The King and Queen of Denmark’s visit will be the royal couple’s fourth to Australia, but the first since ascending to the throne in January 2024. Photo: Official portrait.
The King and Queen of Denmark will make their fourth visit to Australia in March, and their first official state visit since the King’s ascension to the throne.
While the final program is yet to be announced, King Frederik X and Queen Mary will visit the Northern Territory, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania for several business and cultural engagements from 14 to 19 March.
The royal couple has a close affinity with Australia, with then-Mary Donaldson having been born and raised in Tasmania and the couple meeting at a pub in Sydney during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where then-Prince Frederik was representing Denmark as an IOC delegate.
Frederik and Mary were married on 14 May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral in Denmark, and have four children, Christian, Isabella, and twins Vincent and Josephine. They became King and Queen in January 2024 after Frederik’s mother Queen Margrethe II abdicated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was an honour to welcome them back to Australia.
“It is wonderful that the visit includes many parts of our great country,” he said.
“Denmark and Australia are great friends, and together we are working to build a more sustainable, secure and peaceful future.
“This visit is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation across a number of shared interests, such as sustainability, renewable energy and innovation.
“Their Majesties the King and Queen of Denmark have a very special connection with Australia, and I know Australians will welcome them.”
Danish Ambassador to Australia Ingrid Dahl-Madsen said the tour would be the first Danish state visit to Australia in almost 40 years.
“So it is a very special chance for our two countries to strengthen our close ties in a changing world,” the Ambassador said.
“Their Majesties are coming to Australia after only two years on the throne, and such an early visit is a testimony to the close and strong ties between Denmark and Australia. We are like-minded in so many ways.
“I am very pleased that around 55 Danish companies will participate in the visit under the joint official promotion, ‘Partnering for a Green, Secure and Sustainable Tomorrow’.
“With a clear focus on renewable energy and green buildings, this provides a strong platform to deepen cooperation and turn our shared ambitions for the green transition into concrete partnerships.
“The visit will build on the strategic partnership signed by Australia and Denmark in 2023 and is a chance to strengthen cooperation on a wide range of shared interests and values.”
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed his state would host the final leg of the royal visit.
“We are excited to welcome Queen Mary home as part of the royal visit,” he said.
“This will be a significant national event, and it is fitting that Tasmania is the last stop on the royal visit.
“This is the first official visit to the state by their Majesties since 2005 — as Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark.
“They will have the opportunity to experience our natural environment, world-class conservation efforts and leadership in sustainability.”
Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on PS News.
