Queen Mary says she is overwhelmed ‘at times’ amid first state visit

Tasmanian-born Queen Mary and husband King Frederik have given their first interview as monarchs as they put on a united front in Sweden.

Australia’s Queen Mary revealed she’s “overwhelmed” in her new role as she and King Frederik embarked on their first state visit.

The Tasmanian-born royal held a sit-down TV interview alongside Frederik X as they moved their official residence to the Royal Yacht Dannebrog for the European summer - their first interview since taking the throne.

The Danish royal admitted to being overwhelmed “at times” in the role of Queen, adding, “It is very new and there are many changes and decisions”.

Queen Mary of Denmark welcomes a guest for a banquet at Stockholm Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Queen Mary dazzled in a ruby gown alongside Queen Silvia of Sweden at Stockholm Palace, Sweden. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Queen Silvia of Sweden, Queen Mary of Denmark, King Frederik X of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden wait for the arrival of guests at a banquet at Stockholm Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Mary said taking the throne has been overwhelming “at times”. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Mary, 52, appeared enthusiastic as she recalled the moment Frederik, 55, was proclaimed King in January.

“I stood with the children and when you stepped out onto the balcony towards your fate, it was a moment that moved me incredibly much,” she said.

“We could hear and feel it, even if we couldn’t see it. It was a beautiful moment. I was both very happy and very proud.”

(L to R): Queen Mary of Denmark, King Frederik X of Denmark, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden wave upon arrival to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

King Frederik X of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden wave upon arrival to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark are greeted by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden as they arrive for a visit in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark pose with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (2nd R) and Queen Silvia of Sweden during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

The interview comes just months after photos were published in Spanish magazine Lecturas of 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.

The scandal came shortly before the abdication of King Frederik ’s mother, Queen Margrethe, paving the way for her son and daughter-in-law to take the throne.

Queen Mary of Denmark looks on as King Frederik X of Denmark gives a press statement at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

Queen Mary of Denmark and Queen Silvia of Sweden leave during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R), King Frederik X of Denmark (C) and his wife Queen Mary of Denmark pose for a picture upon arrival for a meeting at Rosenbad in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

Queen Mary of Denmark shakes hands with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen (L) during a visit at the Kungliga Tekniska HÃgskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: AFP

But during the interview the royal couple appeared strongly united with Frederik using “we” numerous times.

“It is a great pleasure to board the Dannebrog,” Frederik said.

“We have embarked on our calling and our work, which symbolically happens with this action on the royal ship. It is very special.”

He described his proclamation as “overwhelming and moving.”

Queen Mary of Denmark visits the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Queen Silvia, of Sweden, and Queen Mary, of Denmark, arrive at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Picture: Getty Images

“I felt extremely well received. The highlight was when Mary and the children came out and stood right behind me and I had the Danes standing in front of me and waving. It was one of the most amazing things to experience in my life.”

The interview came during the monarch’s traditional annual visit to Sweden and other neighbouring countries aboard the royal ship Dannebrog.

Photos show the Danish royals smiling as they were welcomed by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in Stockholm on Monday local time.

Later in the evening, Mary and Frederik were treated to a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Mary dazzled in a ruby gown and sparkling tiara.

Mary and Frederik will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on May 14 – exactly four months after Frederik ascended the throne.

Originally published as Queen Mary says she is overwhelmed ‘at times’ amid first state visit