Queen Mary has returned to official duties just days after attending a private memorial service for her late father in Hobart.
The Danish queen joined her husband King Frederik X in Copenhagen for the opening of parliament on Tuesday alongside Princess Benedikte, the younger sister of Queen Margrethe II.
Queen Mary and King Frederik X have attended the opening of Denmark’s parliament on Tuesday, just days after their return from Australia. Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images
Denmark’s parliament, known as Folketinget, is located within Christiansborg Palace in central Copenhagen, close to the royal family’s winter residence Amalienborg.
The opening of parliament is a tradition upheld by the Danish royals annually, where they listen to the prime minister of the day’s speech to herald in a new political year.
It takes place on the first Tuesday of October and marks the start of the new legislative year after the summer break.
Queen Mary has only just returned to Denmark after spending time with her family in Australia. A memorial service to her late father, John Donaldson, was held on Wednesday last week, in Tasmania, following his death in April.
She was joined by King Frederik, leaving their eldest son Crown Prince Christian to serve as regent in the monarch’s absence.
Confirmation of the royal couple’s visit to Australia was given by the Danish Royal House, which added a note to their official diary late on Wednesday afternoon Australian time.
It read: “The King and Queen attend a private memorial service for the Queen’s father, Mr. John Donaldson, in Hobart, Tasmania”.
Queen Mary was in Hobart last week to attend a private memorial service for her late father John Donaldson, who passed away on April 11. The Danish Royal House
Queen Mary wore a new burgundy suit by French designer Roland Mouret and a hat by Danish milliner Katrin Cecilia Jacobsen. Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images
Donaldson died in Hobart on April 11, aged 84, after several years of ailing health.
Queen Mary was able to spend time with her father at the end of the state visit to Australian in March, with Hobart the final stop on the six-day tour.
When Donaldson’s death was announced by the palace, the Royal House said a private memorial service would take place at a later date.
The memorial was attended by Queen Mary’s three siblings Jane Stephens and Patricia Bailey − who live in Tasmania − and her brother, John.
Queen Mary was back in Copenhagen for the opening of parliament on Tuesday, one of the most important events on the royal calendar. Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images
Mary made sure to be back in Copenhagen for the opening of parliament, which is one of the most important events on the royal calendar.
For the occasion, Mary wore a new burgundy suit by Roland Mouret and a hat by Danish milliner Katrin Cecilia Jacobsen. Pinned to her peplum-style jacket was a vintage Christian Dior turquoise brooch, seen on Mary during a visit to Paris in March, 2025.
Once inside Christiansborg, Queen Mary and King Frederik were momentarily unable to access their seats, which were roped off.
Queen Mary attempted to undo the rope blocking the royal section inside Folketinget, the Danish parliament, at Christiansborg Castle before an aide stepped in to help. Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images
The rope hadn’t been removed ahead of the royal family’s arrival, with Mary unsuccessfully attempting to remove it herself before an aide stepped in.
Crown Prince Christian was absent from the opening of parliament due to his ongoing military training.
The crown prince will celebrate his 21st birthday on October 15.
The following week, Vietnam’s president and his wife will make a state visit to Denmark which will see the royal couple host a gala banquet at Amalienborg.