Over three months after King Frederik ’s accession, the first official gala portraits of His Majesty and Queen Mary have been released. The images, in connection with the succession of the throne on Jan. 14, were published on April 25.
“The portrait shows Their Majesties in gala with the Order of the Elephant on chains, and the portrait can henceforth be seen hung in, among other places, state institutions, including at Danish embassies and consulates around the world and on Danish vessels,” the Danish Royal House said in a statement.
The King and Queen’s portraits were taken by photographer Steen Evald in the Green Room in the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace. Mary’s dress was a fitting choice for the Green Room. Her Majesty looked regal in green wearing a velvet gown by Birgit Hallstein Couture that featured lace on the sleeves and neckline. The Queen teamed the elegant design with an emerald tiara, matching necklace and earrings. The portraits mark the first time that Mary has worn the crown jewels. Scroll to learn more about the jewels and to see the gala portraits....
His Majesty, pictured in the navy’s full-dress uniform with the the Order of the Elephant and the breast star of the Order of Dannebrog, became the King of Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024. Frederik succeeded his mother Queen Margrethe, who abdicated on the 52nd anniversary of her accession.
For the first time, Queen Mary wore the crown jewels. Per the Danish Royal House, the emerald set is “one of the four jewellery sets, or garnitures” that is at the disposal of the Queen of Denmark. The set was designed by the C.M. Weisshaupt and was a gift from Christian VIII to Queen Caroline Amalie. When the crown jewels are not in use, they are on display under Rosenborg Castle.
Her Majesty was also photographed wearing the Order of the Elephant and a miniature portrait of her husband set in a gold frame with diamonds and “a bow of Order of Dannebrog ribbon.”
On his accession day, Frederik spoke about his “beloved” wife, whom he married in 2004, saying in a speech: “Today, the throne passes on. My hope is to become a gathering king of tomorrow. It is a task I have approached all my life.”
He continued, “It is a responsibility I take on with respect, pride and great joy. It is a deed I will make an effort to carry through the trust I encounter. I need all the support I can get. From my beloved wife, from my family, from you and from that which is greater than us. I face the future with the certainty that I am not alone.”
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