Icy reception! Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark appear distant for New Year’s outing amid rumors Queen Margrethe’s abdication could save their marriage
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appeared distant as they arrived at Christiansborg Palace this morning for a New Year’s outing.
The royal couple are preparing to ascend the Danish throne after Frederick’s mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced she would abdicate in her New Year’s Eve speech.
The Danish queen, who took the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
She will be succeeded by her son on January 14 after 52 years on the throne.
The Danish royal family arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday to greet the diplomatic corps for the new year – and there was little affection between Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appeared distant as they arrived at Christiansborg Palace this morning for a New Year’s outing
The royal couple prepare to ascend the Danish throne after Frederick’s mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced she would abdicate in her New Year’s Eve speech
The couple kept a polite distance and barely exchanged words as they walked to the Knights’ Hall, flanked by soldiers.
The atmosphere remained frosty as they took their seats next to Queen Margrethe in the hall, both dressed formally for the occasion.
Mary opted for a navy blue dress with a high neck, while Frederik wore his military uniform.
Queen Margrethe was also richly decorated with medals, on top of a deep red dress with black details on the collar and sleeves.
The Danish royal family has been rocked by rumors in recent weeks – after photos emerged of Crown Prince Frederik enjoying a night out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Madrid in October.
Despite swirling rumors about the alleged ‘affair’, Frederik, 55, and his Australian-born wife made a show of unity as they entered Aarhus Cathedral on Sunday, December 24.
However, there was little apparent affection today between the couple, who will soon become the new king and queen of Denmark.
The Danish queen, who took the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022
The Danish royal family arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday to greet the diplomatic corps for the New Year
The couple kept a polite distance and barely exchanged words as they walked to the Knights’ Hall, flanked by soldiers
The atmosphere remained frosty as they took their seats next to Queen Margrethe in the hall, both dressed formally for the occasion
The future king looked dapper in military regalia
Mary opted for a navy blue dress with a high neck, while Frederik wore his military uniform
Queen Margrethe was also richly decorated with medals, on top of a deep red dress with black details on the collar and sleeves
There is speculation that Queen Margrethe’s abdication may have been intended to save her son and Princess Mary’s marriage in the aftermath of the alleged ‘affair’.
Ms Casanova has denied allegations of any relationship with Frederik.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier said The Telegraph: ‘It is possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the breakdown of the marriage and the loss of Mary at the hands of the Royal Family. It would have caused major problems.
‘The Queen has always seen Mary as a huge asset.’
There is speculation that Queen Margrethe’s abdication may have been motivated to save the marriage of her son and Princess Mary in the wake of the alleged ‘affair’.