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From pub to princess: The tale of Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson

Olivia Harris
1 min read·November 10, 2023 - 12:55PM
News Corp Australia Network

Twenty-three years after they met in a bustling pub in Sydney, we take a look back at Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik’s love story.

It all started in 2000 in a packed Sydney pub, where a 28-year-old Mary Donaldson from Tasmania bumped into Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Picture: Supplied
It all started in 2000 in a packed Sydney pub, where a 28-year-old Mary Donaldson from Tasmania bumped into Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Picture: Supplied

 

Mary, an advertising executive from Tasmania, found that a romance quickly blossomed between her and the European prince. Picture: News Limited
Mary, an advertising executive from Tasmania, found that a romance quickly blossomed between her and the European prince. Picture: News Limited

 

The couple made an appearance at the Melbourne Cup in 2002, months before Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged their relationship. Picture: Regis Martin/Getty Images
The couple made an appearance at the Melbourne Cup in 2002, months before Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged their relationship. Picture: Regis Martin/Getty Images

 

Danish Crown Prince Frederik takes Mary to the wedding of a friend near Copenhagen. Picture: News Limited
Danish Crown Prince Frederik takes Mary to the wedding of a friend near Copenhagen. Picture: News Limited

 

Mary then takes her royal boyfriend to a friend’s wedding at Darling Point in Sydney. Picture: News Limited
Mary then takes her royal boyfriend to a friend’s wedding at Darling Point in Sydney. Picture: News Limited

 

Prince Frederik kisses the hand of Mary after announcing their engagement in 2003 in Fredensborg, Denmark. Picture: Eric Travers/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Prince Frederik kisses the hand of Mary after announcing their engagement in 2003 in Fredensborg, Denmark. Picture: Eric Travers/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

 

The newly-engaged couple take a visit to Mary’s home in Sandy Bay, Tasmania. Picture: News Limited
The newly-engaged couple take a visit to Mary’s home in Sandy Bay, Tasmania. Picture: News Limited

 

Prince Frederik walks with his fiancee Mary through a park in central Hobart. Picture: Mark Baker/AP
Prince Frederik walks with his fiancee Mary through a park in central Hobart. Picture: Mark Baker/AP

 

Mary Donaldson appears on the balcony of the Amalienborg Palace for the first time to celebrate The Queen Of Denmark's birthday. Picture: Julian Parker/Getty Images
Mary Donaldson appears on the balcony of the Amalienborg Palace for the first time to celebrate The Queen Of Denmark's birthday. Picture: Julian Parker/Getty Images

 

In 2004, the couple married and appeared on the balcony at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen to the cheers of thousands. In a nod to Australia, Mary carried a bouquet of snow gum eucalyptus. Picture: Rick Stevens, Odd Anderson/AFP
In 2004, the couple married and appeared on the balcony at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen to the cheers of thousands. In a nod to Australia, Mary carried a bouquet of snow gum eucalyptus. Picture: Rick Stevens, Odd Anderson/AFP

 

The newlyweds dance a waltz at their wedding reception in Copenhagen. Picture: Tim Anderson
The newlyweds dance a waltz at their wedding reception in Copenhagen. Picture: Tim Anderson

 

Crown Prince Frederik & Princess Mary of Denmark arrive in Nuuk, wearing clothing traditional to the Inuit of Greenland. Picture: News Limited
Crown Prince Frederik & Princess Mary of Denmark arrive in Nuuk, wearing clothing traditional to the Inuit of Greenland. Picture: News Limited

 

The couple visit a zoo in Odense as part of a four-day tour of Denmark. Picture: Lars Skaaning/AP
The couple visit a zoo in Odense as part of a four-day tour of Denmark. Picture: Lars Skaaning/AP

 

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik enjoy summer in Copenhagen. 18 August 2005. Picture: Keld Navntost/AFP
Princess Mary and Prince Frederik enjoy summer in Copenhagen. 18 August 2005. Picture: Keld Navntost/AFP

 

Princess Mary gives a wave while Cris Meehin gives thumbs up after their victory over Princess Frederik in a race on Sydney Harbour. Picture: Ian Mainsbridge
Princess Mary gives a wave while Cris Meehin gives thumbs up after their victory over Princess Frederik in a race on Sydney Harbour. Picture: Ian Mainsbridge

 

Princess Mary greets four-year-old Mia Formica as huge crowds turn out to for their first visit to Australia as a married couple. Picture: David Gray
Princess Mary greets four-year-old Mia Formica as huge crowds turn out to for their first visit to Australia as a married couple. Picture: David Gray

 

Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary enjoy themselves at their last official function before a week’s holiday in Tasmania. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP
Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary enjoy themselves at their last official function before a week’s holiday in Tasmania. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP

 

Princess Mary greets hundreds of Claremont College students lining Coogee Bay Road during an unscheduled visit to the Young Women's Health Program. Picture: Brett Costello
Princess Mary greets hundreds of Claremont College students lining Coogee Bay Road during an unscheduled visit to the Young Women's Health Program. Picture: Brett Costello

 

The couple walk during a visit to the ruins of the Broad Arrow Cafe in Port Arthur. Picture: David Gray/AP
The couple walk during a visit to the ruins of the Broad Arrow Cafe in Port Arthur. Picture: David Gray/AP

 

The pregnant Crown Princess attends an exhibition in 2005 to kickstart a new foundation in the name of Hans-Christian Andersen to counter illiteracy all over the world. Picture: Kim Nielsen/AP
The pregnant Crown Princess attends an exhibition in 2005 to kickstart a new foundation in the name of Hans-Christian Andersen to counter illiteracy all over the world. Picture: Kim Nielsen/AP

 

The couple announce the birth of their son, and heir to the throne, Prince Christian at Fredensborg Castle. Picture: Getty Images
The couple announce the birth of their son, and heir to the throne, Prince Christian at Fredensborg Castle. Picture: Getty Images

 

Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary on The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Picture: Kristi Miller
Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary on The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Picture: Kristi Miller

 

On a royal visit to Tasmania, the young Prince Christian comes face-to-face with Australian wildlife for the first time. Picture: News Corp Australia
On a royal visit to Tasmania, the young Prince Christian comes face-to-face with Australian wildlife for the first time. Picture: News Corp Australia

 

Prince Christian practices his royal waves and catches his mother in the eye on the balcony at Amalienborg Palace. Picture: John McConnico/AP
Prince Christian practices his royal waves and catches his mother in the eye on the balcony at Amalienborg Palace. Picture: John McConnico/AP

 

In 2007, the royals welcome their daughter, Princess Isabella, and christen her in Fredensborg Palace Church. Picture: Jens Panduro/AP
In 2007, the royals welcome their daughter, Princess Isabella, and christen her in Fredensborg Palace Church. Picture: Jens Panduro/AP

 

Their Royal Highnesses with their children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, in the gardens of Government House, Sydney, whilst on holiday. Picture: News Limited
Their Royal Highnesses with their children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, in the gardens of Government House, Sydney, whilst on holiday. Picture: News Limited

 

Princess Mary in uniform puts on a helmet during an exercise of the Danish Home Guard. Picture: Home Guard Command/EPA
Princess Mary in uniform puts on a helmet during an exercise of the Danish Home Guard. Picture: Home Guard Command/EPA

 

The family, including Crown Prince Consort Henrik and Queen Margrethe, wave from Amalienborg Palace to celebrate Prince Frederik's 40th birthday. Picture: Keld Navntoft/Scanpix/AFP
The family, including Crown Prince Consort Henrik and Queen Margrethe, wave from Amalienborg Palace to celebrate Prince Frederik's 40th birthday. Picture: Keld Navntoft/Scanpix/AFP

 

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary pose with their children Prince Christian and Prince Vincent at their summer residence of Grasten Castle. Picture: Henning Bagger/Scanpix/AFP
Prince Frederik and Princess Mary pose with their children Prince Christian and Prince Vincent at their summer residence of Grasten Castle. Picture: Henning Bagger/Scanpix/AFP

 

In 2011, twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine are welcomed to the world as they leave the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In 2011, twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine are welcomed to the world as they leave the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

 

Crown Princess Mary attends a celebration of the Danish Home Guard. Picture: Julian Parker/Getty Images
Crown Princess Mary attends a celebration of the Danish Home Guard. Picture: Julian Parker/Getty Images

 

Princess Mary stands in front of a painting of herself painted by artist Jiawei Shen at the Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Picture: Lukas Coch/Getty Images
Princess Mary stands in front of a painting of herself painted by artist Jiawei Shen at the Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Picture: Lukas Coch/Getty Images

 

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik during a tour of bushfire devastation in Winmalee, NSW. Rob Griffith/AP
Princess Mary and Prince Frederik during a tour of bushfire devastation in Winmalee, NSW. Rob Griffith/AP

 

The family pose for a photo whilst on a skiing holiday in Verbier, Switzerland. Picture: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
The family pose for a photo whilst on a skiing holiday in Verbier, Switzerland. Picture: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images

 

Sophie, then Countess of Wessex and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attend the second day of Royal Ascot in England. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Sophie, then Countess of Wessex and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attend the second day of Royal Ascot in England. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

 

Twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine in front of Amalienborg Castle on their first day of school. Picture: Liselotte Sabroe/AFP
Twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine in front of Amalienborg Castle on their first day of school. Picture: Liselotte Sabroe/AFP

 

The family mourn the loss of Queen Margrethe’s husband, Prince Henrik. Picture: Ole Jensen/Getty Images
The family mourn the loss of Queen Margrethe’s husband, Prince Henrik. Picture: Ole Jensen/Getty Images

 

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appear on the balcony at Amalienborg Palace. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appear on the balcony at Amalienborg Palace. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

 

The family take part in a Royal Run for Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday in Copenhagen. Picture: Ole Jensen/Getty Images
The family take part in a Royal Run for Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday in Copenhagen. Picture: Ole Jensen/Getty Images

 

Queen Margrethe of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary share a moment. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Queen Margrethe of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary share a moment. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

 

Princess Mary cheers the Jackjumpers during the round 12 NBL match between the Tasmania Jackjumpers and New Zealand Breakers in Hobart. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images
Princess Mary cheers the Jackjumpers during the round 12 NBL match between the Tasmania Jackjumpers and New Zealand Breakers in Hobart. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

 

The whole family pose for a portrait during the confirmation of Princess Isabella in Denmark. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
The whole family pose for a portrait during the confirmation of Princess Isabella in Denmark. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

 

The couple in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra as part of a royal visit in February 2023. Picture: AFP
The couple in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra as part of a royal visit in February 2023. Picture: AFP

 

Rumours of an affair by Crown Prince Frederik have since rocked the couple, who have continued to put on a united front during public engagements. Picture: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
Rumours of an affair by Crown Prince Frederik have since rocked the couple, who have continued to put on a united front during public engagements. Picture: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/photos/from-pub-to-princess-the-tale-of-prince-frederik-and-mary-donaldson/news-story/7bd0fff297f23efb1e1e7dd621135e95