Danish Royal Watchers

Wednesday 29 November 2006

Melbourne was the next stop


Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Christian spent the night and today in Melbourne. Mary's friend Amber Petty now lives back in Melbourne, so presumably they caught up, along with other friends from Mary's Melbourne days. The Crown Prince family are presumed to now be in Sydney. Where? We will see no doubt!

Crown Princess Mary is the patron of the The Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Read the Better Buddies Program 2006 and read about Walter Mikac and follow the links to find out why this is important to Mary. Also a link to the Aspendale Gardens Primary School and info about their student wellbeing/better buddies approach which Mary has helped connect to new programs in Denmark. Mary is involved in a working party for the Red Barnet/Save the Children Fund in Denmark to mobilise anti-bullying programs in Danish schools based on the model developed in Australia and promoted by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. If you have sharp eyes you will see John Bertram, the captain of Mary's boat in the pre-wedding match race in Copenhagen, who is involved with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.



November 29, 2006. Melbourne, VIC. Princess Mary visit to Aspendale Primary School. Crown Princess Mary saying goodbye and smiling at the childrens' parents waiting outside the grounds.



November 29, 2006. Melbourne, Vic. Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark visit Southbank precinct for lunch.


.... and some media reports.


From The Herald Sun (Melbourne):

Eat, drink and be Mary

Kelly Ryan and Chloe Adams
November 30, 2006 12:00am

CROWN Princess Mary proved she is the people's princess yesterday.
The royal popped in to a suburban state primary school and lunched on the balcony of a popular Melbourne cafe.
After flying into Melbourne on Jetstar the day before, Princess Mary looked cool and stylish in white pants and jacket as she strolled past stunned shoppers at Southbank.
Her casually dressed husband, Crown Prince Frederik, looked relaxed as he walked beside her.
The down-to-earth couple chose popular eatery Blue Train for a quick bite.
It was a sentimental visit for Mary, who used to lunch there when she worked for a nearby advertising agency.
While diners chatted in nearby seats unaware of the royal presence, the pair sat quietly at table 418.
They munched on a salad then had coffee.
Both sipped tap water with a slice of lemon.
Four plain-clothes security guards seated nearby blended in well until one was called on to escort the princess to the ladies' room.
Waitresses sighed with relief when the royals left, one quipping: "The boys have gone off to faint".
Mary spent the morning with excited children at Aspendale Gardens Primary School.
The surprise visit was a chance for her to learn first-hand about Better Buddies, a program initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, of which she is international patron.
Designed to stop schoolyard bullying, Better Buddies matches older students with their younger classmates.
Alannah and Madeline Foundation chairman John Bertrand said the school was chosen as one of 700 across the nation to introduce the program.
Princess Mary plans to implement a variation of Better Buddies in Danish schools through Save the Children Denmark.
She proved a hit with the kids during her two-hour visit.
"It was fantastic. You know, she is quite a lady," Mr Bertrand said.
"She learnt a lot and she is very inquisitive and intelligent and the kids loved it.
"They were all struck with this woman of Denmark. The kids were just looking at her and interested in this young woman and were totally honest about the Better Buddies program.
"You can't fool kids -- they are straight to the point."
The princess visited several classes and asked the children questions.
"She was drilling down to understand how the program works and it was very exciting, I must say," Mr Bertrand said.
Prince Frederik spent the morning at St Kilda children's store Chalk n Cheese, where he bought clothing for son Christian.



From The Hobart Mercury:
Mary steps out in Melbourne

November 29, 2006 12:00am

CROWN Princess Mary tried to shun publicity when she made a surprise low key and private visit to a suburban primary school this morning.
The Danish royal who hails from Down Under popped in to Aspendale Gardens Primary School for a lesson on the Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Better Buddies program.
As International Patrol of the Foundation, the Crown Princess hopes to implement a variation of the Better Buddies Framework in Danish schools through Save the Children Denmark.
The program aims to reduce the incidence and effect of schoolyard bullying.
Alannah and Madeline Foundation chairman John Bertrand said Princess Mary was relaxed and delightful with the primary schoolchildren during her two hour visit.
Aspendale Gardens Primary was chosen for the royal visit because it was one of the first schools to adopt Better Buddies in which older students are given responsibility for the youngest kids in their school communities.
Excited children could be heard screaming in glee during Princess Mary's visit.
Shoppers at Melbourne's Southgate received a royal surprise when Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik visited today.


Seven News video clip (1:15) The day Princess Mary came to school 7News - Wed Nov 29 4:46 PM EST
Princess Mary has given a group of Melbourne school kids a thrill, surprising them with a visit to their school.


Sky News Australia Online:

Mary in Melbourne

Princess Mary has given a group of Melbourne school-kids a thrill with a surprise visit to Aspendale Gardens Primary School.
The tour was kept top secret operation, with the students only finding out about their special guest at the last moment.
Princess Mary was touring the school to learn about their 'Better Buddies' program, which is an anti-bullying scheme the Princess wants to take back to Denmark.
Melbourne is the second last destination for the Royals' Australian visit, before they head off to Sydney.


The Age (Melbourne)

Princess Mary 'staying in Melbourne'

November 29, 2006 - 6:24AM

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, along with their son Prince Christian, are believed to be staying in Melbourne.
The Danish royals are staying at Como in suburban South Yarra, according to News Limited.
Mary left Tasmania after spending six days with her family on a private visit.
The Hobart-born princess flew from Hobart to Melbourne with her 13-month-old son.
Crown Prince Frederik is believed to have left Hobart on Tuesday morning.
Royal protocol does not allow Frederik to fly with his son, who is second in line to the Danish throne.
Mary is expected to visit NSW before returning to Denmark early next month.
The royal family spent time in Hobart with Mary's sisters and browsed through galleries and market stalls in the city's historic Salamanca precinct.
The princess showed little sign of a baby bump despite recently announcing she will have her second child in May.
The family managed to evade the media for the final two days of the visit, spending time with Mary's relatives at an unknown location.
© 2006 AAP


From The Daily Telegraph - Sydney Confidential

No-frills Princess thrills

November 29, 2006 12:00

MAGDA Szubanski may be a crowd favourite for her hilarious Jetstar commercials.
But yesterday a no-frills Princess Mary and her royal son Christian proved the best advertisement for the domestic airline, hopping on board for the next leg of their Aussie adventure holiday.
Adding to her image of having the common touch, travelling cattle class like everyone else for the flight to Melbourne, the move also caught out a few paparazzi who expected the Danish royal to travel in private jet set style.
Crown Prince Fred got up early to give the waiting press the slip, travelling on a seperate flight - believed to meet royal protocol, which discourages the heir and spare from flying together.
The royal couple are expected to catch up with Mary's bridesmaid Amber Petty in Melbourne, before joining friends in Sydney later this week.


From The Courier Mail (Brisbane)

She's apples until next time

November 28, 2006 11:00pm

CROWN Princess Mary has farewelled Tasmania, after a six-day visit to the state, with a low-key departure yesterday.
The Tasmanian-born princess and her 13-month-old son Prince Christian left Hobart just before 3pm aboard a flight bound for Melbourne, while Prince Frederik is believed to have left the state earlier in the day.
Mary's departure wrapped up a six-day private stay by the royal trio, who spent time visiting the former Tasmanian schoolgirl's family.
Avoiding the departure lounge, Mary and Christian were driven on to the tarmac by a procession of vehicles, their black Audi 4WD flanked by Federal Police and security personnel.
Smiling, Mary stepped from the Audi, her dark hair, dangling earrings and long cream and black skirt blowing in the light breeze.
As aircrew loaded her luggage – including Christian's pram – on to the plane, the prince, dressed in a long-sleeve grey top and grey pants, looked to the sky as Mary pointed out a helicopter flying overhead.
Royal protocol does not allow Frederik to fly with his son, who is second in line to the Danish throne.

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Tuesday 28 November 2006

Next stop? Frederik, Mary & Christian leave Tasmania

Crown Princess Mary carries her son Prince Christian across the tarmac to her plane out of Hobart yesterday.

Media reports this afternoon Australian time are that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary with Prince Christian have left Tasmania.

The Hobart Mercury
Mary's no-fuss flight out

LINDA SMITH
November 29, 2006 12:00am

CROWN Princess Mary has farewelled Tasmania after a six-day visit to the state with a low-key departure from Hobart Airport yesterday.
The Tasmanian-born Princess and her 13-month-old son Prince Christian left just before 3pm yesterday aboard a Jetstar flight bound for Melbourne, while Crown Prince Frederik is believed to have left earlier in the day.
Mary's departure wrapped up a private stay by the royal trio, who spent time with the former Taroona schoolgirl's family.
Avoiding the departure lounge, Mary and Christian were driven onto the tarmac by a procession of vehicles, their black Audi 4WD flanked by Federal Police and security personnel.
Judy Owen, from Hobart, at the airport farewelling her son, said she was surprised the departure was so low key.
"I thought there would have been a few family members to wave her off, but obviously she just wanted to slip away quietly," Ms Owen said.
A smiling Mary stepped from the Audi, her dark hair, dangling earrings and long cream and black skirt blowing in the light breeze.
Reflecting the warm spring weather, Mary finished her outfit with an oatmeal-coloured cardigan over a white singlet, flat black shoes and some gold bangles.
With an oversized cream bag draped over one shoulder and Prince Christian on her hip, the pregnant princess -- who is expecting the couple's second child early in May -- showed little sign of a baby bump.
As aircrew loaded her luggage, including Christian's pram, onto the plane, the little prince, dressed in a long sleeve grey top and grey pants, excitedly looked to the sky as Mary pointed out a helicopter flying overhead.
Mary stopped to thank her driver before boarding, and the plane departed immediately.
The family are expected to spend time in New South Wales before returning to Denmark early next month.
Unlike Mary's arrival, when she was greeted by members of Tasmania's Danish community and waiting media, her departure was a secret, low-key affair.
The departure lounge was empty except for a handful of Tasmanians farewelling family and friends, and some, like avid royal watcher Ms Owen, were excited by their accidental brush with royalty.
"I'm a royalist and I particularly like her, I think she's really nice," she said of Mary.
She said her son would be pleased Mary was on his flight.
The royal couple last visited Australia in March last year, when Mary was two months pregnant with Christian.



From The Herald Sun (Melbourne)

Princess Mary winds up Tassie trip

November 28, 2006 03:54pm

CROWN Princess Mary has left Tasmania after spending six days with her family on a private visit.
The Hobart-born princess flew from Hobart to Melbourne this afternoon with her one-year-old son, Prince Christian.
She is expected to spend time in New South Wales before returning to Denmark early next month.
Crown Prince Frederik is believed to have left Hobart this morning.
Royal protocol does not allow Frederik to fly with his son, who is second in line to the Danish throne.
The royal family spent time in Hobart with Mary's sisters and browsed through galleries and market stalls in the city's historic Salamanca precinct.
The princess showed little sign of a baby bump despite recently announcing she will have her second child in May.
The family managed to evade the media for the final two days of the visit, spending time with Mary's relatives at an unknown location.



Same story from The Daily Telegraph in Sydney.
Also The Sydney Morning Herald

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Frederik & Mary at Anders Lassen Foundation awards


We posted here in our last roundup that Frederik had attended the award of the Crown Prince Frederik Scholarship of the Anders Lassen Foundation on November 9. We didn't have photos of that event at the time and we didn't know that Crown Princess Mary had attended the 10th anniversary dinner of the Foundation. The current issue of Billed Bladet (no.47) has a story and photos, so we thought we would have a retrospective coverage of this event.

Some general background: On the 9th November the Anders Lassen Foundation marked its 10th anniversary with a dinner in Copenhagen. Crown Prince Frederik, who is the patron for the foundation, took part along with Crown Princess Mary.
The handing out af grants normally takes place at a reception at Amalienborg Palace, but this year 62 guests celebrated the dinner at Hotel Phoenix. The Crown Prince handed out three grants. One grant for 25.000 DKK went to first luietenant of the reserve, Jacob Hou Larsen, who was wounded in August, a grant for 50.000 DKK to The Social Network of Jæger Corps and a grant for 35.000 DKK for a member of Jægerkorpset, who is still operational (i.e. still on his tour of duty, presumably in Afghanistan).
The Anders Lassen Foundation was started in 1996 on the initiative of Jæger (member of Jæger Corps) Nikolai Moltke-Leth, and since 1998 it has handed out a total of 17 grants. The tasks of the foundation, among other things, is to reward significant military efforts and to support and encourage wounded Danish personel. It is the Jæger Corps which administers the foundation which has taken its name from Major Anders Lassen. During the Second World War Anders Lassen served as a volunteer in the Special Boat Squadron - the legendary British special corps, which operated in the Mediterranian among other places. Major Lassen was killed on 9th April 1945 at Comacchio in Italy, where he single-handedly took out a German machine gun position. The 24 year old major was mortally wounded, but insisted on being left behind, so that the rest of the patrol could get away. Anders Lassen was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously - the highest military honor for British forces.
The chairman of the Anders Lassen Foundation, Poul Lynggaard, mentioned in his speech to the Crown Prince Couple and the other guests why the foundation has taken its name after the Danish major, "The Jæger Corps and Frømands Corps have a great admiration for the effort of Anders Lassen during the Second World War, both militarily and socially. He is a role model to look up to in the two corps".

And from from Billed Bladet this week we learn even more. Sixty two people gathered in the reception room in the basement beneath Hotel Phoenix in Copenhagen, including Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. It was a party which had not been announced in advance. It was kept secret because many participants of the party are serving in one of Denmark’s two special forces – Jægerkorpset (the Jaeger Corps) and the navy’s Frømandskorps (Frogman Corps - in which Frederik served, although he has trained in every part of the Danish military). The press was not invited either, however there was the military’s own photographer to record the event. The Crown Prince Couple was there because Frederik is the patron for the Anders Lassen Foundation and perhaps not least because the Crown Prince is a soldier himself. He knows what the Danish soldiers sent out in service of the peace go through and he knows how dangerous their mission often can be.
It was completely still in the room, when Crown Prince Frederik rose up and delivered his speech for the recipients of the grants. Then 61 people rose and applauded for the man sitting in his wheelchair receiving the tribute.
First lieutenant Jacob Hou Larsen, age 29, from Jydske Dragonregiment in Holstebro, ha been marked for life by the injuries sustained when he was wounded in Iraq. Three months earlier, on 16th August, he was on a patrol outside the town Al Qurnah in Iraq when the patrol came under fire. Only one shot from a firearm was fired and it struck Jacob Hou Larsen in the back, millimetres from the spine and he was quickly flown to the British military hospital in Basra.
In the following days his condition was critical and he underwent two major surgeries and was later transferred to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.
Jacob Hou Larsen had his girlfriend Charlotte Pold by his side when Crown Prince Frederik presented him with the grant for 25.000 DKK from the Anders Lassen Foundation after a moving speech.
- “Jacob Hou Larsen has maintained a positive view on life and a never failing optimism despite the very difficult situation he was in after his severe injuries. Afterwards, during his treatment at Rigshospitalet he maintained a strong and level-headed view on life. It is a view that is enforced by the first lieutenant’s attitude and loyalty towards his comrades in the military”, said the Crown Prince in his speech.
“I’m proud and honoured to receive the grant”, said Jocob Hou Larsen to Billed Bladet.“Apart from that, there is not much I feel like saying right now. I’m now working on my rehabilitation. It’s a long process and it is still to be seen whether I’m paralysed for life”.

Billed Bladet also says Mary and Frederik have been busy lately. And in the middle of being busy they have also had to prepare for their journey to Australia with little Christian. But there had to be time for one particular party for the recipients of this year's Anders Lassen Foundation awards.
This year it’s ten years ago that the ex-captain in Jæger Corps, Nicolai Moltke-Leth (speaking in third photo), founded the Anders Lassen Foundation. The jubilee was celebrated with a gala-dinner at Hotel Phoenix in Copenhagen, where all the recipients of grants from the past ten years – except for one, who at present is on a mission abroad – and personnel from the two Danish elite forces, Jægerkorpset and Frømandskorpset were also present.
The party was the last the Crown Prince Couple managed to take part in before their visit to Mary’s family in Australia. It was obvious that they both wanted to be present before their private holiday in Mary’s homeland. Mary was happy to among those who payed tribute to the recipients of the evenings grants. It was also a relaxed and happy Frederik, who was among good colleagues. Crown Princess Mary was also relaxed and smiling throughout the entire evening. The pregnant Crown Princess looked stunning in brown colours, slim and and in fine shape. She enjoyed sparkling mineral water the whole evening. Only when she stood up, did a charming bump reveal that Mary is four months pregnant. The guests enjoyed a four course menu with wines, most of which were from Australia. In between the main course and the dessert the recipients of this year's grants were where honoured. (With thanks to Muhler for translation from Billed Bladet no. 47.)



We have also included a story and photos in the current Billed Bladet in our post about the launch of the Crown Princess Mary Rose in Hobart just before Mary's arrival. Sisters Jane and Patricia say they think of their mother every day. Click here to see the translated story and photos from the launch. (Many thanks once again to Muhler for translation!) Below, Jane and Patricia at the launch, Frederik arriving in Australia the evening before Mary and Christian, and, as we reported earlier, Mary went straight from the prize giving at Red Barnet here to the airport to fly to Australia.



Also, Hello! magazine has a story Mary merges in with the crowd on market trip

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Sunday 26 November 2006

In Tasmania, somewhere.....

"We're going that way!"

The Hobart Mercury has reported that the Donaldsons have gone bush today for some wilderness experience, or perhaps beach house time on the east coast of Tasmania near Swansea.

Media bushed as Mary disappears

KATHY GRUBE
November 27, 2006 12:00am

THE Danish royals have disappeared into Tasmania's wilderness for a Donaldson family reunion.
Photos of Princess Mary, the former Hobart girl, have graced the Mercury front page and television news since she arrived in the state for a private family holiday last Wednesday.
But yesterday the royal clan eluded the media.
It is believed they left the West Hobart home of Mary's sister Jane Stephens early in the morning.
Although the destination is secret, it is thought Princess Mary, Prince Frederik and baby son Christian will spend the next few days at a remote location with the Donaldson clan.
Mary's father, Prof John Donaldson, who is now working at the University of Copenhagen, was spotted shopping with his royal daughter at Salamanca Market at the weekend, making it more likely the family has planned a secret getaway in the state.
And Prince Frederik was spotted stocking up on food for a barbecue at their nearby Hill Street Grocer on Saturday.
The royal couple also evaded media during their last Tasmanian trip in March 2005.
After a few days on Tasmania's East Coast for the wedding of Mary's cousin at Swansea, they disappeared for almost a week.
They were spotted one day at Strahan and were thought to have stayed at an exclusive trout fishing lodge at London Lakes on the Central Plateau.
There are rumours that the family may have booked out the secluded Blue Lake Lodge on the shore of Arthurs Lake.
Blue Lake Lodge, which has room for six guests,%

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Saturday 25 November 2006

Mary goes to market

A kiss for Christian from mother Mary yesterday.
Photo in The Sun Herald: Per Groth

Family time in Hobart continues for the Donaldsons. Family members gathered are Jane and Craig Stephens and their children Alexander, Erin and Kate, Patricia and Scott Bailey and their daughter Mollie and Patricia's two older children Michael and Maddison, also John, Mary's brother, his wife Leanne and their daughters Sheree and Michelle and John Donaldson senior. There are other family members no doubt, but we haven't seen them in photos yet. Frederik and John (brother) have been out and about together and generally Mary seems determined to just be in her home town and enjoy the things she loves about her original home. Christian's nanny Mette Hansen (second photo below) is also out and about and obviously warmly embraced within the Donaldson clan.



From The Sunday Tasmanian:

If it's Saturday, it's Salamanca for Mary
by Kane Young
November 26, 2006 12:00am

[The Sunday Tasmanian is the Sunday version of The Hobart Mercury]
SALAMANCA shoppers got more than they bargained for yesterday as Princess Mary and her entourage descended on the market to pick up some mementos of home.
The princess, who arrived for a holiday on Wednesday, is believed to have made two trips to the market yesterday, browsing in the early morning before returning in the afternoon.
Pushing baby Prince Christian in a pram, she was surrounded by family members, including her father John Donaldson, and security guards.
But Crown Prince Frederik was nowhere to be seen during the afternoon shopping mission.
Princess Mary bought some Tasmanian memorabilia and looked at clothing and jewellery, shadowed by a horde of photographers and TV cameras.
As well as the professional media, many market patrons were seen pulling out mobile phones to take snapshots of the princess, and then calling friends to boast of their close encounter with royalty.
With her shopping done, Princess Mary stopped to accept gifts for Christian from members of the public before walking along Salamanca lawns and past the Silo Apartments to a black 4WD, parked near the CSIRO. [Australian Government Scientific and Research Organisation building in Hobart]
After loading Christian and her purchases into the car, Princess Mary waved and said hello to well-wishers before jumping behind the wheel, doing a U-turn and driving off through Battery Point.
Senator Guy Barnett said Tasmania should avoid becoming like Europe, where Mary and Frederik have "paparazzi chasing them down" everywhere they go.
"They've been very, very kind to Tasmania," he said. "We've got to now call it quits and let them enjoy their holiday."


From The Sun Herald

Princess Mary in the market for a mystery

By Matthew Benns
November 26, 2006

CROWN Princess Mary took her son shopping at the markets of Hobart yesterday.
Happily mingling with crowds, the princess pushed son Christian, in a blue stroller, through the historic Salamanca Markets.
It was a relaxed Saturday morning for the princess, who is in Australia for a two-week personal visit with husband Crown Prince Frederik.
She was with sister Patricia Bailey, her two nieces and father John Donaldson for the trip to the markets. Like many husbands on holiday, Prince Frederik opted to duck the shopping trip.
Although it is a low-key visit, with the royals ignoring luxury hotels to stay at the West Hobart home of Mary's sister Jane Stephens, as many as four Danish bodyguards shadowed their every move.
The princess, who is three months pregnant, spent a great deal of time pondering earrings at one stall and colourful blankets at another.
She made a purchase that was carefully wrapped in a black plastic bag and plumped on top of the stroller for the rest of the shopping expedition.
Prince Christian stayed tucked up under a white blanket and only put in an appearance as his mum lifted him up, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and popped the 13-month-old into a car.
The day before, the Danish royals had made their only official appearance of their visit with a photo call at Bonorong Wildlife Park, north of Hobart.
Prince Christian, nicknamed the kingaroo in Denmark, made an impression there with a swift kick to the head of a pademelon.

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Friday 24 November 2006

Frederik, Mary & Christian photocall


24 November, 2006. Crown Prince Frederik & Crown Princess Mary of Denmark pose with their son Prince Christian at a photo call held at Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre at the start of their private visit to Mary's hometown of Hobart, Tasmania. The couple are expected to spend at least a week visiting family in Tasmania, where Mary grew up.



NEW! Madeleine Glindorf's site (90 photos!)

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