Denmark’s long, lazy days of summer will soon be drawing to a close, and for Crown Princess Mary, wife of one future king and mother of another, the first whiff of a sterner reality hangs in the air.
At Grasten Palace, the royal family’s favourite summer residence, the Australian-born princess has recently enjoyed an idyllic stay with her husband Crown Prince Frederik and 10-month-old son, Christian. Yet while Mary’s happiness and buoyant popularity are apparent to everyone, there are concerns in royal circles that — rather sooner than intended — she may have to step up to a more prominent role in royal affairs.
The apprehension centres on the health of 66-year-old Queen Margrethe and, to a lesser extent that of her husband, Prince Henrik. In May, the Queen underwent a knee replacement, and although the surgery was judged a success, she has spent much of the time since on crutches or in a wheelchair, looking tired and sometimes to be in pain. A heavy smoker, the Queen has often been chided — not least by her own family — for neglecting her health, and while there may be no serious concerns, few expect Margrethe to resume a full roster of public duties.
Read the whole story, only in the September 2006 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
