Jessica Mauboy meets Princess Mary and children backstage ahead of Eurovision Song Contest

AN excited pop Princess Jessica Mauboy had her first brush with royalty - Princess Mary and her children - backstage at the Eurovision Song Contest.

AUSTRALIAN pop princess Jessica Mauboy met her royal fans Crown Princess Mary and her children Prince Christian and Princess Isabella ahead of her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest today.

“That just happened, my first meeting with royalty,” an excited Mauboy said after the meet and greet outside her dressing room.

The singer was given a crash course in protocol by last year’s contest winner Emmelie de Forest, who was also part of the brief reception.

Mauboy said Princess Mary made her feel relaxed, welcoming her to Cophenhagen and asking how the rehearsals had been progressing.

“She let me know she was coming to the performance with the Prince and was looking forward to hearing my song,” Mauboy said.

“She was so relaxed, very easy to relate to and talk to.”

Royal touch ... Jessica Mauboy greets Princess Mary backstage. Picture: Mike Cardillo

With the children politely standing by, the women also talked about the joys and perils of bike riding around the Danish capital.

Mauboy said knowing the Australian-born Princess would be watching her performance of Sea Of Flags had calmed some of her nerves.

“I think it’s comforting to know she will understand the meaning of the song and our culture. it takes the pressure off a little bit.”

Last year’s winner De Forrest took Mauboy through the paces of meeting Danish royalty before the arrival of Princess Mary and her two children.

Sea Of Flags written by The Potbelleez Ilan Kidron and producer Stuart Crichton reflects not only Mauboy’s indigenous culture but also the Eurovision tradition of waving flags in support of the competing countries.

Dressed for rehearsal ... Jessica Mauboy performs at a dress rehearsal the day before the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, Denmark. Picture: Getty

Her performance is preceded by a hilariously kitsch video which tows Australia to the European west coast in an attempt to qualify to compete.

But it could be Mauboy’s performance which proves the difference with some serious lobbying going on behind the scenes to have us welcomed into the annual song contest.

Some media commentators at the event suggest our British connections via the Commonwealth could also ease Australia’s quest to get on that over the top stage.

Catch her full performance on SBS on Saturday from 7.30pm.

Originally published as Jessica Mauboy meets Princess Mary and children backstage ahead of Eurovision Song Contest