Princess Mary in Tasmania: Royal family thrills fans at JackJumpers basketball game
Princess Mary has stepped out to cheer on a favourite Tassie team on her break in Hobart. See the pictures. >>
Tasmania
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The JackJumpers enjoyed a royal stamp of approval as Crown Princess Mary of Denmark joined an enthusiastic crowd to cheer on the Tasmanian NBL side in the Boxing Day game against New Zealand Breakers.
Sporting a JackJumpers scarf over a chic white blazer and linen pants, she enthusiastically cheered the team on to their first point chanting “March, march, march” with the crowd from a corporate box.
Mary was joined by husband Crown Prince Frederik and her children Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine who attended the game in a separate corporate box.
The Danish Royal family were special guests of the JackJumpers and arrived at their seats to find personalised JackJumpers jerseys signed by the team.
A JackJumpers fan who met the princess said she was “so lovely and nice”.
“She spoke to us about the last time she watched the Hobart Devils at Kingborough Sports Centre,” the fan said.
“She was so personable and seemed so down to earth.”
Another fan, who got a photo with the princess at the end of the evening said she seemed to enjoy the game.
“She had a big smile on her face when everyone won Hungry Jack’s burgers,” the fan said.
“I secretly think she was impressed by the fan base here.”
The crowd was visibly excited by the guests of honour, and cheered when footage of Mary and her extended family flashed on the jumbotron.
Jimmy Smith, JackJumpers presenter and one half of radio duo Jimmy and Nath had the opportunity to meet the Danish Royals after the game, describing them as “very generous with their time” as they took photos and met players and punters after the game.
“They said they had a great time and couldn’t believe the atmosphere, or that three to four thousand people could make that much noise,” he said.
Smith also said Prince Christian had asked to meet the radio duo who didn’t realise who he was initially, until he mentioned his mum, Mary.
“They don’t really watch any basketball at all, the two big sports over there are soccer and tennis and he hadn’t been to a basketball game before, he said he really enjoyed it and wanted to come down, and have a chat and ask us about it,” he said.
Adding that Prince Christian was surprised at how “casual and nice” everyone had been in Tasmania.
“He said his mum has been loving being at home, seeing family and friends,” Mr Smith said.
The royal family were special guests of the JackJumpers and arrived at their seats to find personalised JackJumpers jerseys signed by the team.
A spokesperson from the Tasmanian JackJumpers said they were delighted to host the Royal family and guests.
“The Royal family’s interest and attendance is a testament to the quality of the League and the impact of the JackJumpers on the Tasmanian community,” the spokesperson said.
“Members of the Royal family told club officials that they thoroughly enjoyed the game day spectacle and look forward to attending a JackJumpers game again in the future.”
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