Princess Mary will celebrate her 40th birthday on February 5 – and what a life she has had so far.
When Mary met Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik in a Sydney bar in 2000, she was a pretty but otherwise unremarkable commoner.
Twelve years later Mary is a bona-fide princess with four beautiful children and a devoted husband who just happens to be the next Danish king.
These photos chart her journey from girl-next-door to royalty.
Princess Mary turns 40 on February 5.
Mary and Frederik at the beginning of their romance.
Mary and Frederik in Hobart in 2001.
Mary and Frederik shopping in Hobart in 2001.
Mary and Frederik announce their engagement in October 2003.
Mary with her father in a still from a Danish documentary about her life.
Mary and Frederik kick off their three-day wedding celebrations in 2004.
Mary on her wedding day in May 2004.
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Mary and Frederik at their wedding in May 2004.
Mary and Frederik leave hospital with baby Christian.
Mary at Christian’s christening in January 2006.
All year round