Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary have spent the morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, before heading across to Parliament House.
The royals arrived in the capital on Sunday afternoon as part of their six-day Australian tour — the couple’s first since they were crowned king and queen in 2024, and Denmark’s first state visit in 40 years.
Today, their majesties toured the Australian War Memorial, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Hall of Memory and observing a minute’s silence.
King Frederik and Queen Mary lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (AAP/Lukas Coch)
Passing the Roll of Honour, the royals paused to acknowledge Flying Officer Henry James Brock, a Tasmanian-born officer who was killed in action in 1945 and buried in Denmark.
They also placed a poppy at the memorial for Flying Officer Geoffrey Herbert Brandon Slinn, who was killed in action over Denmark in 1944.
King Frederik and Queen Mary walk along the Roll of Honour with Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson. (AAP/Lukas Coch)
Hundreds gather for a chance to meet the royals
On the Australian War Memorial’s forecourt, the king and queen met with hundreds of members of the public waving Danish flags, waiting to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
King Frederik and Queen Mary took their time chatting to people, shaking hands and reading homemade posters.
Lynton Martin travelled from Melbourne for a chance to meet the Danish royals. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)
Among the crowd was self-described royalist Lynton Martin, who travelled from Melbourne for the occasion and wore a red jacket adorned with badges representing both Australia and Denmark.
“I see that royals unite countries and they’re part of a country’s identity,” he said.
“With this Danish royal family, we’ve got a part of our own, with Queen Mary being Australian of course.
“We are very proud of her and we want to make sure she feels welcome back at home as well.“
Danes Asger Nielsen and Benedikte Nikolajsen were backpacking in Australia when they heard King Frederik and Queen Mary would visit Canberra. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)
Danish backpackers Asger Nielsen and Benedikte Nikolajsen were surprised to have the chance to meet the royals while travelling on the other side of the world.
“It is the first time I am seeing them in person because I live on the other side of the country in Denmark so I don’t really get to see them much, just on the TV,” Mr Nielsen said.
“It’s very exciting. We like them.”
Canberra Girls Grammar students (from left) Arietta Pantano, Ziqi Gu, Madeline Ling, Annie Hassall and Zoe Franco were excited to see the Danish royals. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)
A group of Canberra Girls Grammar students also relished the chance to meet a royal for the first time.
“This is something that’s probably only going to happen once. It’s really cool,”
Zoe Franco said.
Royals welcomed at Parliament House
After leaving the Australian War Memorial, King Frederik and Queen Mary were welcomed to Parliament House with a handshake by Prime Minster Anthony Albanese.
The royals greeted Mr Albanese before meeting government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, in the cabinet room.
Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary met with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra. (AAP: Mick Tsikas)
In welcoming King Frederik and Queen Mary, the prime minister said Australians had “a great affection” for the pair, and for Denmark.
“We are countries with very similar values about human rights and democracy, similar values as well about the challenges facing the world,”
Mr Albanese said.
“In particular, the challenge of climate change and energy, and how to deal with what is the biggest economic transformation since the industrial revolution.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary sit in the cabinet room of Parliament House in Canberra. (AAP: Mick Tsikas)
King Frederik told the cabinet room he and Queen Mary felt “very much at home” in Australia, and said Denmark had “a lot to offer”.
“The official text for this visit is … ‘Partnering for a green, secure, and sustainable tomorrow’,” he said.
“Australia is very aware of how to secure the climate in many ways for the coming generations.
“And we’d love to walk hand-in-hand toward the sunset on that one.“
Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary attend a Parliamentary Friendship Group afternoon tea event at Parliament House. (AAP: Lukas Coch)
The royals then enjoyed afternoon tea with the Denmark-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Speaker’s Garden.
They finished the day attending a Life Science event in Parliament House, where industry representatives discussed strengthening partnerships between Denmark and Australia within healthcare and life science.
The King and Queen will join the prime minister and his wife for dinner tonight at his official Canberra residence, The Lodge.
Ceremonial welcome and state dinner
The royal couple received a ceremonial welcome at Government House when they arrived in Canberra yesterday, complete with a 21-gun salute and military parade.
Mr Albanese, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor were among the VIPs to greet them on the front lawns.
Queen Mary and King Frederik were guests of honour at a state dinner at Government House on Sunday night. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)
The royals were then guests of honour at a state dinner, during which King Frederik spoke of Australia’s deep ties with Denmark — a connection that’s only been strengthened by his union with Queen Mary.
He reflected fondly on their now famous meeting at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympic games, and said that when the pair married in 2004 both Australia and Denmark gained a princess.
Before arriving in Canberra, King Frederik and Queen Mary visited the Muṯitjulu Waterhole at Uluru.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.abc.net.au ’
