17 years ago, no could have predicted a royal love story for the ages was about to unfold. Today, she is the Crown Princess of Denmark, married to the future king, Prince Frederik.
But Mary Donaldson’s road to love began like any other romance. She first crossed paths with Fred at Sydney CBD pub the Slip Inn during the 2000 Olympics. Unbeknownst to the then 28-year-old, she had no idea she’d just met a Danish royal.
“The first time we met we shook hands,” she recalled. “I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?'”
The first year of their romance was a long-distance relationship, with Frederik making secret trips to Australia. In 2001, Mary moved to Denmark and their story rocketed into international folklore.
Two years later, on October 8, 2003, it was announced that the couple were officially engaged.
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“I don’t recall wishing that one day I would be a princess,” Mary said shortly after the engagement. “I wanted to be a veterinarian.”
The couple was married on May 14, 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral in the nation’s capital, where Mary wore a beautiful gown created by Danish designer Uffe Frank.
“From today, Mary is mine and I am hers,” Fred said at the altar. “I love her and I will protect her with all my love.”
This Sunday, Frederik and Mary will ring in their 13 year wedding anniversary with the support of their four beautiful children Prince Christian, 11, Princess Isabella, 10, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, six.
In celebration of the amazing milestone, we look back at Mary and Fred’s incredible love story.
13 years and four kids later, Mary and Fred have never been happier.
And none of it may never have happened if it wasn’t for that fateful night during the Sydney Olympics back in 2000.
The glamorous couple turned heads when they hosted King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium for a state visit back in March.
Keeping close at the 80th birthday celebrations for the King and Queen Of Norway at the Royal Palace in Oslo this week.
Mother-daughter selfie! Mary cuddles up to her oldest daughter Isabella. (Photo/HRH Crown Princess via @detdanskekongehus)
Coming full circle! Last year, the royal couple supported both the Australia and Denmark teams at the Rio Olympics, how very diplomatic. Watch Mary talk about the Olympics in the next slide. Gallery continues after the video!
Princess Mary reveals who she will support at the Olympics
Then known as Mary Donaldson, the girl from Tassie first crossed paths with ‘just Fred’ at the Sydney’s Slip Inn pub during the 2000 Olympics.
“The first time we met we shook hands. I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?'” Mary has reflected of their chance encounter.
For the first year of their romance, the couple’s relationship was long-distance, with Fred making secret trips from Copenhagen to Sydney. The couple is pictured here at the 2002 Melbourne Cup.
Of the moment he proposed, Fred has explained, “We decided we wanted to go to Rome, just to see Rome. And I had never been to Rome before. I thought, “This is the moment. “Seize the day and… get your kneepads on.” And then suddenly, on one of those wonderful areas in Rome, I had to say, ‘This is it, Mary.'”
The Danish royals sealed their marriage with an official stamp.
While Mary has embraced Danish culture, Australia will always be a home for the future Queen. But she does miss her childhood love, Fruit Tingles!
Mary recalls when she first met Fred, he’d left an impression… Well, kind of. “Something clicked. It wasn’t the fireworks in the sky or anything like that but there was a sense of excitement.”
That “click” lead to four beautiful kids: Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
The happy parents with their firstborn and heir to the throne behind his dad, Prince Christian.
The Danish royals after the birth of Princess Isabella, in January 2011.
The couple regularly attend royal functions together.
There’s a reason why Princess Mary is considered to be one of the most fashionable royals. Even Chanel’s Karl Lagerfield is a fan of her style.
Mary joked that she “wasn’t allowed to say no” to the engagement.
Fred only has eyes for his Princess.
Proving to be a real-life Prince Charming, Fred said at the altar, “From today, Mary is mine and I am hers. I love her and I will protect her with all my love.” Relive their wedding in the next slide. Gallery continues after the video!
Relive Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik’s wedding day
The Danish royals know how to have a splendid family vacation.
Now that’s what you call dashing!
Not even a glass tank can simmer down these two lovebirds.
The couple supporting Denmark at the London Olympics in 2012 (we’re sure Mary was wearing her Aussie colours underneath…)
A loving kiss for his wife.
Prince Frederik may be a royal, but not even he could escape the bowl haircut epidemic! Fortunately his charming smile and those adorable cheeks make him look very sweet.
Regal fashion on point.
13 years on and they still have that wedding day sparkle.
With her twin treasures, Vincent and Josephine.
What a stunning family.
Princess Isabella is a cheeky little one.
Picture perfect!
Their four angels are no doubt their proudest jewels in their crown.
High-five to Mary and Fred, the ultimate team.
Here’s to 13 more years of happiness and adventure.
