Queen Mary has added another impressive honour to her resume, one specially gifted to her by husband King Frederik X on his own birthday.
His Majesty turned 56 on Sunday and decided to celebrate by awarding his Australian-born wife the Grand Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog. The pair also recently marked 20 years of marriage.
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Mary was presented with a stunning medal which features a large red cross studded with glittering diamonds, surrounded by a halo of even more gems.
The insignia also features King Frederik X’s cypher at the top, which appears as two ‘F’s connected with the letter ‘X’. Mary is expected to wear it at formal events.
It’s understood that this particular medal was previously worn by the late Prince Henrik, Queen Margrethe II’s consort and Frederik’s father. It was altered before being presented to Mary.
Grand Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog may sound like an obscure title, but the order is considered very special to the Danish monarchy.
It is only awarded to prominent members of the royal family, kings and emperors related to the reigning Danish monarch, or close relations of royal status.
There are currently seven Grand Commanders, they are; Queen Mary, King Frederik X, Queen Margrethe II, Prince Joachim (Frederik’s brother), Princess Benedikte (Frederik’s Aunt), Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Norway’s King Harald V.
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All of Princess Mary’s stunning evening gowns
Mary is one of only a few recipients who was not born into royalty, instead marrying into a royal family. She’s also one of a small number of women to receive the honour, as females weren’t allowed to be awarded the Order until 1951.
This is just the latest in a series of celebrations for the Danish royal family as they mark King Frederik’s 56th birthday this month.
Over the weekend, Frederik, Mary, their four children and Queen Margrethe made an exciting appearance together on the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.
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Mary wowed in a pink, long-sleeved N21 midi dress, while her eldest daughter Princess Isabella, 17, wore a patterned Zimmerman dress taken directly from her mum’s closet.
Princess Josephine, 13, also wore a dress borrowed from Mary.
Frederik and his two sons, Crown Prince Christian, 18, and Prince Vincent, 13, wore matching navy suits.
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