Queen Mary returned to her royal responsibilities on Wednesday after enjoying a private holiday with King Frederik and their four children during the Easter break.
The Danish royal, aged 52, appeared graceful in an all-navy outfit paired with a matching fedora-style hat as she commemorated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Home Guard in Churchillparken, Copenhagen. However, tragedy struck on the eve of the public event with the passing of a female soldier on night duty in the park.
According to Danish newspaper Billed Bladet, the Home Guard soldier passed away due to a cardiac arrest.
As Queen Mary took to the podium to address military personnel, she paid tribute to the servicewoman, saying: “For 75 years, the Home Guard has created security and safety for the Danes. It is a day we want to celebrate, but before I go any further, I would also like to express my deepest sympathies to those bereaved by last night’s tragic death.”
Following the presentation of service medals to soldiers, Her Majesty proceeded to visit the nearby Freedom Museum. Mary shares a strong connection with the Home Guard, having finished her military training with the regiment in 2008. Her rank within the Home Guard progressed from First Lieutenant in 2015 to Captain in 2019, and she was honored with the title of Honorary Major in 2023.
The Australian-born royal gained rapid popularity among the Danish people following her engagement to Crown Prince Frederik in 2003.
Mary, a former advertising executive, swiftly learned the language shortly after meeting Frederik at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and developed a close bond with her mother-in-law, Queen Margrethe.
Since her marriage to Frederik at Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004, Mary has made significant contributions through her advocacy for mental health, women’s rights, and efforts to combat bullying, domestic abuse, and social isolation.
