While she will spend Christmas thousands of kilometres from her birthplace, Queen Mary of Denmark has ensured a glittering piece of Australia takes centre stage in the Danish royal family's festive celebrations this year.
A Subtle Nod to Home Among the Baubles
In a new video shared on the Danish royal family's official Instagram on Monday, Queen Mary, King Frederik X, and their four children were seen decorating the grand Christmas tree at Amalienborg Palace. The decorations ranged from personalised baubles bearing the children's names to miniature landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. However, it was a separate post that revealed a particularly special addition for 2024: a shining ornament of the Sydney Opera House.
This continues a sweet tradition for the Tasmanian-born queen, who also featured a kangaroo decoration on the palace tree last year. The new Aussie-inspired bauble serves as a meaningful, if subtle, homage to her homeland as she prepares for her second Christmas as Denmark's queen consort.
Family Festivities and a Break with Tradition
The joyful video featured all four royal children: Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. Crown Prince Christian was home from his Lieutenant's training course at the Antvorskov Barracks, while Princess Isabella, who appeared to be teaching a traditional Danish square dance to her father and sister, was also back for the holidays.
In a break with long-standing royal custom, King Frederik and Queen Mary will celebrate Christmas in Copenhagen this year, rather than traveling to Marselisborg Castle in Aarhus. The family, including the king's mother, former Queen Margrethe, will attend a Christmas Eve service at Copenhagen Cathedral and a private lunch on Christmas Day at Frederik VIII's Palace.
Queen Mary's First Christmas Message
In December 2024, Mary delivered her first Christmas message as Queen, following Queen Margrethe's abdication in January of that year after a 52-year reign. In the message shared via her foundation, she reflected on a year that would "leave a clear mark" on her memory and highlighted the ongoing work of the Mary Foundation.
"If family life is characterised by violent relationships, it can be difficult to give children the safe start in life that they deserve," she wrote, emphasising that combating domestic violence remains a high priority. "Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go before healthy and trusting communities are a natural part of everyone’s everyday life."
As the Danish royals embrace their festive traditions with a distinct Australian flair, Queen Mary's heartfelt nod to her roots reminds everyone of the unique bridge she builds between her two homes.
