Fans spot hidden clue in new Queen Mary portrait

Eagle-eyed fans spotted a key detail in the new picture of the Aussie-born royal, a year on from claims of issues in her marriage.

IN LONDON

A subtle detail in the latest civilian portrait of Australian-born Queen Mary appears to have sent a firm message to royal watchers.

The Danish queen wore a stunning cream boat-neck dress as she posed for the brand new images, which featured a solo shot as well as another alongside her husband, King Frederik.

They were taken at Frederik VIII’s Palace in Amalienborg.

Amid all the regal glamour, it was Mary’s delicate necklace that got people talking, as it featured a tiny “F”- a nod to her husband of 20 years.

A new official royal portrait of Queen Mary of Denmark. Picture: Supplied

Speaking to Danish news outlet B.T’s podcast., expert Emma Paaske explained how it sent a clear message about the couple’s relationship following allegations about issues within their marriage late last year.

“[Queen Mary] has the necklace with an F in it, so it is very clear that her loyalty lies with Frederik,” the royal house commentator said.

Eagle-eyed royal watchers also noted that the Queen was standing in front of Frederik in their joint picture, while they were shoulder-to-shoulder in their official gala portraits earlier this year.

King Frederik and Queen Mary pose in their new joint portrait. Picture: Supplied

“The gala portraits are a little more formal, so here you put more emphasis on who is the head of state, because they are official pictures that have to hang around,” royal house expert Lars Hovbakke Sørensen told B.T.

“With the civilian portraits, more emphasis is placed on personal, civilian life and not on one’s roles.

“That is why they stick to the more classic, old-fashioned gender roles, and here it is typical that the ladies are ahead of the men.”

The new royal portraits came just a few days before the Danish queen took to the royal family’s official Instagram page with a personal message about her new project.

Sharing a picture of herself sitting on a cream-coloured couch, looking typically chic in an all-black outfit, Mary wrote that she was “extremely excited” to be listening to a podcast.

Queen Mary announced the launch of a podcast about “loneliness” among young people. Picture: Instagram

“Some days I’m in the mood for entertainment and other days I use it to gain knowledge and new input,” she wrote.

“That is why I am also proud that we have now thrown ourselves into making a podcast in the Mary Foundation.

“Our first podcast is called ‘Lonely youth’, and through three short episodes it gives a thorough insight into the nuances of loneliness by mixing expertise and personal stories from young people.

“We know from the study ‘Loneliness in Denmark’ that 73 per cent of 16-19 year olds experience loneliness, whether they are alone or with others. At the same time, 17 per cent of 16-24 year olds feel very lonely.

“These are heavy numbers that we need to do something about. A podcast is not something we much experience with yet in the Mary Foundation, but I hope you will listen and feel welcome.”

The then-Princess Mary launched her organisation in 2007 in a bid to make society more inclusive and reach those who experience loneliness.

The royal has hit the ground running as Queen. Picture: Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images

According to the Foundation’s official website, the Tasmanian-born royal “has always been particularly conscious of the people who are not part of a group, people who feel lonely and are unable to understand why they are excluded from the community.”

In May this year, just months after ascending the Danish throne alongside her husband, Mary admitted in an interview to feeling “overwhelmed” at times.

“It is very new and there are many changes and decisions,” she said of the pair becoming the country’s rulers, before gushing over the moment her husband had been 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,” Mary said of the momentous occasion.

“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.”