Dag 2. A visit to Kenya

Wednesday, November 28th

In secrecy Crown Princess Mary traveled to Kenya accompanies by Minister of Development, Ulla Tørnæs. The two of them arrived on Tuesday in Kalama, here. It was all unannounced because of terrorist threat in the country. Visiting Kenya is all about promoting girls and women's rights, well-being, health and economic independence through local organisations and projects. Among others, the Crown Princess and Minister of Development visited the organisation Northern Rangelands Trust that are supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).

On her second and last day in Kenya Crown Princess Mary visited Nairobi. Here she and Minister of Development, Ulla Tørnæs attended the launch of a new campaign by Women Deliver. The campaign is called 'Deliver for Good' and work to improve equality and bettering chances for girls and women in Kenya. Crown Princess Mary has on numerous occasions been involved in the work Women Deliver. The launch of Women Deliver's latest projects took place at Radisson Blu Hotel. Like she had all the time in the world, she walked around the conference room and listened carefully to everything she was told. Impressive how she manages to be present the way she is.

After the big lunch Crown Princess Mary switched location and visited the Kibera Slum. She was given the chance to visit Action Foundation. The organisation support children, young people and mothers with handicaps - support them to a better life. Even though this organisation do what they do best hundreds of miles from where I live; it makes me proud that the world has such organisations.

The Crown Princess also met with Elizabeth Okumu. She has created a mentor program for young mothers and their children. This programs teaches about sexual health and reproductive rights.

I bet the Crown Princess had two very emotional and educational days in Kenya. Or at least that is my impression after having seen her photos and read her statements shared on the royal family's Instagram, here, here, here. You find all of it here.

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Day 1. A visit to Kenya

Tuesday, November 27th

Crown Princess Mary surprised all of us when she suddenly showed up in Kalama in Kenya on Tuesday. The visit had been kept a secret till yesterday because of the terrorist threat in the country. The Crown Princess was accompanied by Minster of Development, Ulla Tørnæs on the two days visit. Visiting Kenya primarily had one focus, to promote girls and women's well-being, rights and economic independence through different local projects and organisation.

Along with the Minster of Development she was warmly welcomed with singing and dancing at the arrival to Kalama in Samburu Country. They were met by lots of happy faces and with welcoming words. What I have been able to find out, then the two of them also visited the Kalama Conservancy. At the conservancy Crown Princess Mary had the chance to met some of the local women who benefited from Danish support. With that support they have been able to created their sustainable businesses.

Gender equality is what this two days visit was all about. Something the Crown Princess has been working on to improve for years now. Especially by focusing on girls and women's rights, health and well-being. She and Minister of Development, Ulla Tørnæs, also visited the organisation Northern Rangelands Trust that are supported by DANIDA - Danish International Development Agency.

During the visit in Kalama on Tuesday, her and Minister of Delvelopment seemed to had a great time. They were both (quickly) dressed properly in traditional African dresses including colourful headpieces and beadwork. Simply a wonderful sight. The colourful clothes covered her light blue button-down shirt, beige trousers and matching sneakers. With sunnies she protected her eye from the sun and carried her belongings in a tote bag.

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The Crown Prince Couple's Prizes 2018

Saturday, November 24th

Finally it is time for the Crown Prince Couple to hand over 'the Crown Prince Couple's Prizes 2018'. The show was broadcasted live on Danish television on Sunday evening. This year it took place in Musikkens Hus in Aalborg. 'The Crown Prince Couple's Prizes' has been handed over by the couple since 2004 in collaboration with Bikuben Foundation.

Earlier, the couple visited 'Kunsten' Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, here. Visiting 'Kunsten' was part of the couples show in the evening.

Every year the Crown Prince Couple help to honor both foundations, organisations, upcoming designers and artists, etc. The prizes are given to organisations, artists, etc. that provides an extraordinary effort in the field of culture and social work in Denmark. Four prizes were handed over during the show: The Crown Prince Couples Social Prize was given to Association of Greenlandic Children. Author Kim Leine received the Crown Prince Couples Culture Prize. The Crown Prince Couples Cultural Stardust Prize went to film director Annika Berg. Fundamentet in Aarhus was given the Crown Prince Couples Social Stardust Prize. Congratulations to all the winners.

And the show was just great. Last year Crown Prince Frederik acted host for a few minutes, here. This year Kåre Quist (host) and Stéphanie Surrugue (hostess) were a little late for the show - intentionally, and the Crown Prince Couple decided to welcomed everyone. A wonderful way for the show to begin. As time goes by, it has finally become their show. Can't wait till next year to see what they come up with. During the show two smaller interviews were shown - first the Crown Princess visiting Association of Greenlandic Children and then Crown Prince Frederik visiting author Kim Leine. You find them embedded below.

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At the show Mary showed up at Musikkens Hus in Aalborg wearing a brand new white dress. It features golden dots on the top part of the dress and a belt. In fact I was right about her new dress being from a Danish Designer. Actually bridal designer Maria Fekih created Mary's evening dress. I learned about its identify from Heaven, who managed to find it. Originally it does not come with a belt. To me it makes the dress a bit less bridal.

At the arrival she wore her old white Prada coat. I am not sure it was worn to keep warm because she was wearing it over her shoulders. If it was intended to keep her warm she failed. That white pieces can't really keep anything warm with the weather we have in Denmark at the moment.

Mary embraced her stunning evening look with the most incredible accessories - especially jewellery. The golden earrings with hundreds of diamonds are made by talented Dulong Fine Jewelry. They also created two of the worn bracelets. You find them identified below. I also noticed her golden Cartier bangle. One more piece of jewellery that caught my attention, is that huge ring on her right hand. To me it looks like a square cut yellow stone surrounded by white diamonds. I would really like to get my hands on a closeup picture.

To match the rest of her look, she wearings a Judith Leiber clutch and (of course) golden glitter pumps from Gianvito Rossi. Hairstyle and makeup are also worth yet another stare. Simply gorgeous and outstanding look.

Coat ● Prada
Dress ● Maria Fekih Esther

Earrings ● Dulong Fine Jewelry Kharisma Supernova
Bracelet ● Cartier Love Bracelet
Bracelet ● Dulong Fine Jewelry Balloon Bracelet
Bracelet ● Dulong Fine Jewelry Esme Bracelet

Clutch ● Judith Leiber

Shoes ● Gianvito Rossi Metallic Glitter Pumps

'Kunsten' - Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg

Saturday, November 24th

The Crown Prince Couple are back at work after a few days on their own. They accompanied each other when visiting 'Kunsten' the Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg. It is Alvar Aalto's newly restored art museum that exhibits art work from the last three centuries.

Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Crown Princess Mary were warmly welcomed with smiles, handshakes and flowers for the Crown Princess at the arrival to 'Kunsten'. The visit at the museum is part of the couple presenting the 'Crown Prince Couple's Prizes 2018' taking place in Musikkens Hus in Aalborg. The show was broadcasted live on Danish television later in the evening. Before that, the Crown Prince Couple participated a rehearsal on the show, here. Keep an eye on the blog for an update of the presentation of the couple's prizes.

When visiting Aalborg Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were given a guided tour around the museum. One of the greatest pieces shown to the couple, is made by Brazilian artist Ernest Netos. It is a large cave made of crocheted yarn. Fascinating, indeed.

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When visiting 'Kunsten' in Aalborg Mary was greatly dressed. She had chosen to wear a pair of black fitted trousers and a matching turtleneck blouse. A simple and chic way to get ready for a cold winter. The dark green wool cape is a reuse. Do you remember it? It was worn when she left Amalienborg Castle to go to Fredensborg for the annual royal hunting in Gribskov, here. At the time Heaven managed to identify the cape as Stenströms. She recognised it because Princess Sofia of Sweden has been seen wearing the exact same one in a light grey colour. Maybe I need to get myself a nice wool cape?

Unfortunately I know very little about her trousers and turtleneck. Could be reused pieces. They probably are. What's not new, is the heeled ankle boots. Do you like them? Think they are pretty cool. Makes her outfit a bit more edgy and classy. I much prefer these over a pair of flat ankle boots. Heeled boots complete any outfit. So far I have not been able to identify these new boots, but the style makes me think of something like Hugo Boss.

Other than this Mary embraced a chic style by wearing a golden Cartier bangle. I also see her black pearl bracelet and matching ring made by Dulong Fine Jewelry. Think she is wearing diamond earrings as well. Could be those from Hartmann's, but I can not tell for sure.

Cape ● Stenströms Pine Green in Merino Wool

Bracelet ● Cartier Love Bracelet

Bracelet ● Dulong Fine Jewelry Anello Pearl Bracelet

Ring ● Dulong Fine Jewelry