King Frederik and Queen Mary stun during three-day state visit to France
Queen Mary and King Frederik established even closer ties with Emmanuel Macron amid heightened tensions in Europe. See pictures.
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Queen Mary and King Frederik are on their way home to Denmark after a spectacular state visit to Paris which included visits to Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower as well as a cruise down the Seine.
The Tasmanian-born Queen proved very popular in France with throngs of onlookers lining up to catch a glimpse of the beautiful royal.
The visit – which the Danish Palace cited took place to celebrate the “strong co-operation between Denmark and France” – was considered a particular success given the shadow of the tensions between Denmark and America over President Donald Trump’s wish to annex Danish territory Greenland.
France will deliver several hundred Mistral surface-to-air missiles to Denmark, the Elysee Palace said after King Frederik X and President Emmanuel Macron pledged a share commitment to a “stronger” Europe.
Denmark has in recent months been seeking European backing to counter Mr Trump’s threats over Greenland.
A framework agreement signed during King Frederik X’s first state visit to France foresees “the supply of 250 to 1000 Mistral 3 missiles,” the Elysee said, without further details.
“Today we mark … a shared commitment to create a stronger and more resilient Europe for the future,” King Frederik X said in English, speaking at a Franco-Danish economic forum.
Macron said Denmark could count on France.
“When the winds are blowing hard in Denmark, France is there,” he said.
“When times are tough, we stand side-by-side.”
Denmark, generally perceived as an ally of Washington, has been seeking to ramp up ties with France and boost European security.
“Close co-operation with France is absolutely necessary in times of war in Europe and in a constantly changing security situation,” the Danish defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said in Paris.
“Strengthening the European defence industry is crucial for the success of the ongoing rearmament,” he added.
The Mistral 3 is a short-range surface-to-air defence missile used against all types of targets, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.
MARY, QUEEN OF PARIS
Queen Mary was the epitome of grace as she wore a timeless black gown by Italian label, Taller Marmo on day two of her spectacular state visit to Paris.
However it was the exquisite bracelet on her wrist which turned the most heads.
The 175-year-old gold and diamond bracelet originally belonged to Queen Louise of Sweden-Norway who received it as a gift from her future husband Karl XV of Sweden upon their engagement in 1850.
After spending the day enjoying the sights Mary, wife of King Frederik of Denmark, threw a glittering party of her own at Le Grand Hotel to thank her French hosts for their hospitality.
Guests at the dinner were treated to an authentic Danish menu as well as an evening of Denmark’s best music and ballet.
Earlier, Mary visited Ecole Maternelle Dussoubs with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron to encourage the students, aged three to six, to participate in The Mary Foundation’s Free of Bullying program.
She handed out little purple teddy bears as she rolled out her anti-bullying program in the French public preschool.
The royals are in Paris on day two of a three-day state visit at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
Today’s itinerary began with a visit to the historic tapestry weaving factory Manufacture des Gobelins which has been working on 16 gobelin tapestries that were commissioned by Denmark for Koldinghus Museum in 2018.
The King and Queen helped cut the tapestries down from the weaving loom so they can be exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris before they are moved to Koldinghus.
They then helped open the economic forum France-Denmark: A European Partnership for a Resilient Future and met with France’s prime minister, François Bayrou.
Frederik and Mary lunched with politicians, met with companies in the defence, health and green energy sectors.
“Through speeches, meetings and art, the Danish-French co-operation is strengthened during the state visit in Paris,” a statement from the Palace reads.
Tomorrow, the King and Queen will meet the Mayor of Paris and visit the recently reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral and the National Assembly.
SOMETHING MISSING AS MARY AND FRED ARRIVE IN FRANCE
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed former Tasmanian Queen Mary and her husband King Frederik for a three-day state visit to Paris.
Mary attended the gala ceremony sans tiara following a precedent set by other Queens on recent visits – including Britain’s Camilla who visited France at King Charles’ side in 2023 without wearing one.
The French did away with their white-tie and tiara dress code in the early 2000s.
Last year Queen Mathilde of Belgium also visited tiara-less.
The Danish royals received a dazzling welcome from the French as they walked arm in arm during an impressive military ceremony which spilt out on to the streets of Paris.
“Under the brilliant Parisian sky, the Royal Couple was officially received at Les Invalides, where President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron welcomed (them) during a military ceremony,” the Danish Palace said in a statement.
“Escorted by La Garde Républicaine through the streets of the city, the Royal Couple arrived at the Élysée Palace, where the Presidential Couple received.
“In the historic salons, gifts and orders were exchanged, before an audience focused on the strong co-operation between Denmark and France.”
Queen Mary wore a stunning cream tailored outfit for the military ceremony before changing into a flowing white top and floral skirt for the evening where they enjoyed a gala dinner.
The Palace added President Macron invited the King and Queen “to strengthen the close historical and bilateral relations between the two countries.”
“Denmark and France have long been allies and The Royal Family has a special familial bond to France,” the statement read, adding Denmark’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde as well as Minister of Climate, Energy and Supply Lars Aagaard were also on the trip.
The visit comes as Denmark is looking to strengthen their bonds with allies amid US tensions over Danish territory Greenland.
American President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his wish to annex the island and even sent Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha there last week despite being uninvited.
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