Princess Mary of Denmark: An Australian by Birth, a Danish Royal by Choice

Princess Mary, born Mary Donaldson in Australia, is a fascinating example of a royal with a unique background. She married into the Danish Royal Family, becoming Princess Mary, and in doing so, made significant personal sacrifices. This article explores her journey, citizenship details, and the nuances of being a member of the Danish Royal House.

The Path to Royalty

Before becoming a member of the Danish Royal Family, Mary Donaldson had to renounce her Australian citizenship to align with Danish law. This legal requirement was part of her commitment to the Danish Royal family, as she had to:

Surrender her Australian citizenship Become a Danish citizen Learn the Danish language Adopt the Danish Lutheran faith Agree to surrender her rights to her children in case of divorce

These conditions were a necessary path for her to marry into the Danish Royal Family, and she agreed to them wholeheartedly, as she has since become the mother of four children and holds the title of Princess Mary of Denmark.

A Danish Title, Australian Roots

Despite being the most prominent royal connection to her birth country, Princess Mary maintains a dual identity. She holds Danish citizenship, while her children retain their Danish nationality. It is essential to understand that she is a Danish royal, rather than an Australian one, highlighting the complexity of her situation. This duality makes her a unique figure in the realms of royal and national identities.

A Visit from the Motherland

Princess Mary does make occasional visits back to Australia, but as a tourist rather than a subject. Her visits are private and infrequent, reflecting a balance between her duties as Danish royalty and her connections to her Australian heritage. A memorable meeting with her occurred when she visited her brother in Perth, an ice cream shop, where the essence of her simplicity and down-to-earth personality was evident.

During this visit, she stood in the queue with her family, spoke Danish to her children, and chatted in English with passersby. Her actions were far from regal airs and graces, showcasing a mother doing her typical duties of grocery shopping. This meeting in an everyday setting further emphasizes her role as a modern royal, bridging the gap between the elite and the common people.

Her Loyalties and Legal Roles

It is crucial to clarify that Australians are not subjects of Queen Elizabeth II but are instead Australian citizens. Mary's role as a Danish royal does not make her a subject of the British monarchy or Queen Elizabeth II. Her status as a Danish citizen and royal means that she is governed by Danish laws and customs, even as she respects and acknowledges the current British queen.

Should Queen Elizabeth II's reign come to an end, Princess Mary's husband, the King of Denmark, would be in a position of higher royal rank, and she would not automatically ascend to Queen Consort. Historical precedence means that she would have to bow to the higher ranking monarch until her mother-in-law abdicates or passes away. Similarly, if both Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II are still alive and active, the likelihood of Princess Mary becoming Queen Consort under Elizabeth II is slim.

Notably, Princess Mary's public behavior at the Beijing and London Olympics provided insight into her loyalties. Her support for her native Australia during the Beijing Olympics stood out in the Danish press, which raised concerns with her mother-in-law. This episode highlights the complexity of her relationship with both Denmark and her birth country, Australia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Princess Mary of Denmark bears the title and responsibilities of a Danish royal, her background in Australia remains significant. Her sacrifices and the compromises she made to enter Danish royalty underscore the intricacies of these varied identities. A true testament to her character, she remains a normal mother buying treats for her children, even as she stands ready to fulfill the complex roles of a future Danish Queen.

Related Keywords

Princess Mary Danish Royal Family Australian Citizenship Royal Residency Queen Elizabeth II