Danish King Frederik and Australia-born Queen Mary have arrived in Melbourne for the first of two days of royal engagements in the city focused largely on renewable energy and sustainable development opportunities.
The pair’s first official engagement saw them meet with the Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner at Government House on Tuesday morning.
King Frederik and Queen Mary signed an official visitors’ book before posing for photos with Professor Gardner, her partner Professor Glyn Davis and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
“We have exciting days ahead,” the king said, adding that he was looking forward to this part of the tour.
The Danish Royals were photographed with Premier Jacinta Allan (left) alongside Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner and Professor Glyn Davis (right). (ABC News)
In a business reception held afterwards in the Government House ballroom, Professor Gardner began a speech by detailing links between Australia and the Danish monarchy dating back to Australia’s federation in 1901.
“One hundred and twenty-five years later and our nations are among the oldest continuous democracies in the world,” she said.
“Our instincts for fair representation and strong civil liberties have served us well.
“And though our lands are separated by many miles and many great oceans, we find in each other suitable partners and continue to grow ever closer.”
As well as seeking opportunity in their resources, the two countries were also underpinned by a belief in opportunity for all, the governor said.
“I know the Danes have a word — hygge — that speaks to a feeling of comfort and familiarity,” Professor Gardner continued.
“In our context, we speak of our easygoing formality, a meeting between equals. Here we might say, ‘No worries mate’.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark join a business reception at Government House Victoria. (AAP: James Ross)
King Frederik told the ambassadors, diplomats and business leaders gathered that “partnering for a green, secure and sustainable future” would be the theme of the reception.
“Queen Mary and I hope that many new, possibly historical outcomes will materialise between Denmark and Australia as an outcome of our visit here in Melbourne,” he said.
“Turning sustainability into good business is a powerful driver.
“That is why partnering across borders for a green, secure and sustainable tomorrow is an essential objective of this visit.”
The business reception was followed by a meeting with about 10 Danish companies with economic ties to Australia.
The Danish royals arrived in Australia on Saturday for their six-day visit, Denmark’s first state visit in 40 years, with Uluṟu in Central Australia the first stop on the itinerary.
Queen Mary and King Frederik watching a ceremonial dance from Aṉangu dancers at Uluṟu on Saturday. (AFP: David Gray)
The couple then flew to Canberra on Sunday, where they received a ceremonial welcome at Government House and a state dinner attended by the prime minister, governor-general and opposition leader.Â
On Monday, their majesties visited the Australian War Memorial in the nation’s capital.
It is the couple’s first official visit to Australia since Frederik ascended to the Danish throne in January 2024, and their fourth official visit to Australia together, with the last visit in 2013.
Queen Mary and King Frederik shake hands with members of the public outside the Australian War Memorial. (AAP: Lukas Coch)
Karin Monk, a longtime committee member of the Danish Club in Melbourne who met the royal couple on their last visit, described their majesties as “interesting and interested” people.
King Frederik was “the people’s king”, Ms Monk said.
“He’s into the people in the street. He really loves to engage in that sort of way,” she said.
“He’ll be wanting to meet people here.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary walk along the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. (AAP: Lukas Coch)
After their engagements in Melbourne, King Frederik and Queen Mary, who was born in Tasmania, will fly to Hobart on Thursday.