Queen Mary’s weekend plans have been revealed: she’s currently serving as regent of Denmark.
The Danish Royal Court announced that Queen Mary will serve as regent for the period of 20-22 September, over the weekend, while King Frederik is out of the country.
This is the first time that Queen Mary will exercise this duty while serving as queen consort.
She had previously been appointed a rigsforstander—a regent—in October 2019, while Queen Margrethe was still on the throne.
In a Council of State at the time, then-Crown Princess Mary signed a document that stated she would act “in conformity with the Constitution in the presence of The Queen, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince and the government” should she be the most senior person in the country at the time.
A regent can act on behalf of the monarch in Denmark, carrying out duties as required. In Mary’s case, on past occasions, she has ratified bills and approved devices.
Queen Mary became the second person of non-Danish blood to become a rigsforstander, following in Queen Ingrid’s footsteps. The former Swedish princess assumed the responsibilities of a regent in 1972.
During her tenure as Crown Princess, Mary served as regent on several occasions for Queen Margrethe. Her first period as regent came in December 2019. She later held the office in November 2021 and January 2023.
According to a press article at the time of Queen Mary’s first time as regent, when she signed bills, she would write “in the Queen’s name Mary, Crown Princess, Head of State.”
While this will be Queen Mary’s first time serving as regent for her husband, it’s not the first time King Frederik has made use of regents.
Most notably, earlier this summer, Crown Prince Christian served as regent while his parents were in Paris for the Summer Olympics. Queen Margrethe has also served as regent on behalf of her son.
The list of regents for King Frederik are Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe, Princess Benedikte and Prince Joachim.
