Glittering banquet in Canberra

Although we didn’t get a tiara moment, Queen Mary did not disappoint with her fashion. She chose to wear a stunning teal dress, which royal watchers quickly spotted was one she had worn before.

“Queen Mary is a master when it comes to repurposing gowns, often adding new touches to give them an elegant update,” says The Australian Women’s Weekly Style Director, Mattie Cronan. “Having worn this seafoam green pleated chiffon gown in 2011, on this visit she added a golden lace overlay and accessorised with an Ole Lynggaard brooch as a hairpiece and earrings from the Leaf and Gipsy collections.”

Ole Lynggaard is a Danish designer and a favourite of Queen Mary’s. She often wears their pieces.

Both the Leaf brooches (worn as a hairpiece) are special, limited edition pieces,” says Ole Lynggard. “The brooch is made of yellow and rose gold, encrusted with diamonds, worn along with Winter Frost White Gold earrings with rutile quartz drops designed by Charlotte Lynggaard.”

King Frederik gave a moving speech about his own personal fairy tale

In his speech to the State Banquet in Canberra, the King praised his Australian-born wife’s courage in leaving her beloved home behind to build a new one “as far away as one can possibly go.”

“For that, I will be forever grateful,” he said. “Once upon a time, Denmark perhaps did not resonate widely in Australia. Then something changed. In 2004, your Mary and I were married, and with that, Denmark once again had a Crown Princess. From that moment on, everyone “down under” knew of the Nordic country “up over,” the King told dignitaries, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“The diplomatic ties between our two nations stretch back almost sixty years. But twenty-two years ago, those ties were forged even closer. Suddenly, we “shared” a real Princess.

“For me, Australia has held a very special place in my heart ever since I slipped into that bar and lost it in a conversation that has never ended.

“Mary, you had the courage to leave your beloved home and build a new one with me as far away as one can possibly go.”

His Majesty said becoming King and Queen will not change the excitement and ease he and Queen Mary feel at coming to Australia. “Although it does add somewhat to the planning,” he joked.
“Over the years, my Australian family always made me feel truly welcome. They embraced me as one of their own, and I embraced everything Australian.

“I raise my glass to the people of Australia and Denmark. May our friendship continue to flourish and may the story we share continue happily ever after.”

Day 3: Canberra

On Monday, Their Majesties were joined by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her partner to the War Memorial to law a wreath to honour Australian service men and women.

Following that, Queen Mary and King Frederik met with local people, at one point Mary even crouched down to pet a King Charles spaniel.

They also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and spoke in the Cabinet Room at Parliament House with elected officials. They also attended a Parliamentary Friend’s Group afternoon tea at Parliament House.

Check back in for updates from The Australian Women’s Weekly team.