Gala dinner at Fredensborg Palace

Friday, January 29th

Queen Margrethe hosted a gala dinner for naval officers, which took place at Fredensborg Palace. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary also attended the dinner. 


After attendeding the presentation of the Women's Board Award 2016, here, earlier in the afternoon the Crown Princess accompanied her husband at a gala dinner at Fredensborg Palace. The dinner is a tradition and is hosted by Queen Margrethe. The Queen also host dinner's for the Army, Navy and a third for the Air Force. This is her way to thank them for protecting Denmark. This year, 20 officers of the Navy with a admiral- or commander degree were invited to Fredensborg Palace to attend the gala dinner. A few years ago the Crown Prince appointed Rear Admiral and was among equals at the dinner. Fish and mushroom sauce were served with wine from Chateau du Cayx in France. During the dinner music was played by the Royal Guard.

Only very few pictures have been published from the dinner at Fredensborg. Nevertheless, I have a little to go on. Mary was dressed in one of her old Alexander McQueen (Collection: Fall 2004 RTW) gowns in a wonderful purple colour. Never a dress I would have chosen myself, but Mary makes it look absolutely great. Every time. Her rather slim figure beautifully shows and the colour looks splendid on her, because of her fair skin and dark hair. She wore the gown first in 2005, when attending a gala dinner at Kronborg Castle hosted by the Netherlands to celebrate the 400 year diplomatic collaboration between the Netherlands and Denmark, here. To match the rest of the outfit, Mary dazzled wearing a purple satin clutch from Prada and matching purple earrings. These have never been identified. Maybe purchased on auction or inherited? Kate noticed a pair of purple pumps as well and located them as the same worn at the opening of the Danish Parliament in 2014, here. Since then I have tried to figure out who designed them. But I still not know. I would really much like to find them and maybe can help me? I would also very much have liked to see a close-up of her hairstyle. I think it was beautiful.

Dress: Alexander McQueen Purple Jersey Gown
Clutch: Prada Black Satin Box Clutch

The Women's Board Award 2016

Friday, January 29th

Crown Princess Mary attended the presentation of the Women's Board Award 2016, here, taking place in DeloitteHuset, Copenhagen.

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It is the third time the Crown Princess is present at the presentation of the Women's Board Award. It focuses on skills, not gender. The Women's Board Award launched in 2014 and is inspired by the Norwegian Gabrielsen Award with same focus -skills, not gender. This is a great way for the Crown Princess to show her support on gender equality, though she can't comment on political matter. But somehow she manages to find a balance on what to say; and when to say it. All 200 special invited guests were welcomed by two former winners, Eva Berneke CEO of KMD and Merete Eldrup CEO at TV2. The two of them also gave each their impressive speech. When Merete Eldrup was given the award in 2015, the Crown Princess was the one handing over the award to her. The Crown Princess herself also entered the stage and justified why the jury had chosen Lene Skole, CEO of Lundbeck Foundation as this years winner of the Women's Board Award. In both Danish and English she pointed out how important it is improve possibilities for female leaders and inspire women to reach higher in life.
Mary appeared wearing a grey tweed dress at the presentation of the Women's Board Award 2016. the dress features a beautiful white collar and black belt. She wore it for the first time with powder pink T-strap pumps when visiting the Netherlands in 2015. Here she attended the Global Network of Women's Shelters' Conference, here. At that time it was told to be from Miu Miu, but with some help from Heaven it has now been identified as Prada. I feel almost in love with her dress. So classy and edgy at the same time. Also the Prada pumps are a reuse from when Mary attended the presentation of the Heart Association's Research Award, here. Think they are a way better match with her tweed dress. Grey and burgundy just makes a great outfit. She accessorized her outfit with a pair of Hartmann's diamond earrings and one of her bracelets from Marianne Dulong. Not to forget that stunning burgundy nail polish. To match both shoes and nail polish she added a new suede clutch, which I'm pretty sure is form Hugo Boss, to makes the outfit look even better. I wouldn't mind wearing this outfit myself. Any time a day. Any time a year. I am simply stunned.

Earrings: Hartmann's
Dress: Prada Grey Dress w. White Collar
Bracelet: Marianne Dulong Anello Pearl Bracelet
Clutch: Hugo Boss Purple Clutch

New Year Reception with the Women Deliver Committee

Thursday, January 28th

As patron of the Women Deliver conference 2016, here, Crown Princess Mary attended a New Year reception with the Women Deliver Committee, here, in Copenhagen.

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We really haven't seen the Crown Princess much lately. Not since beginning of December before she traveled to Australia to celebrate Christmas with her family. After a few New Year receptions and a presentation of the Heart Association's Research Scholarship at Hotel d'Angleterre, here, we haven't seen her since. Maybe she has been preparing for yesterday's event? Here she attended a New Year reception with members of the Women Deliver Committee, who right now is organizing the occurring Wd2016 taking place in Copenhagen from May 16-19th. Lots of high level speakers have already announced their arrival for Wd2016 and every little detail has to be planned because more than 5,000 globals leaders will arrive to Copenhagen. The Crown Princess has by chosen patron of the conference by the committee. She was accompanied by, among others, Minister for Children, Education and Gender Equality Ellen Trane Nørby, Minister of Culture Bertel Haarder and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen. As the first speaker Kristian Jensen arrived a little late because of a previous meeting at Christansborg. Despite the delay, he was in a really great mood such as the Crown Princess. In his speech he praised her highly because of her commitment to the world's largest women's conference and their work.

First thing that hit me about yesterday's outfit was how much it looks like something Princess Marie would wear. I am not quite sure what to think about the combination. A simple outfit with minimal accessories is the best way to describe Mary's look from when she attended the reception. She embraced a rather minimalistic style by wearing slim black trousers and a grey blouse featuring sequin or rhinestone. The blouse is differently new. So far I have had no lucky identifying it. I tried designers like By Malene Birger, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen and 2nd Day. A detail I really like it the fact that she wore a red nail polish and a pair of old pearl earrings from Marianne Dulong. These go way back and we haven't seen them for quite some time. The lack of pictures makes it almost impossible for me to tell if she wore other accessories other than Gianviro Rossi pumps. I guess she must have worn a coat when arriving.

Earrings: Marianne Dulong Ocean Earrings
Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Black Patent Pointed Pumps

New Year's outfits as drawings

I am sure we all adored all of her three New Year reception outfit's -the stunning midnight blue velvet gown by Jesper Høvring, here, the elegant white down by Birgit Hallstein, here, and deep blue reused gown featuring a brand new altered neckline, here. Don't think I would be able to pick a winner. All three gowns are incredibly stunning and she wore them beautifully. Each one of them has its own personality.

I made an ally with Inge. Do you remember her? She is the woman from the 4th obsession post, here. She is the one with all the magnificent drawings. Inge shared her three drawings of the New Year's outfits and now I would like you to tell me which one you like the most. I know it is hard to chose. But take a close look and share your vote. Which one is going to be the winner -1, 2 or 3?

UpdateI have the feeling that you really liked those drawings, am I right? There was no doubt in your mind, which dress should be the winner. Because over 45% of the votes goes to her midnight blue velvet gown by Jesper Høvring that features the dazzling beaded skirt. And yes, it is indeed stunning.


1          2.    3.

Documentary: Mary and Mikkel Against Bullying

It is no secret that the Crown Princess has been working against bullying for many years now. From the second the Mary Foundation -H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary's Foundation was established in 2007 it have been on their agenda to fight against bullying. The past few years her work has become much more intense and the Mary Foundation is now also collaborating with many more companies, organizations and foundations in the fight to help children to get a better life without bullying. 

In 2015 she began working for the welfare of children in their leisure time and in spare time activities. Spare time activities, which should help develop children's social skills, can have the opposite effect. The children can feel lonely and not part of the group. This is one way the Crown Princess uses her voice; to make sure more children get comfortable and find it a pleasure to participate in spare time activities. The project Klubfidusen is already trying to combat the bad social environment among children in football clubs in Denmark. The clubs gets tools and special developed material to learn the children how to get new friends and take action if they see or experience bullying.

A few days ago the Mary Foundation announced that they will be working with MH24 and MH24 - the association Mikkel Against Bullying to strengthen the well-being among kids in children's handball clubs in Denmark. Handball player Mikkel Hansen know everything about playing in a club and how difficult it sometimes can be. The Crown Princess and Mikkel Hansen now wants to improve the well-being in children's handball clubs because even though it's one of the most popular sports among children (6-12 year old) in Denmark, not everybody feel welcome. Along with MH24 it's planed that more companies will be involved in the project to develop a detailed welfare program which will be tested in clubs hopefully this year. On Tuesday at 9:25 pm. an interview will be broadcasted on TV2, where the Crown Princess and Mikkel Hansen tells much more about the project and solutions on how the problem may be solved.

I watched the documentary: It was a clearly moved Crown Princess, who participated the interview with Mikkel Hansen in the broadcast Tuesday evening. They both pointed out how important it is that we do something about social isolation in general, but also takes care of the consequences for instance bullying. Mikkel Hansen talks about how important he think it is as a public person to pay attention to issues like these. The Crown Princess was very responsive and emphasized that bullying occurs in many different places. Spare time activities are a new way to draw attention to the problem and she tells that she looks forward to working together with Mikkel Hansen and MH24 along with the Mary Foundation.

The Heart Association's Research Scholarship

Monday, January 11th

Crown Princess Mary attended the presentation of the Heart Association's Research Scholarship, here, at Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen.

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For a couple of days I have had no computer or no internet, which is why I haven't already made a post about her attendance at the presentation of the Heart Association's Research Scholarship. From the moment the Crown Princess arrived to the exclusive Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen, everyone noticed her splendid mood. She was welcomed with flowers, handshakes and lots of smiles. A group of children, whom she was later photographed with, also welcomed the Crown Princess with a unexpected hug. The Crown Princess also had a little chat with some of the 'heart children'. Heart children suffer from different kinds of heart diseases. As patron of the Heart Association she is the perfect person to hand over the prestige scholarships to the three winners. Three heart researchers -Majbritt Tang Svendsen, Jes Sandal Lindholt and Lars Idorn. Congratulations to all three of them with the very fine reward. Before handing over the scholarships she gave a remarkable speech. A speech that clearly impressed everyone. Among others she stated that it means a lot to her, to be part of the association's work.

I was really surprised by Mary's outfit at the presentation. The colour- and fabric combination are just unique. I adore how she matched that new burgundy skirt with a navy blouse, worn on a few other occasions. Turns out that the blouse is from Prada, though I was pretty sure Baum und Pferdgarten was the designer. I was wrong. Lurdes identified her new skirt as Alexander McQueen. Looks just great, especially with the matching suede pumps. Talking about shoes -these were quite complicated to find. Other dear friend helped me. Kate managed to find her two tone suede pumps at Prada and not Gianvito Rossi as I first thought. At first glance I did not really like two colours for the pumps, but Mary makes it work perfectly. She also embraced the outfit by wearing an expensive blue clutch from Quidam and new earrings. Once again Kate suggested a possible designer: Jewlscph. It has been confirmed by Mai Manniche (the founder of Jewlscph) on her Instagram, here. Aren't they just beautiful? Mary also matched the look with burgundy nail polish and her old Cartier watch. The watch comes with several different watchband's. So, have you fallen in love with her outfit as much as I have?

Blouse: Prada Pleated Blouse
Skirt: Alexander McQueen Fluted Crepe Midi Skirt Burgundy
Earrings: Jewlscph Elegant Drops w. Rubies
Watch: Cartier
Clutch: Quidam Grey Calfskin Clutch

Day 3. New Year reception at Christiansborg

Wednesday, January 6th

Queen Margrethe hosted the third and last new year reception at Christiansborg Palace for Officers from the Armed Forces and the Emergency Management Agency, I., II. and III. social class, and invited representatives of major union confederations and patronages. The Queen arrived by an 165 gold coach. The Crown Prince couple also attended the reception.

Program: Copenhagen
  • 9:00 am. Queen Margrethe drove from Amalienborg Castle to Christiansborg Palace in the gold coach.
  • Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary arrived to Christiansborg Palace.
  • 9:30 am. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary greeted Officers from the Armed Forces.
  • 10:00 am. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary greeted the Emergency Management Agency, social class I., II. 
  • 10:30 am. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary greeted the Emergency Management Agency, social class III. 
  • 12:30 pm. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary greeted the invited representatives of major union confederations and patronages.
  • 1:30 pm. Queen Margrethe drove from Christiansborg Palace to Amalienborg Castle in the gold coach.

As with the two first receptions I have been really excited about the last one held at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen. Each one of them are in some way special. On January 1st the biggest evening of them all are celebrated. On January 5th we get to see all the amazing and colourful national costumes when representatives from different countries are invited to a reception and on the 6th of January is tradition that Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik arrive to the reception in the 175 year old gold coach, you find my previous post about the coach. This year Queen Margrethe drove the gold coach by herself. In the meantime all the invited guests arrived, who were served a cop of coffee while waiting for the Queen. Last year I visited the palace with Mette from Royalista, who wrote about our visit, here. Magnificent rooms for a special occasions like this. The Crown Prince couple arrived shortly after the Queen. All of them made a elegant entrance.

Queen Margrethe reused her Jørgen Bender dress and matching blue jacket featuring brown fur, from the day before. A suit she has been wearing for many years on this occasions. Like her mother-in-law, Mary was beautifully dressed in a navy blue gown. At first I was sure we had never seen the dress before, but I was wrong. A good friend of mine reminded of her wearing it just a year ago on the exact same day, here. People tell that it is from Prada, but I am not yet convinced. Something is all wrong about that idea. Nor can I come with my own suggestions because I do not have any. Personally, I think it could be a custom made gown. I should have remembered that. Seems like I got confused because it has been altered around the necklace. Space has been made for her to wear that incredible Marianne Dulong necklace, last seen in October 2010, here. Do you remember the necklace? She embrace the style by wearing earrings, a bracelet and matching ring from the same designer. All featuring black pearls. Mary was also wearing the blue Order of the Elephant and a matching cashmere cape in more or less the same colour. Lurdes convinced me, it is the same as the one she wore then her mother-in-law celebrated her 75th birthday, here. What is your opinion? Unfortunately, I haven't been able to identify it. Black satin pumps from Prada and a blue clutch from Quidam completed one good looking outfit.
Necklace: Marianne Dulong
Bracelet: Marianne Dulong Catena
Ring: Marianne Dulong
Clutch: Quidam Blue Alligator Clutch
Shoes: Prada Satin Grey Pumps

Day 2. New Year reception at Amalienborg & Christiansborg

Tuesday, January 5th

Queen Margrethe hosted a second New Year reception for the Supreme Court judges, the Royal Life Guards and regiments Officer Corps at Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg in Copenhagen. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attended the reception.

The Queen also hosted a third reception on occasion of New Year for the diplomatic corps talking place at Christiansborg Palace. The Crown Prince couple also attended.

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Guess it is time for a more detailed post. Many beautiful pictures have been published from the receptions. It's a tradition for the Queen to host two New Year receptions the same day. One at Amalienborg Palace and one at Christiansborg Castle. This year is a little special because the Queen will host the receptions without her husband for the first time. His retirement has been announced. However, we will still get to see Prince Henrik at a few special occasions in the future. So this year Queen Margrethe was accompanied by the Crown Prince couple. 58 ambassadors and 20 Chargé d'Affaires from twenty different countries were invited. All of them were greeted by the royal family with a handshake. This little ceremony was taking place in the Great Hall. Afterwards they enjoyed a glass of champagne and kransekage -a sort of cake made of amonds, sugar and egg white. Something traditionally eaten by Danes on New Year's Eve.

Mary was gracefully dressed in the most incredible white gown. More elegant than ever. I am overwhelmed who she managed to make a plain white gown looks like this -so delicate and feminine. No doubt that her style has become way more mature and modern during the years in Denmark. This is a perfect example. When arriving along with her husband Crown Prince Frederik, she was almost flying across the hall in her white gown. I strongly believe Birgit Hallstein created her gown with the 3/4 sleeves and slim silhouette. To me it is the same dress as worn at a dinner in honor of the King and Queen of the Netherlands visit in Denmark in March 2015, here. The exact same dress as from last years reception on January 1st, here. The only difference is that sheer fabric covering one side of her hip.

She accessorized her look with a pink suede belt, white gloves and red nail polish. One of the co-founders of Naledi Copenhagen kindly informed me that Mary was wearing one of their new clutches in a latte beige colour featuring a larger flap and more sharp corners. At the arrival she was wearing a brand new grey wool coat from JOSEPH. In 2014, here, she wore the same large pearl necklace and pink drop pendant as during the reception. The pendant was sold by Bruun Rasmussen on one of their auctions. Matching the necklace Mary also wore Hartmann's earrings. They confirmed my request. She matched the outfit with dazzling pink Gianvito Rossi pumps. A beautiful hairstyle, makeup and the Order of the Elephant she has created a stunning look to celebrate New Year. 

Gown: Birgit Hallstein
Coat: JOSEPH Double Cashmere Oslo Coat
Belt: Ralph Lauren Slim Suede Belt
Earrings: Hartmann's
Pendant: Pink Diamond Pendant
Rings: Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Love Bands Ring
Clutch: Naledi Copenhagen Allana Latte Beige Ostric Clutch
Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Rose Pink Pointed Toe Pumps

Day 1. New Years eve banquet at Amalienborg

Friday, January 1st
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Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik hosted the first New Year reception at Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg, for the Danish Government and special invited guest. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie also attend the dinner.

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After almost a month abroad the Danish royal Crown Prince family is back in Denmark. They have spend December in Australia along with the Crown Princess family, here. I haven't really been able to verify that the couple would attend the grand New Year's eve banquet at Amalienborg Palace, but of course they are. The perfect way to make an entrance. The New Year banquet and following two receptions are something I really look forward to each year. Especially the banquet. It is when we get to see the royal women dressed in their most exquisite evening gowns. The banquet is also very special for the royal family in general. This is the time a year when Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik invite the Danish Government, top officials and court management to celebrate a new year and say thanks for the past year. The magnificent dinner took place in the Great Hall in Christians VIIIs Palace at Amalienborg. Right across where the Crown Prince couple live with their family.

Around 7:00 pm. the royal family started arriving: first Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, who was dressed in a lovely white gown created by Rikke Gudnitz. Normally I do not comment on Princess Marie's clothes, but this year I will make an excuse because I was really impressed. The balance between skirt and lace blouse is so beautiful and I think it suits her very well. Accessorized with golden shoes I really fancy her outfit.

Mary dazzling in a midnight blue, velvet gown that caught the flash lights from the camera beautifully. This incredible gown is created by Jesper Høvring. According to several media it is a redesign of her award winning evening gown from when she attended the BAMBI Award  in November 2014, here. This makes a question appear: is her dress altered into a skirt or has it been two separate pieces all along? I am not sure, but it is indeed stunning. The blouse has also changed to this long sleeved blouse featuring a train and decorations on the sleeves. I could talk details for hours. Look at how it almost wrap around her waistline. And the way draping's of fabric hug her legs. Truly a midnight dream. Enough about the dress. She beautifully matched her new sparkly velvet gown with the old Ruby Parure from Queen Ingrid. Mary had chosen to wear both tiara, earrings, hairpins and the large ruby ring. Maybe I should once do a piece on the Ruby Parure? Well, the red rubies perfectly matched the nail polish and red lips. Tradition tells that she is suppose to wear the Order of the Elephant in its golden chain instead of the traditional blue ribbon. If you would like to read more about the order then take a look at my previous post, here. She also accessorized her dreamy look with black satin pumps and a clutch from Prada. Her hair was styled in a french twist, which is by no doubt my favourite hairstyle of them all.

Gown: Jepser Høvring Midnight Blue Sequin Gown
Jewellery: The Ruby Paure
Clutch: Prada Black Satin Box Clutch
Shoes: Prada Satin Grey Pumps