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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - MAY 26: Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appear on the balcony as the Royal Life Guards carry out the changing of the guard on Amalienborg Palace square on the occasion of the 50th birthday of The Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark on May 26, 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

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

Olivia Harris
1 min read·November 10, 2023 - 1:55PM
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.ntnews.com.au/news/photos/from-pub-to-princess-the-tale-of-prince-frederik-and-mary-donaldson/news-story/7bd0fff297f23efb1e1e7dd621135e95