King Frederik and Queen Mary cut back royal patronages causing disappointment

Queen Mary of Denmark is dramatically scaling back the number of charities she supports, waving goodbye to several Aussie causes.

A violence prevention charity named for two little girls gunned down in the Port Arthur massacre and a zoo exhibit brimming with kangaroos and Tasmanian devils are among the royal patronages Queen Mary is giving up.

In a move bound to cause disappointment, the Australian-born royal and her Danish husband King Frederick announced this week they are cutting the family’s patronages from a staggering total of 258 to a more manageable 140.

Neither the Alannah and Madeline Foundation nor the Copenhagen Zoo, which boasts an exhibit named “Mary’s Australian Garden” which was named after the Queen in honour of her 50th birthday in 2022, are listed on the royal website any longer.

In a statement, the royal couple explained all patronages were automatically suspended upon their ascension to the throne in January.

They said the number of patronages had been “adjusted” due to their increase in other royal duties.

Denmark's Queen Mary visits Copenhagen Zoo and "Mary's Australian Garden" exhibit. Picture: AFP

Furthermore, patronages are now limited to five years, after which an organisation will need to reapply.

“Throughout the centuries, The Royal House of Denmark’s patronages have supported the important work of non-profit organisations in Denmark, the Realm and beyond,” the King and Queen said jointly.

“It is a tradition we are very proud to continue, and one which we, as a family, hope to further strengthen and develop.

“Through our royal patronages, we wish to support efforts which promote Danish culture, science and enterprise, protect our nature, and give a voice for the marginalised and vulnerable in our society. This longstanding tradition serves to bring us together in small and large communities.”

The Mikac family’s Alannah and Madeline Foundation makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and celebrates the legacy of Nanette and her daughters.

In January, Alannah and Madeline Foundation founding patron and father of the three and six-year-old girls for who it was named, Walter Mikac, congratulated Mary on her new role as Queen.

“We are incredibly grateful to Her Majesty Queen Mary, who has been our International Patron at the Foundation since 2005, for her unwavering support,” Mr Mikac said.

“Her dedication to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation has been instrumental in raising awareness of our work and making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.

“Queen Mary’s compassion and generosity inspires us all, and we are truly honoured to have her support in helping create a safer world for children.”

In 2022 the non-profit received a generous $50,000 donation from the Danish royals.

KING CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

Last week, Queen Mary and King Frederik dazzled royal fans in Denmark with a family appearance on the Amalienborg Palace balcony to mark the monarch’s birthday.

The Australian-born royal put on a united front with her husband as they celebrated his 56th birthday — his first since becoming King after his mother’s shock abdication in January.

Standing with their four children, the royal pair beamed as they waved to royal fans who had gathered for the occasion.

King Frederik and Queen Mary wave from the balcony. Picture: AFP

The royal couple with Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe and Princess Isabella. Picture: AFP

The Dansh royals celebrate King Frederik’s birthday. Picture: AFP

Queen Mary looked radiant in a bright pink dress by Italian designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua for the label No. 21, while her eldest daughter Isabella opted for a paisley wrap dress by Australian label Zimmerman.

Queen Margrethe joined her son for the appearance, wearing a bright pink dress to match her daughter-in-law.

The balcony appearance came after a new official royal portrait, taken by photographer Steen Evald, was released for King Frederik’s birthday.

In a post on the Danish Royal House’s Instagram account, royal fans were invited to add their birthday wishes to “digital congratulatory list”.

The caption that accompanied the new royal portrait said: “His Majesty the King has a birthday and is turning 56 today.

“The birthday is marked at 12.00 in Amalienborg, where the King and the Royal Family appear on the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace.

“The audience is invited to take part in the festive celebration of the King at the Castle Square.’

“What’s more, fans can also send their well wishes to the King via the Danish Royal Family’s website.

“In addition, everyone has the opportunity to wish His Majesty a happy birthday on the Royal House’s social media as well as the website, where a digital congratulatory list has been created for the occasion.”

Earlier this month, King Frederik and Queen Mary celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a state visit to Norway.

The couple’s marriage came under the spotlight in late 2023 after photos were published in Spanish magazine Lecturas of King Frederik’s night out in Madrid with glamorous Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

Following the publication of the photos, Ms Casanova issued a furious denial of suggestions that there was any romantic relationship between herself and the monarch.

Shortly afterwards, Queen Margrethe stunned the world when she abdicated, paving the way for her son and Tasmanian-born daughter-in-law to take the throne.

Originally published as King Frederik and Queen Mary cut back royal patronages causing disappointment