Queen Mary of Denmark and Queen Mette-Marit of Norway were born a year apart. Both married into the throne and are queens consort. And both belong to a generation of Scandinavian royals tasked with carrying forward the deep-rooted friendship that binds the region’s monarchies together. Hours ago, that bond took center stage as Queen Mary opened up about her close relationship with the late King Harald of Norway — and, for the first time, addressed Queen Mette-Marit directly.
A queen’s first tribute to Norway’s late king
Mary looked moved as she spoke to Billed Bladet in her first public appearance since King Harald’s death. “Harald was a very good person. It has always been a special pleasure to be in his company,” she said. She went further, reflecting on the affection the Norwegian people have shown their late king: “I completely understand why he’s known as the grandfather of Norway, because he always had eyes for everyone.”
The Danish queen spoke to her personal relationship with the King. “I got to experience that love myself: his great warmth and consideration at my first meeting with him, when I was completely new to my role as crown princess. We will miss him.”
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesWhat Harald once said about Mary
The warmth ran in both directions. In 2024, King Frederik and Queen Mary made a state visit to neighboring Norway, with King Harald offering a toast that tributed her.
“You embarked on a great task when you fell in love with this athletic Dane. You gave up a great deal and made Denmark and the Danish people the land of your heart. You have been a great support to our dear Queen Margrethe. Today marks 20 years since you married, and that deserves applause,” he said.
© JAVAD PARSAWhen asked directly about the kind of queen she believes Mette-Marit will become, Mary reached for measured diplomacy: “The Norwegian king and queen know that our thoughts are with them at a time of great change. They know they have our full support.”
The closeness between the Danish and Norwegian royal houses continues to be displayed as King Harald’s funeral rites develop. Today, Wednesday, September 9, is the date of the King’s state funeral, with Frederik and Mary traveling to Oslo alongside their son, Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe, and Princess Benedikte, where they’ll show their support for the Norwegian monarchy and accompany them in their loss.
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