There’s something about Mary: How Australia plans to celebrate our Scandi Queen

When it comes to succession, the Danes are more subtle than Logan Roy and King Charles III, but Australians are set to mark our first royal with week long parties, a light show and a few hot dogs.

Danish Church of Australia chair Birgette Maibom with Katarina Easton-Berry and daughter Kiara. Picture: John Feder

Australia is set to celebrate its first queen with soirees befitting the sophisticated European royal with brunches, church services, picnics and the odd hot dog.

On Sunday evening in Australia, the Sydney real estate agent formerly known as Mary Elizabeth Donaldson will be crowned Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark alongside her husband King Frederik X. Her eldest son, Prince Christian, 18, will also be granted a promotion and become heir to the Danish throne.

The event will be low key by British royal standards. There will just be a simple signing of some paperwork after a special meeting, before Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will make the public proclamation of Frederik’s accession to the throne.

Whatever you do, don’t call it a coronation. This historic event is merely a succession of the Danish throne; a farewell to a beloved monarch and a welcome to an equally admired new queen.

“It is the first time in nearly 900 years that an abdication has taken place in Denmark. The Danish people will say a heartfelt goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, who has been a beloved anchor and a gathering figure for Denmark,” Danish ambassador Pernille Dahler Kardel told The Weekend Australian.

Imogen Hollings and Ray Balisoro at The Slip Inn in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“Australian-born Crown Princess Mary has gained the love and respect by the Danes. Not only for her personality, but also for the many different agendas that she has engaged in. The marriage has tied our two countries even closer together. I congratulate the new King and Queen of Denmark on their reign and look forward to support them in their new and exciting role as Head of State of Denmark.”

The embassy will open a physical and virtual book of congratulations from Monday.

Australian DNA infiltrating one of the oldest monarchies in the world is cause for huge celebration down under, at least.

Sydney will celebrate like it’s 2000 again. The Slip Inn bar – where Mary met “just Fred” during the Olympics – will celebrate from Saturday, with the bar flying the Danish flag, bunting and adorning its drinking halls with daisies – Denmark’s national flower.

Danish beer will flow all weekend and into Monday, so too will a special cocktail called “There’s Something About Mary” that will contain the Nordic spirit aquavit (if you’re a fan of dill, get in early as stocks are limited of this imported tipple).

Hot dogs smothered in remoulade – the street polse is the unofficial national dish of Denmark – will keep royal fans sated while they take turns posing for photos on makeshift thrones erected inside.

Hobart’s Tasman Bridge will be lit up red and white on Sunday. “It’s not every day that a Tasmanian becomes a queen,” Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockcliff said.

For Australian-based Danes, the Danish Club of Australia will transform Kembla Grange’s Integral Energy Park into a mini Copenhagen with flags and guests encouraged to dress as princes, princesses and Vikings.

The Danish Church of Australia will replay the broadcast of the succession on Sunday, January 21, during a special brunch.

It's not every day that a Tasmanian becomes a Queen.

So on Sunday night, we'll be lighting the Tasman Bridge red and white to celebrate our very own Princess Mary, as she becomes Queen of Denmark ❤️🤍

📸 Luke O'Brien Photography pic.twitter.com/IZ57q9o8v6

— Jeremy Rockliff (@jeremyrockliff) January 11, 2024

“Queen Margrethe was a mother figure for the whole nation, but her decision to step down is an admirable one, one that will modernise the monarchy. Prince Frederik and Mary are perfect role models,” Danish Church chairwoman Birgitte Maibom said.