Queen Mary’s hidden message to rumoured rival Genoveva Casanova

If King Frederik’s rumoured lover is not sure of where she stands, Queen Mary’s moment on the balcony put an end to that, writes Julie Cross.

OPINION

The message from Queen Mary from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace to her husband King Frederik X’s rumoured lover could not be clearer: “hands off my man, he’s mine”.

Looking elegant in an all-white gown, she shared a warm kiss with her husband on the balcony following the proclamation before they were joined by their four children.

Mary and Frederik looked every inch the proud, happy couple.

So, was the choice of outfit and that kiss their way of making a public declaration that the marriage was back on track, after months of speculation about their relationship?

Was it a way of reminding everyone of another balcony moment 19 years ago, when they appeared following their wedding in very similar outfits?

King Frederik X of Denmark kisses Queen Mary of Denmark on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. Picture: AFP

Vogue’s Francesca Wallace said the colour white was an “interesting choice, but conveys a traditional ‘fresh start’ as a wedding dress might, and also hints at a place of neutrality and peace”.

Photos of the couple over the past couple of months showed them looking frosty and distant, the assumption being their relationship had cooled following the publication of paparazzi shots of Frederik enjoying a day – and a night out – with the glamorous socialite Genoveva Casanova.

The images caused a furore in Denmark.

The couple were all smiles on the balcony after the proclamation. Picture: AFP

But while there was no comment from Frederik or the royal family about the pictures, 47-year-old Ms Casanova, a divorcee, released a strongly worded statement denying an affair.

Then just a few weeks after the scandal broke, Queen Margrethe dropped her bombshell announcement she was abdicating in favour of her son, with some believing it to be a well timed act to save the monarchy’s greatest asset, Mary, from leaving.

Mary, who has risen to every challenge thrown her way since meeting her prince in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Olympics, was never going to throw the towel in without a fight.

Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova. Picture: Instagram

With a marriage of nearly 20 years under her belt, and years of cutting ribbons and shaking hands, she had well and truly earned this moment, and nothing was going to keep her from enjoying it.

Part of Mary’s new role will also be to ensure the future of the monarchy for her son and heir Prince Christian, something Frederik will want too.

Perhaps their joint new responsibility as monarchs was what was needed for them to pull together.

Ms Casanova, will no doubt, have also seen Frederik’s huge Cheshire cat grin as he proudly stood next to his wife holding hands on the balcony. And, it was Frederik who leaned in for that kiss, while Mary looked like the blushing new bride.

The Queen’s message will have been received loud and clear; there’s not going to be three people in this marriage – and there’s no Camilla vacancy going.

So, adios señorita.

Originally published as Queen Mary’s hidden message to rumoured rival Genoveva Casanova