Queen Mary under fire over Olympics appearance

The Australian-born Queen Mary has come under fire after she brought along two of her close pals to the Olympics in Paris.

Queen Mary has been criticised over her decision to accept free passes to the Paris Olympics for herself and her close pals.

Queen Mary and King Frederik were given four passes to the Paris games, courtesy of the International Olympics Committee.

Jesper Olsen, the chairman of Transparency International, an organisation that works to fight bribery and corruption, has told the Mail Online that he believes Mary is out of line for accepting such a gift.

Danish Queen Mary of Denmark reacts during the handball match Denmark vs. Sweden of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the South Paris Arena 6 in Paris, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT

Olsen told Mail Online that while accepting the tickets for herself and her husband is acceptable, he said that changed when she gave two further passes to her friends Malou Skeel and Helle Trolle.

According to the palace’s policy, the royals “cannot accept gifts from private companies”.

“When they (the spare tickets) are given to friends, Queen Mary stops being at work. The tickets turn into gifts,” he said.

However, the palace had previously made clear that Mary’s visit to the Games was more of a “private” occasion, which is why it wasn’t ever marked on the royal calendar, even though she was there to congratulate the Danish dressage riders when they won team silver.

Queen Mary also congratulated Aussie swimmers while she was at the Games.

The Australian-born Queen showed her support for the relay swimmers after they snatched up a gold medal. Mollie O’Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus, Katie Ledecky, and Brianna Throssel won the 4x200m freestyle relay race. Picture: 9 NEWS

The Tasmanian-born Queen showed her support for the relay swimmers after they won a gold medal.

Mollie O’Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus, Lani Pallister and Brianna Throssell won the 4x200m freestyle relay race.

Queen Mary delivered a “royal hug” after the win and even opted to take selfies with the winners.

“A gold medal in Paris and a royal hug. Does it get any better!” Karl Stefanovic said on the Today show..

Both Queen Mary and Titmus were born in Tasmania.

“And at the end of the day, it’s two Tasmanians. Look at her taking photos on her phone, I love this, this is such a special moment,” Sarah Abo added.

Stefanovic also said “it’s not every day you get a Queen getting a selfie with you”.

“That is just stunning. We know Queen Mary’s presence has been felt. She was in the athletes village with Team Australia taking those selfies and hugging the athletes,” Abo said.

Despite it not being an “official” royal visit to the Games, Queen Mary was still making sure to do the rounds, having also paid a visit to the Australian Olympic team before the opening ceremony.

Originally published as Queen Mary under fire over Olympics appearance