Queen Mary and King Frederik embrace as they set sail

Australia’s Queen Mary and King Frederik have put aside speculation surrounding their marriage as they set sail.

Queen Mary and King Frederik shared a sweet PDA moment as they continued a “special royal tradition”.

The couple boarded the Royal Yacht Dannebrog on Thursday local time to kick off the first summer sailing season as King and Queen.

Mary, 52, and Frederik, 55, smiled and waved at onlookers as the ship set sail and at one point the couple wrapped their arms around each other, putting aside speculation surrounding their marriage.

Frederik and Mary put their arms around each other on board the Royal Yacht Dannebrog.

The Tasmanian-born royal looked stunning in navy and white polka dot dress and chunky white headpiece.

Likewise, the King looked dashing in a formal navy uniform.

“Denmark showed itself from its beautiful side, when the Royal Ship Dannebrog circled Kronborg Castle in Helsingør earlier today.,” the Danish Royal House explained.

King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark pose before boarding the Royal Ship Dannebrog from Nordre Toldbod waterfront in Copenhagen. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

“For 92 years, the Royal Ship Dannebrog has served as the official and private residence for Christian 10, Frederick the 9th and Her Majesty Queen Margrethe,” the caption continued.

“Today, Their Majesties The King and Queen continued this tradition as they began their first sailing season as a royal couple at noon.”

The couple appeared relaxed and happy

The ship is expected to serve as Mary and Frederik’s residence during their trip to Sweden and Norway.

The couple’s first state visit as King and Queen is scheduled to take place May 6 through May 7 in Sweden.

Mary and Frederik warmly engaged with the crowd. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Mary is welcomed by wellwishers upon arrival aboard the Royal Ship Dannebrog at Kongekajen in Helsingoer Harbor, Denmark. Picture: Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine’s parents will then travel to Norway for a state visit from May 14 until May 15.

Mary and Frederik will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on May 14 – exactly four months after Frederik ascended the throne.

Queen Mary is given flowers by Petra Bruun Funch as she attends the Presentation of Grants from The Crown Princess Mary Scholarship at the University in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the same day as the ship ceremony. Picture: Getty Images

The public show of affection comes just months after photos were published in Spanish magazine Lecturas of Frederik’s night out in Madrid with glamorous Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

Following the publication of the photos, Ms Casanova issued a furious denial of suggestions that there was any romantic relationship between herself and the monarch.

The scandal came shortly before the abdication of King Frederik ’s mother, Queen Margrethe, paving the way for her son and Tasmanian-born daughter-in-law to take the throne.

Mary looked stunning in navy and white. Picture: Getty Images

‘SOMEWHAT STIFF’: SIGNS IN MARY AND FREDERIK PHOTO

Australia’s Queen Mary has posed with King Frederik in a happy family snap a day after becoming embroiled in accusations their official royal portrait was photoshopped.

The Danish monarchs celebrated the 80th birthday of Frederik’s aunt Princess Benedikte at Frederik VIII’s Palace in Amalienborg.

In a family portrait shared on Mary and Frederik’s official Instagram page, Queen Margrethe, 84, sits beside her two younger sisters Princess Benedikte and Queen Anne Marie of Greece, 77.

King Frederick and Queen Mary hosted a birthday lunch for Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte and family in Amalienborg. Picture: Instagram/ The Danish Royal House

Positioned in the centre, Frederik and Mary appear relaxed as they smile for the camera surrounded by fellow royals.

Dr Louise Mahler, prominent Australian body language and communication expert, has offered her professional opinion.

“Whilst this is a rather posed family portrait with Mary turned slightly towards Frederick who is smiling broadly, there are some giveaways with Mary seeming somewhat stiff.

“Her smile is only half a smile with her jaw released and lips separate and her eyes showing no emotion, making it only half a genuine Duchene (or genuine) smile.”

“Mary’s left hand, which is visible, is somewhat stiff, holding her thumb distant from the other fingers which is a giveaway of some bodily tension.”

“Suffice to say, I’ve seen her look happier.”

The family portrait comes as fans of the Australian-born royal had questioned whether the image of Mary standing alongside her husband in regal dress earlier this week was manipulated.

The official portrait of Queen Mary and King Frederik, released last week, has come under scrutiny. Picture: Steen Evald

Some claiming the image was two single portraits photoshopped together.

In the photo, Queen Mary wears an emerald velvet gown adorned with the Order of the Elephant as she stands beside her husband.

Single portraits of the couple from the same sitting were also released.

The stunning single portrait of Queen Mary. Picture: Steen Evald

King Frederik’s new official portrait. Picture: Steen Evald

The images were taken by long-time royal photographer Steen Evald in the Green Room in the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.

Fans took to Instagram to comment after the official portrait was posted on the Danish royal family’s Instagram account.

Queen Mary of Denmark smiles as she inaugurates the hiking trail in Hannenov Forest last week. Picture: AFP

One wrote: “Was this photoshopped? I mean it looks like they were photographed separately then put together? Mary looks exquisite and Frederik, well the king looks like he just rolled out of bed.”

“Beautiful photo, but another digitally enhanced royal photo,” one woman commented.

Another fan said: “Oh she looks beautiful, but so tense! Something’s not right.”

The royal couple attend the opening of an exhibition celebrating the King’s life at the Amalienborg Museum. Picture: Getty Images

Others pointed out the placement of Queen Mary’s hand in front of King Frederik’s.

“It looks like Queen Mary has been put into the photo of Fred. The hand position is identical,” said one fan.

Another commented on the body language between the royals.

“That’s one chilly looking Mary. I don’t think she’s all that wild about having to stand that close to Freddy!”

The Danish palace has since confirmed the official picture is real with the place saying, “the Royal House’s official gala portrait has not been manipulated.”

Originally published as Queen Mary and King Frederik embrace as they set sail