Forty south
Royal celebration as Princess Mary turns 50

As many of you will know, a little but important part of Tasmania lives in Copenhagen, in the person of Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

When she was younger, and had fewer honorifics (apart from the above, these now include Countess of Monpezat, Captain – in the Danish Home Guard, Mother – of four), she spent time in the streets of Hobart, the sports grounds of Taroona High School and the lecture halls of the University of Tasmania.

On February 5, 2022, Crown Princess Mary turns 50. And Denmark intends to celebrate in royal style.

The most visible event will be an exhibition telling "the personal story of HRH Crown Princess Mary".

The exhibition will be staged at Denmark’s Museum of National History, which is housed in Frederiksborg Castle, and Mary will not be the only princess featured. Also told will be the stories of other princesses who have come to Denmark from abroad and Danish princesses who have become crown princesses abroad. “What the Crown Princesses in the exhibition have in common is that they played a role in shaping their own eras, both socially and culturally,” according to an official statement.

“HRH Crown Princess Mary’s personal history and importance to the Danish Royal Family and the Danish Commonwealth are illustrated through pictures, portraits and personal objects, as well as a selection of outfits worn by the Crown Princess for various duties, journeys and celebrations. The exhibition provides an insight into HRH Crown Princess Mary’s commitment to her own patronages and her extensive work on the Danish and international stage,” the statement said.

A new portrait of the princess will be unveiled at the official exhibition opening on February 3. The exhibition will run from February 4 until August 31, 2022. The Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle is open 365 days a year.

Frederiksborg Castle, near Copenhagen. Press image: The Museum of National History, Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark.