GOLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL 2019

6th September

Crown Princess Mary arrived to University of Copenhagen as guest of honor to attend Golden Days Festival 2019. She was warmly welcomed by the world famous fighter of freedom, the Polish Lech Walesa. All of them were in a splendid mood. Especially the Crown Princess was one big smile and she seemed so comfortable.

Golden Days Festival is all about sharing knowledge, history and culture and honoring all three of them. With this years theme "1989" the Crown Princess attended an important event at University of Copenhagen on occasion of the 30th anniversary of, among others, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Europe and the beginning of the internet. Three major events that have had great impact on the world as we know it today.

Lech Walesa is former Polish President and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He gave a speech as part of the opening of Golden Days Festival with the Crown Princess and a room packed with guests in front of him. The Lech Walesa Freedom Award was also presented and handed over to Tove Smidth, Mayor of Gladsaxe. Congratulations to Tove Smidth!

FLAG DAY 2019

5th September

September 5th is a very special day for a lot of people. It is the official Flag Day for Danish soldiers abroad fighting for a better world. Both people that are in war areas and those who have been on a mission, are honor by this annual event. Since 2009 the event has taken place with a wreath laying at Kastellet, a church service in Holmens Church and with a ceremonial parade at the castle square at Christiansborg.

Both Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attended all three ceremonial honors of the Danish soldiers. Each year is emotional. So was this year. Especially Crown Princess Mary showed a few tears of compassion. I imagine the atmosphere is not really to describable. I have never experienced it myself, but I am sure it is a something you have to experience to tell.

Personally I am impressed and honor that a rather small country as Denmark is able to make an annual event like this. It is with great pride I represent Denmark as Dane. Thanks to those who arranged Flag Day - it makes all of us proud. That is also why I think the Crown Prince Couple gladly attend every year.

CBS RESPONSIBILITY DAY 2019

2nd September

It was a big day for many new students at Copenhagen Business School (also known as CBS), when Crown Princess Mary arrived to CBS Responsibility Day 2019. It took place in K.B. Hallen at Frederiksberg in Copenhagen. She was welcomed with smiles and handshakes by, among others, Rector of CBS Nikolai, Malchow-Møller.

CBS Responsibility Day is an annual event that marks the first day for new bachelor students at Copenhagen Business School, but it also works as a day dedicated to fully focus on business responsibility. This and much more were included in Crown Princess Mary's opening speech. She encouraged the students to take changes, but in a responsible way. In addition to that the Crown Princess spoke about UN's 17 world goals on sustainable development. Take the time and read her speech here.

THE CARLSBERG FOUNDATIONS RESEARCH AWARDS 2019

1st September

As guest of honor Crown Princess Mary attended the Carlsberg Foundations Research Awards 2019 and following dinner. The honoring took place at the legendary Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek - an art  museum build by Carlsbergs founder, Carl Jacobsen. He was a passioned collector of both antique and modern art. A magnificent place, here.

The Crown Princess was welcomed welcomed by, among others, Ane Halboe-Jørgensen. She is the new Minister of Education and Science. Later in the evening both women entered the stage and presented the two Carlsberg awards.

For quite a few year the Crown Princess has been a regular person on the guest list. I believe she first attended the event in 2013, here. Since then she has been invited to hand over two research awards to scientists who have contributed with decisively scientific research results. According to the Royal House the awards are given to both natural sciences- and a humanist/social science researcher. This year Crown Princess Mary handed over the awards to Thomas Kiørboe, Professor ogf Microscipic Life at Sea and Mikael Rask Madsen, Professor of European Law and integration. Congratulations to both of them!

Along with the honor both winners are given 250,000 Danish kroner as a personal rewards and furthermore 750,000 Danish kroner to their research.

THE CONFIRMATION OF PRINCESS INGRID ALEXANDRA

31st August

Yesterday was a big day for the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway. She celebrated her confirmation in the castle chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

Friends and family from near and far were invited to celebrate the day with her. Also the Danish Crown Prince couple and their oldest son Prince Christian were invited to the ceremony and following lunch. Crown Prince Frederik is the godfather of Princess Ingrid Alexandra. As her godfather, he participated in a very special part of the confirmation - he lit a candle for her with her other godparents (Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, King Felipe of Spain, Kong Harald of Norway and Marit Tjessem).

A confirmation is a significant day in most young peoples life. It is the day where to confirm the promises that were made at the christening. It takes place as a special church service each year around the age of 13-15. The ceremony is not quite the same in each country. In Denmark for instance we do not lit a candle confirmed children, but it is a beautiful tradition.

Let us congratulate the Princess on behalf of her confirmation!

"DANNER - A COUNTESS OF THE PEOPLE"

28th August

She is one busy woman who arrived home from a long vacation only a couple of weeks ago. On Wednesday Crown Princess Mary arrived to the Danner House in Copenhagen to watch 'DANNER - A Countess of the People'. A play that shows life as a woman during the 19th century. The play is based on the life of Countess Danner, who was married to King Frederik 7.

Countess Danner was born Louise Christine Rasmussen in 1815. She later married Frederik 7 as his "second wife" which means that if the couple had any children they would not inherit the throne. But that is a completely other story. In 1873, Countess Danner decided to set up a foundation and built a house for vulnerable women. In the end there were no more money left and the house where sold. The new owner wanted to demolish the building, but it never happened. In 1979, women took over the house and bought it back as a women's house. Danner House has served as a women's and crisis center and today Danner is a private organization that works nationally and internationally to stop violence against women and children in close relationships, here.

Crown Princess Mary attended the event as chairwomen and founder of the Mary Foundation, who shared the post below on Facebook. She was in a splendid mood despite tropic weather. From first raw the Crown Princess watched the play that portray Countess Danner and her life as Countess of the people.

"BEHIND THE COMMUNITY SURVEY" & "THE WORLD HOUR"

26th August

Crown Princess Mary started her day by participating the conference 'Behind the Community Survey' in Copenhagen. She arrived in a wonderful mood and was welcomed with as much smile and kindness as she brought with her. CEO of the Mary Foundation, Helle Østergaard was one of the people welcoming the Crown Princess.

'Behind the Community Survey' is a survey that goes behind the report 'Community Survey' from 2017. This year the survey was developed and carried out by TrygFonden, the Mary Foundation and VIVE with 78 participants. The conference aimed to focused on social exclusion in relation to the survey and its findings.

As Crown Princess and front woman for the Mary Foundation, the Crown Princess entered the stage and gave a speech - a speech that (apparently) caught everybody's attention. Both press and other participants were astonished by her words. The Mary Foundation shared her speech for your to read it, here. They also shared pictures from the event as embedded below.

A couple of hours later Crown Princess Mary attended another event at the City Hall in Copenhagen. Here she attended the launch of the annual event 'The World Hour'. It works with getting children and young people to learn about UN's world goals. More specifically, about sustainable development.

Along with two school classes from Randersgades School the Crown Princess watched a number of speeches etc. on how to spread the word about the 17 world goals in both primary and secondary schools all over Denmark. Both the Crown Princess and all the attending children really seemed to enjoy themselves during the event at Copenhagen City Hall. The day ended with singing and pancakes.

MEETING WITH RASMUS PREHN

22nd August

On Thursday Crown Princess Mary payed a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Here she met with the Minister of Development, Rasmus Prehn. He has previously been spokesperson of science and research (in 2006) and later on spokesperson for transportation (in 2011).

The Royal House informs that the Minister of Development use the opportunity to tell her royal highness about what is priorities in the field of development. There was also time to discuss a future collaboration between the two of them.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DRESSAGE

19th August

Crown Princess Mary was on a private mission when she arrived to Rotterdam in the Netherlands (probably) earlier this week. She had traveled to the Netherlands to support the Danish teams participating the European Championships in dressage - also know as the Longines FEI European Championships. 

When staying in Rotterdam she met with, among others, Helle Krasnik Trolle who shared a photo of the Crown Princess in a barn with rider Cathrine Dufour and one of the winning horses. Because the Danish team actually did qualify to compete next year in the Olympics in Tokyo. 

She was also spotted later on closely following the Danish teams participating the championship. Also Princess Nathalie attended the exiting days in the Netherlands. She herself has been one of those top riders. Now she work as coach for the dressage team.

ODENSE FLOWER FESTIVAL 2019

15th August

For the fourth time Crown Princess Mary attended the grand opening of Odense Flower Festival in Odense. She first attended in 2006, here. Then in 2012 - the same year Crown Princess Mary became patron for the festival, here. Again in 2017, here, and then now in 2019. Each year the Crown Princess has named a new flower. Two years ago a new rose got its name. This year it was a hydrangeas that got the name 'Princess of Passion'. A beautiful flower, here.

Odense Flower Festival gathered more than 100,000 different plants that decorate the city of Odense. Different themes set who the city is decorated. This years theme was "On a time-travel: With time in the center". A magnificent name.

From right at the moment Crown Princess Mary arrived everybody wanted her attention. Everyone smiled, waved and called to get a glimpse of her. She returned bouquets of flowers with kind smiles and handshakes. Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense warmly welcomed the Crown Princess at the arrival. What a pleasure to have a Crown Princess in town when such a big event is taking place. During her visit she met with both gardeners and volunteers, who created all of the stunning flower decorations.

THROUGH DENMARK WITH DANNEBROG

After three weeks I am once again back. I have had some wonderful weeks with lots of sun, warm days and summer dresses. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary enjoyed the last week of their holiday with all four children (and Grace) on board Dannebrog. It has become a tradition for the six of them sail across Denmark on board the royal yacht. The couple shared their experiences with all of us on social media.

"A PRINCESS OF HER TIME"

This year Princess Benedikte celebrated her 75th birthday. On that occasion she was honored with an exhibition at Koldinghus in Kolding, which museum she is also patron for. The exhibition is entitled "Prinsesse af tiden. H.K.H. Prinsesse Benedikte og 75-års Danmarkshistorie" (A Princess of her Time. H.R.H. Princess Benedikte and 75year history of Denmark). It tells her story from the day she was born to the day of her wedding, her royal work with among others the scouts and her being part of the the royal family.

I visited the exhibition end of June with a beloved friend. Following the blue dots on the ground, we were led to find the exhibition in one part of the old castle. First thing noticed, was a huge black and white photo of a very young Princess Benedikte when wearing the Ruby Parure. You get a glimpse of it down below on the first photo. Here you also see an old costume worn by the Princess performing as Queen Desirée in a play at Fredensborg Castle. An off-white, gold embroidered dress and a dark red velvet cape also beautifully embroidered with gold thread. It belonged to Queen Desirée. She assumably wore it when Napoleon was coronated, here.

Next to this we had a good look at her wedding gown from 1968 - a stunning piece of tailorly. Every time I get to see an exhibited wedding gown, I get the sense of standing in front of something with a story. The most beautiful story of them all: the story of love. Imagine wearing such a gown on your special day.

I don't mind you sharing and posting my photos, but please ask for permission first. Thanks!

On the next stand we read about her duty as member of the Danish royal family. It shows some of the gifts Princess Benedikte has received during her time of representing Denmark. These decorated cups are made for washing hands in between meals. I don't quite remember from whom she received these incredible cups, but they were a gift given to her on occasion of an official state visit. On display was also a small handbag made of gold (yes, actual gold), here. It was given to her on her first official visit to Argentina in 1964. We only get a glimpse of this outstanding piece, but imagine wearing it? Being its owner. That title belongs to the Princess.

    

I knew little about the exhibition before going. That means that I had no idea what to expect. I was happily surprised to see that the exhibition also included some of her dresses borrowed by the Princess herself for us to get a closer look. Hidden in dark light behind glass mounting, seven outfits showed up along with pictures of when they had been worn. Little plates gave us information about their origin, designer, etc. Both more everyday outfits and evening gown were on display. If that is not to love, well I don't know what is. It was like walking down a path of different decades - 60s, 80s, 90s...









Personally I fell in love with two evening dresses: a fitted pink gown with longer sleeves and  beautiful beadwork covering both front, back and the sleeves. The other on, from somewhere around the same time period, is this golden 60s gown featuring no sleeves, is floor-length and is a sea of sparkle.

The exhibition also showed some of her jewellery, among others diamond earrings, a ruby broche shaped like an anker and one of her orders. It was truly a magnificent experience. Feels like I know her better than I did before. Differently worth a visit. So, if you are going to Kolding you're able to see the exhibition for yourself till November 3rd.

Read more about "A Princess of her Time" and its magazine here.

9 SUMMER OUTFITS TO TRY

Blouse from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Skirt from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Clutch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Blazer from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Dress from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Bag from Naledi Copenhagen here ● Brooch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Jacket from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Blouse from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Trousers from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Clutch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Vest from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Blouse from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Trousers from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Bag from Naledi Copenhagen here

Dress from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Jacket from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Bag from Naledi Copenhagen here ● Clutch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Dress from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Brooch from Naledi Copenhagen here ● Clutch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Dress from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Clutch from Naledi Copenhagen here

Blouse from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Trousers from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Bag from Naledi Copenhagen here

Dress from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Knitwear from Bøgelund-Jensen here ● Broch from Naledi Copenhagen here ● Bag from Naledi Copenhagen here

THE EUROPEAN AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL 2019

27th June

According to the official calendar this is the last event for Crown Princess Mary before going on vacation. Not that I know when or where the family are going on vacation, but no more official events for now.

Then, on Thursday noon the Crown Princess arrived to Børsen in Copenhagen to attend The European Australian Business Council. She was kindly welcomed with all it takes to welcome a Crown Princess - flowers, handshakes and lots of friendly smiles. The event was organized and hosted by Dansk Erhverv, a business organization in the field of employment counseling and political interest representation. It was all about stregenthing the relations between Australia and Denmark. Especially since the marriage between Crown Prince Frederik and the, then Mary Donaldson, Denmark and Australia have built up a strong relationship. It continues. The European Australian Business Council has worked since 1999 to encourage a relationship between the two countries focusing on on trade and investment.

Crown Princess Mary also attended the following reception on behalf gathering at Børsen.

DAY 2. OFFICIAL VISIT TO PARIS

24th June

The previous day Crown Princess Mary arrived to Paris on an official visit announced not that long ago. Only little information have been published about the visit, but on the first day she opened an exhibition at Danmarkshuset. The exhibition was created by artist, Jesper Christensen who also made the new altarpiece in the Frederik's Church, here.

On Monday she then payed a visit to the Museé Jacquemart-André in the French capital, where Crown Princess Mary saw the exhibition 'Hammershøi, the master of Danish painting'. The exhibition shows art-pieces by the Danish artist, Vilhelm Hammershøi. It is part of the Ministry of Culture's culture investment entitled 'Denmark-France 2018-2020'. The Crown Princess was in a splendid mood at the arrival. Parts of her visiting Museé Jacquemart-André, was also to give her a guided tour around the exhibition.

Later the Crown Princess was welcomed by First Lady Brigitte Macron, when arriving to Centre Pompidou - a house of culture and a famous construction named after a former French President, Georges Pompidou. The Danish Royal House shared that Crown Princess Mary and First Lady Brigitte Macron visited the exhibition 'Sonja Ferlov Mancoba' exhibited at Centre Pompidou.

DAY 1. OFFICIAL VISIT TO PARIS

23rd June

The previous day Crown Princess Mary participated the Free of Bullying-Race - a project part of the Mary Foundation, here. A wonderful day. She kept the great spirit the following day when arriving to Paris.

Not much has been announced about this trip other than she was going to visit Paris; open an exhibition and inaugurate a new altarpiece in Frederik's Church in Paris. That is exactly what happened. Sunday noon she arrived to Danmarkshuset to open the exhibition Ombre Flore created by artist, Jesper Christensen. He was also the one to welcome the Crown Princess along with Torben Nielsen, Director of Danmarkshuset. The artist himself guided her around the exhibition. Few every gets that experience. To be guided around the exhibition by the artist him-/herself.

What a mood. Crown Princess Mary was one big smile at the opening and later when she attended the inauguration of the new altarpiece the Frederik's Church. The new altarpiece is made by Jesper Christensen. Apparently he was inspired by the Danish poet, B.S. Ingeman such as musician and artist, David Bowie. The royal house inform that the center piece represent the Garden of Getsemane in Jerusalem. Four years. That is how long it took Jesper Christensen to make this beautiful new altarpiece for the church in Paris.

THE FREE OF BULLYING-RACE 2019

22nd June

A couple of days before the race took place in Fælledparken the Mary Foundation posted a few pictures of Crown Princess Mary getting ready to participate, here. The Free of Bullying-race has been an annual event for years. It is part of one of the Mary Foundation's projects again bullying. The event gathered hundreds of people every year.

For many years the Crown Princess has participated warm up and greeting the children when hit the finish line with cheerful words and a medalion for having finished the run. 2019 was a bit different because Crown Princess Mary actually participated four races of 1 km. each. It was a wonderful sight. All the time she was surrounded by children, who all wanted her attention. And they got it. She dances, smiled, laughed, held hands. Everthing the photographers are dreaming of at such an event.

The weather was perfect. Everyone were in a great mood. I think we can conclude that this years Free of Bullying-race was a success.

A BRIEFING ABOUT THE HEART

20th June

On Thursday Crown Princess Mary payed a visit to the Heart Association's head office in Copenhagen. For many years the Crown Princess has been patron for the Heart Association and on June 20th, she was given a briefing about what developments there have been on the area. The Heart Association and the Children's Heart Association also talked with her about their current work.

The royal house also mentions that Crown Princess Mary was introduced to a project called 'Noget på hjertet' (in English it'll be translated to something like 'Something on my mind'). It is a book that gives children and families tools on how to use words to talk about challenges. Other projects were also introduced to her, as for instance emergency preparedness.

THE NEW BULDINGS & TRYGFONDENS FAMILY HOUSE

17th June

About half a year ago in November the Crown Princess was going to inaugurate new buildings at Skejby Hospital. Later that same day she was about to inaugurate a new TrygFonden Family House. But shortly before she should have arrived, she canceled because her flight was canceled.

Crown Princess Mary keeps her words. So on Monday she arrived to Skejby Hospitel to see the new buildings. They include playsgrunds, courtyards, places for different activities and facilities for psychiatry. There are rooms for more than 250 patients.

The Crown Princess was warmly welcomed at her arrival. She was one big smile and a happy spirit. During the visit at the new buildings at Skejby, she met both patients and workers. With great patience and commitment Crown Princess Mary sat down on a chair and listned. She was also given a guided tour around the facilities. Often she's described warmhearted and must important, she is in the moment. Even though the Crown Princess often speaks with people who have a hard time in life, she manages to get them to talk; to tell their story to her. That's my guess why she's admired wordwide.

800 YEARS WITH DANNEBROG

15th June

Legend says that a red and white flag fell down from the sky 800 years ago. That was the red and white Danish national flag. To celebrate that Dannebrog came to be with us 800 year ago Queen Margrethe went to Estonia, here, where to flag supposedly fell from the sky during a battle. It then became symbol of Danish victory. Prince Joachim and Princess Marie also attended an event, a church service in Vor Frue Church in Copenhagen, on occasion of the celebration, here.

On Saturday Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary visited the old Danish town Vordingborg to celebrate Danneborg's 800th anniversary. At the arrival they were warmly welcomed by Mikael Smed, Mayor of Vordingborg. It was really all about Dannebrog. Crown Prince Frederik even revealed what is believed to be the original design of Dannebrog. This "new" flag was created in collaboration of archaeologists from the Danish City Center and Estonia's historic museum in Tallinn. It has great resemblance to the flag we know today.

While the Crown Prince visited Gåsetårnet (last part of what is left of Vordingborg Castle), his wife was accompanied by Nanna Holm, Museum Inspector from Museum Southeast Denmark. Nanna Holm showed Crown Princess Mary the old stronghold and gave her a quick history lesson about the castle.