When Mary Donaldson married the charming and handsome then-Prince Frederik in front of millions around the world in 2004, she gave up more than just the single life she’d once loved.
She gave up her home in Sydney, her life with family and friends, her freedom and even her Australian citizenship.
All that considered, it’s easy to see why the hardworking Tasmanian would be determined to be successful and give her new life, representing the people of Denmark, her all.
Until very recently, things were going swimmingly, with her loving husband by her side.
ROCKED BY RUMOURS
But rocked by rumours of an unhappy marriage after King Frederik was spotted on an overnight trip in Spain with a Mexican socialite – and endless frosty outings that certainly suggest things aren’t well between the couple – the now-queen’s world has suddenly come crumbling down.
Now, in what might be the final straw, Woman’s Day hears a major blow may be about to come for Mary, 52, mere months after she was finally crowned Queen of Denmark as a reward for her years of dedication and hard work.
Despite formally abdicating on January 14 to make way for her son and daughter-in-law to reign, there is speculation Queen Margrethe may be having doubts about her decision to step down, with some royal commentators even going so far as to suggest she could be considering stepping back into the role of monarch after her son’s attempt at ruling has left her less than impressed.
Our source says the people of Denmark are also questioning 55-year-old Fred’s suitability for the role.
“Queen Margrethe would definitely be worried,” a Danish royal insider tells Woman’s Day of the monarch’s headspace just four months after stepping down.
“Margrethe has put a lot of energy over many, many years into ‘training’ Mary to be queen and has a lot of belief in her.
“But people have more faith in Margrethe than in Fred. Because of Mary´s popularity, Fred might become more popular, but I think people sense that he really isn’t born to be king.
FAMILY DRAMA
“It must have crossed her mind for sure,” the insider says of Margrethe, 84, potentially regretting her decision to step down in a move that was considered revolutionary.
“It’s obvious that something has been going on with Mary and Fred. It would be hard for Margrethe, who cares a lot about her daughter-in-law. No doubt she will have talked with Mary about being professional – even in a situation like this, where there are rumours of infidelity.”
While Mary has been spotted at countless royal engagements over the past few months – more often than not without Fred by her side – the king, who was famously reticent to rule before meeting his dutiful wife, has left the people of Denmark wondering what he has been doing in his short time on the throne.
“The people have definitely wondered where he has been,” our insider explains.
“The Danes have always loved Margrethe,” they add, suggesting they’d be more than happy to see more of the former monarch should she choose to step back into public life.
Despite speculation she is plagued with regret, Margrethe has so far, at least publicly, remained supportive and has not made any official moves when it comes to ordering Mary and Fred from the throne.
Our source says she is hopeful that the couple can work through their issues, both for the sake of their marriage and for the country she loves so dearly.
MARRIAGE WORTH SAVING
“Margrethe wishes the best for Mary and Fred, there’s no doubt about it, and she will do everything she can to help them save their marriage,” says our source.
“Mary takes her job so seriously and it would be so painful for her to step away just like that – she won’t do it.
“Most of Denmark was also ready for a younger couple to take over. Mary and Frederik have always been a power couple, but people will be watching closely to monitor any conflict between them.”
Last month, the royal couple admitted leadership has come with its challenges. But they were determined to assure the people they’ve not giving in just yet.
“We have not set a fixed route, but a good direction,” Mary said of their first months on the throne.
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