Danish royals Frederik and Mary begin six-day Australia tour with visit to rain-soaked red centre | Australia news
Danish royals Frederik and Mary have kicked off their first trip to Australia since ascending to the throne by visiting the country’s red heartland.
The six-day stateside tour, which also includes visits to Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart, aims to deepen trade ties between Queen Mary’s adopted countries and their home countries.
The royal couple shook hands with Aṉangu traditional owners at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Center after landing in the country late on Saturday.
The normally arid desert region has become a sea of green after weeks of heavy rain drenched the outback tourist area and sent waterfalls down the famous rocks.
The monarchs headed to the cultural center for a guided tour, during which they learned about the creation of the country and Aṉangu traditions.
They also followed the ceremonial dance called Inma, which connected the Aṉangus to their ancestors through song and dance.
Frederik and Mary also admired the sunset at the massive sandstone monolith housing indigenous elders, in a stop likely to draw comparisons with the 1983 British royal tour when Princess Diana and then-king Prince Charles visited the culturally significant site.
The Danish deputy prime minister and foreign and climate ministers will also accompany the monarchs, and a business delegation representing more than 50 Danish companies focused on clean energy will also accompany the monarchs.
“Denmark and Australia are interested in the conservation of nature and culture, and elements related to nature and culture will form part of the state visit,” the statement from the Danish Royal House said.
The duo will also meet with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon in Australia.
Mostyn will host an official state dinner for the royal family.
Frederik and Mary were declared the ruling monarchs of Denmark in January 2024, in a ceremony that drew much attention.
The event celebrated the 20th anniversary of their marriage.
The Tazmia-born queen, formerly Mary Donaldson, met then-Crown Prince Frederik during a chance encounter in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Olympic Games.
The last time the royal family officially visited Australia was 13 years ago and this was their fourth tour together.
They will likely spend time with relatives in Tasmania, including Queen Mary’s elderly father, John Donaldson.
It seems unlikely that King Frederik and Queen Mary’s four children, Crown Prince Christian, 20, Princess Isabella, 18, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 15, will join the tour with their families.
