Fred & Mary King & Queen At Last!

Denmark celebrates as Queen Margrethe hands over the throne to her son and Aussie daughter-in-law

It’s a sight Denmark hasn’t seen since Australian Mary Donaldson married into the royal family in a wedding like no other back in 2004. Last week, Danish flags lined the streets once more as thousands flocked to Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, this time to welcome Mary – now arguably the hardest working and most loved member of the Danish royal family – as their new queen.

As the Tasmanian-born royal celebrated her husband Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday in a lavish week-long party, royal watchers and the public alike were also celebrating a new era – with the palace all but confirming Fred and Mary are finally set to take the throne in a matter of weeks.

Word out of Denmark is that Fred’s mother Queen Margrethe is busy preparing for her abdication in mid-August, handing the throne to the next generation. It’s why Margrethe, 78, has gone to such extravagant lengths to celebrate her son’s milestone birthday, inviting the public to join the entire family in embracing their future king.

Royal watchers have been quick to point out there’s a noticeable gap in the royals’ calendar in August, and while last week’s celebrations are a big hint of what’s to come, many are tipping the family will choose to keep the tradition-breaking coronation a secret until the very last minute.