“A lot has happened since we first met here more than 25 years ago!” King Frederik and Queen Mary shared on their official Instagram account.
The Danish royal couple started their State Visit to Australia over the weekend, sharing photos taken of the couple in Mary’s homeland decades ago to kick off their programme. This is their first official visit to the country since King Frederik ascended to the throne in January 2024.
On Saturday the royal couple arrived at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park Cultural Centre for an official welcome from the First Nations community, receiving a tour of the facilities and watching a traditional inma dance.
Queen Mary told the gathered reporters, “It has been a pleasure to learn more about their people and connection to the country.”
Next, King Frederik and Queen Mary visited the Kulata Academy Café, which is part of The National Indigenous Training Academy that trains and provides paid internship opportunities to young people who are interested in careers in tourism and hospitality.
Their first full day in Australia saw them watch the sunset over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. According to the Danish Royal Court, “the sandstone changes colour throughout the day, glowing in particular shades of red and orange at sunrise and sunset.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary will watch the sunrise from the Muṯitjulu Waterhole before travelling to the capital city, Canberra, for an official welcome from Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
The royal couple famously met in Sydney, Australia during the 2000 Summer Olympics. The then-Crown Prince was enjoying a night out at the Slip Inn when he met Mary Donaldson, a sales director at a real estate company.
Mary did not know he was a future king at the time of their meeting, but they soon began a long-distance relationship. She moved to Denmark in 2001 and the couple became engaged in September 2003, marrying the next May.
This state visit is their first official visit to Australia in 13 years.
