In a series of new official portraits unveiled by the Danish palace, Queen Mary of Denmark captured public attention not just with her graceful presence, but particularly with her exquisite necklace—a piece that carries an emotional weight and symbolizes her enduring relationship with King Frederik. These portraits mark the first civil photos of the royal couple since their gala imagery was released in April. The necklace, featuring a delicate ‘F’ pendant, serves as a poignant reminder of their strong bond, especially in light of the salacious rumors that surfaced a year prior regarding the king’s vacation in Spain.
Queen Mary is well-regarded for her thoughtful selection of jewelry that often tells a story. The ‘F’ pendant, representing her husband, has quickly become a signature piece for the queen, first appearing in public in November 2020. It’s part of her larger collection of sentimental jewels. Frequently pairing it with another pendant containing the initials of their four children—Christian, Isabella, Vincent, and Josephine—Mary showcases her dedication to family, cleverly intertwining her royal duties with her role as a devoted mother.
In the latest series of portraits, Queen Mary radiates elegance in a simple white shift dress complemented by a sophisticated round neckline. While such a minimalist choice might seem understated for a royal portrait, it reflects a strategic decision to keep the focus on her chosen accessories—the striking necklace and dazzling Belle Époque style diamond earrings, which she notably purchased at an auction for her 50th birthday. The contrast between the simplicity of her dress and the intricacy of her jewelry exemplifies the balance she maintains between tradition and modernity in royal fashion.
Accompanying her stunning attire, Queen Mary’s hair is styled in a bouncy blow-dry that adds a touch of vitality to her appearance. The queen’s makeup is equally subdued yet impactful, featuring a smokey plum eye that enhances her natural beauty without overshadowing her ensemble. In a world where royal fashion can often skew towards the opulent, Mary’s choice reasserts that beauty lies in balance and simplicity.
King Frederik mirrors his wife’s elegance with his sharp navy three-piece suit, which is perfectly tailored to portray sophistication and authority. The ensemble is completed with a crisp white shirt and a satin pink tie, projecting a cohesive and harmonious look alongside Queen Mary. This attention to detail in King Frederik’s attire reinforces the image of a modern monarchy—one that recognizes the importance of appearance while still valuing individual expression.
The backdrop of the portraits, the Great Hall of Frederik VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen, serves as a stunning venue, rich with history yet understated enough to spotlight the couple. Photographer Steen Evald brilliantly captures this intimate aspect of royal life, allowing the viewer a glimpse into their world as they prepare for various official functions and events.
These portraits are more than just images; they are windowed frames into the evolving narrative of the Danish royal family. As they approach the first anniversary of King Frederik’s crowning, these photos not only commemorate a year of achievements and stability but also celebrate tradition interspersed with contemporary flair. The previous official portrait of the couple in April, where Queen Mary adorned the luxurious Danish Emerald Parure tiara, marked a different tone—one steeped in regal history, dating back to 1840, yet still relevant today.
This continuous evolution of royal representation underscores the everlasting allure of the Danish monarchy and its ability to connect with the public. Through careful jewelry choices, thoughtful fashion, and striking portrait locations, both King Frederik and Queen Mary adeptly navigate the expectations of royal life while also crafting a legacy that future generations can look up to with admiration.