Princess Mary dons a rashie while having fun on the beach with husband Prince Frederick and her young family

IT’S not often you see a princess in a rashie, but Princess Mary of Denmark was more than happy to return to her Aussie roots and strip down to her swim gear while on holiday on the Gold Coast.

*EMBARGOED UNTIL FOR WEB UNTIL 5PM MON 21ST DEC* *ONE TIME WEB USE ONLY* December 20, 2015: Princess Mary & Prince Frederik swimming at a beach on the Gold Coast with their children. Prince Christian was rescued from a dangerous rip by lifesavers. Gold Coast, Australia. EXCLUSIVE. Mandatory Credit: INFphoto.com Ref:infausy-28

IT’S not often you see a princess in a rashie, but Princess Mary of Denmark was more than happy to return to her Aussie roots and strip down to her swim gear while on holiday on the Gold Coast.

The 43-year-old was pictured swimming in a Body Glove rash top and tan bikini bottoms with her children and husband Prince Frederik during a family trip to Mermaid Beach in Queensland on Friday.

Princess Mary on Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. Picture: INF

Princess Mary & Prince Frederik watch as their children swim in the surf. Picture: INF

The Australian-born royal could have passed for any Aussie mum as she swam among the waves and watched her children playing in the surf from the water’s edge.

The beach visit came just a day after 10-year-old Prince Christian had to be rescued by lifeguards at the same beach after he became caught in a rip while swimming outside the flags.

Princess Mary really let her hair down on holiday. Picture: INF

Princess Mary & 10-year-old Prince Christian. Picture: INF

Looking great at 43. Picture: INF

The lifeguard who swam out to save him told Seven News he was totally unaware that the boy he saved was the future heir to the Danish crown.

The visit marks the first time Princess Mary and Prince Frederick have brought their children Prince Christian, ten, Princess Isabella, eight, and four-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent back to the country since 2011.

Princess Mary & Prince Frederik have been in Australia for a week. Picture: INF

The Tasmanian-born mother-of-four and her family have been on holiday in Australia for the past week and are expected to spend Christmas Day in Mary’s home town of Hobart.

Prince Frederik, Princess Mary & Prince Christian emerge from the water. Picture: INF

Four-year-old Princess Josephine is also seen here with her mum and brother. Picture: INF

Princess Mary and son Christian at Mermaid Beach, QLD. Picture: INF

The Danish Royal family are in Australia for Christmas. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk

Originally published as Princess Mary dons a rashie while having fun on the beach with husband Prince Frederick and her young family