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Danish royals to tour Faroe Islands

The Danish royals have made a big announcement in the wake of Australian born Queen Mary of Denmark pulling out of an engagement at the 11th hour due to an undisclosed illness.

Queen Mary suffering from a mystery illness

Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark have announced they will be touring the Faroe Islands for the first time since assuming their new titles.

The couple previously visited in 2018 before taking the throne.

The upcoming tour, which will take place in June, came as a relief to fans of the Aussie born Queen who were concerned after she uncharacteristically bowed out of a commitment to attend the Danish Heart Association’s events in Cophenhagen at the last minute, citing an unnamed illness.

“Their Majesties The King and Queen will visit the Faroe Islands the days of 11-13 June 2025,” an announcement from the Palace reads.

“Prime Minister Aksel V Johannesen hosts Their Majesties’ first official visit, which was to have been carried out in connection with the cruise of the Realm in June 2024.

“The King and Queen will visit Tórshavn, Vágur, Fámjin, Tvøroyri and Eiði. Here, The King and Queen will have the opportunity to revisit many sides of Faroese society and greet Faroese Islanders of all ages.”

Village of Mikladalur located on the island of Kalsoy, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Village of Mikladalur located on the island of Kalsoy, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands.
Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous Danish territory comprised of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Debates about seeking independence from Denmark have raged over the years with plans for a referendum on the subject shelved in 2001.

Speaking on Queen Mary’s inability to attend the Heat Association events, the Danish Royal House’s Communications Department stated, “Her Majesty the Queen, like many others right now, has become ill, and therefore unfortunately cannot participate in the Heart Association’s award ceremony.”

Queen Mary of Denmark has been forced to cancel royal engagements after being struck down with an undisclosed illness. Picture: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP
Queen Mary of Denmark has been forced to cancel royal engagements after being struck down with an undisclosed illness. Picture: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

On the Royal Family’s official Instagram account, the Queen posted a touching message to those who had sent well wishes.

The post was accompanied by a picture of a get-well card and flowers sent by young twin girls Alma and Ellen, who she had met at the Heart Association awards.

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” the Queen wrote.

“What a lovely surprise to receive this bouquet and drawings, even though illness prevented me from participating in the Danish Heart Association’s event ‘Together for the Heart.’

“I had been looking forward to presenting the Heart Award together with the heart children Alma and Ellen and to meeting some of the young people living with heart disease.

“Hopefully we can meet another time.”

She also congratulated the healthcare workers at the heart clinics which received the Heart Award 2025 and thanked them and “all those who make a difference in the field of heart every day.”

Originally published as Danish royals to tour Faroe Islands

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/queen-mary-struck-down-by-mystery-illness/news-story/7f691eeebb1b0455c984b4390443ba07