Queen Mary and King Frederik are well into their six-day official visit to Australia, with the royal couple spending Monday morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The Danish royals paid their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Hall of Memory and observing a minute’s silence during the solemn ceremony.
Their appearance followed a welcome reception at Government House on Sunday evening hosted by the Governor-General.
The trip, running from March 14 to March 19, marks the couple’s first visit to Australia since ascending the throne in 2024, and Denmark’s first official state visit to the country in more than four decades.
For the occasion, Queen Mary, 54, wore one of her signature shades – navy blue – opting for a sophisticated high-neck dress with long sleeves and a hemline that skimmed her shins.
She paired the elegant ensemble with a silver brooch, striking snake skin stilettos and a matching blue netted headband that swept her brunette hair neatly back.
The polished look was a contrast to the flowing, semi-sheer floral gown and grey-blue fascinator she wore the evening before. For both appearances, however, she chose a clean makeup palette with a soft pink lip.
The Tasmanian-born royal appeared entirely at ease back on home soil, smiling warmly as she greeted well-wishers while moving through a packed schedule of official engagements.
Queen Mary and King Frederik X are well into their six-day official visit to Australia, with the royal couple spending Monday morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
The Tasmanian-born royal appeared entirely at ease back on home soil, smiling warmly as she greeted well-wishers with Frederick while moving through a packed schedule of official engagements
Their trip, running from March 14 to March 19, marks the couple’s first visit to Australia since ascending the throne in 2024, and Denmark’s first official state visit to the country in more than four decades
But while the monarch appears composed and confident during her historic return Down Under, a royal etiquette expert says there may be a deeper emotional current beneath the polished surface.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tour – which includes stops at Uluru, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart – there is one notable presence weighing quietly in the background.
Mary’s beloved father John Donaldson, who she has made time to visit at the end of her trip, is understood to be in declining health.
For some observers, that context has raised questions among Australians watching the tour unfold. Is the Queen distracted? Does she seem slightly ‘off’? Or is she simply performing the role she has spent decades preparing for?
According to etiquette expert and royal commentator Jo Hayes, what many Australians are noticing has some truth to it – but there’s more going on behind the scenes.
‘As an etiquette expert and regular royal commentator, I keep very close tabs on Queen Mary’s royal appointments and appearances in Europe. As such, I’ve become very accustomed to her body language and behaviour,’ Ms Hayes told the Daily Mail.
For the occasion, Queen Mary, 54, wore one of her signature shades – navy blue – opting for a sophisticated high-neck dress with long sleeves and a hemline that skimmed her shins as she and Frederik paid their respects by laying a wreath in the Hall of Memory
The Royal’s also meet with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, right, at Parliament House Canberra on Monday afternoon
Mary also stunned in a white ensemble paired with nude heels for the welcome reception at Government House on Sunday evening hosted by the Governor-General, while King Frederik wore a navy suit
‘There’s no doubt her father’s declining health is on her mind – he’s 84 and in a ‘frail’ condition according to reports. And as she doesn’t get to spend much time with him, she’s no doubt chomping at the bit to see him at the end of this official visit.’
However, she said many Australians only tune into Mary’s public appearances when she returns home, meaning the public is now seeing a version of her that has been carefully shaped by 25 years inside one of Europe’s oldest monarchies.
‘As much as Australia loves her, most Aussies don’t pay much attention to what she’s up to until she’s back here in Australia,’ Ms Hayes explained.
‘And on her rare official visits we often don’t see too much of her or hear her speak.
‘So what we’ve seen in these first couple of days of this official state visit – her first as Queen of Denmark – is arguably the most we’ve ever seen of her here.’
Ms Hayes said Mary’s behaviour may therefore surprise some Australians who remember the Tasmanian-born marketing executive who famously met Frederik at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics.
The royal couple touched down in Perth on Friday afternoon to begin their jam-packed itinerary, which includes official engagements. Both seemed in high spirits
The Danish royals enjoyed a sunset tour of iconic landmark Uluru on Saturday
‘She’s warm and friendly, absolutely. But she behaves as she should – as royalty,’ Ms Hayes said.
‘She holds herself beautifully. Back straight, chin up, walking gracefully and confidently wherever she goes – whether she’s bushwalking in boots at Uluru swatting flies, or glammed up for the state dinner at Parliament House.
‘She’s honed this deportment over the past 25 years and it sets her apart from the more relaxed Aussie vibe most of us are used to here – even from our politicians and other ‘important people’.’
That same restraint also explains why Mary and Frederik may appear slightly formal with one another during public engagements.
‘Royal couples typically have a rule of restraining overly familiar body language in public,’ Ms Hayes said.
‘They rarely hold hands or show overt affection because it helps separate their public roles from their private life.’
‘So, if anyone is questioning Mary’s behaviour towards Frederik, it’s completely consistent with royal protocol.’
Despite the formal tone of many engagements, Ms Hayes believes Mary is genuinely happy to be back in Australia to visit old friends and family.
After already ticking off Uluru and now, Canberra, the royals with stop by Sydney next followed by Melbourne and finally Hobart to conclude their whirlwind trip.
