working in advertising and enjoying life in the vibrant city.

One fateful night, both Mary and Frederik found themselves at the Slip Inn, a popular pub in the heart of Sydney. Neither had any inkling that their lives were about to change forever. They were introduced through mutual friends, and they instantly connected. The pair spent the evening talking, laughing, and getting to know each other, unaware of the significance of their meeting.

A Royal Romance Blossoms

After their chance encounter in Sydney, Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson began a long-distance relationship, with Frederik often visiting Mary in Australia. For several months, Mary was unaware of Frederik’s royal status, as he had introduced himself simply as “Fred.” However, as their relationship deepened, Frederik revealed his true identity, and Mary was naturally surprised but undeterred by the revelation.

In 2001, Mary moved to Denmark to be closer to Frederik, immersing herself in Danish culture and language. Their relationship continued to flourish, and in October 2003, the couple announced their engagement.

A Royal Wedding and Life as Crown Princess

On May 14, 2004, Mary Donaldson married Crown Prince Frederik in a lavish ceremony at Copenhagen Cathedral, becoming Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The wedding was a grand affair, attended by royalty and dignitaries from around the world. The Danish people warmly embraced Mary, and she quickly became a beloved figure in the country.

Since becoming Crown Princess, Mary has taken on numerous royal duties and responsibilities, including patronages of various charities and organizations, both in Denmark and internationally. She has also become a fashion icon, known for her elegant and sophisticated style.

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik now have four children: Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. The family often travels between Denmark and Australia, maintaining strong ties with Mary’s homeland.

The love story of Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik is truly a modern-day fairy tale. From a chance encounter in a Sydney pub to a life of royalty, their journey together has captivated people around the world. Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes, fate has a way of bringing two people together, regardless of the circumstances. In the end, love transcends borders and social status, and it is a powerful force that can create an unbreakable bond.