Holding hands as they toured the sights of Bangkok, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik delighted onlookers with the ease in which they display their love.

‘They touched, kissed and flirted. It’s clear they’re very much in love,’ a source says.
While the timing of their visit to the Thai capital couldn’t have been worse, with the city under seige, it was business as usual for the happy couple.

‘It’s more than five years since we got engaged and she started her life in Denmark,’ Frederik, 40, says. ‘I’m very proud.’

Heading to the coastal town of Hua Hin, Mary, 36 and her prince used the break as an opportunity to grab some quality alone time away from their children. But as they tell New Idea, Christian, three, and 19-month-old Isabella aren’t ever far from their hearts.

You’re popular with the Danish people. How have you evoked such a positive response?
Frederik: We generate a positive aura because we’re interested, happy and feel good about what we do. That spreads to the crowd who are waiting to see what we can bring.

You once said you wanted to give a personal touch to your role. How have you done that?
F: It’s ongoing. We’re a strong team since we got married and we’ve contributed our
new ideas to our roles.

What values from childhood have helped you in your role?
Mary: I grew up in a safe and happy home, where I was told the best thing we can be is ourselves. That’s what I try to be in my role. The values I learnt were understanding
of differences, having empathy, honesty and so forth.

Do you speak English with Christian and Isabella?
M: We play and read a lot in English and they get a little more English from my family’s side. I’m sure, though, they will be two-language children.

Mary, what’s motherhood like?
M: It is hard to put into words how wonderful it is. This is a whole new dimension of
my life. My family is the most important part of my life.

How has it changed you?
M: My priorities in life became different. It has changed me, definitely. Your focus is always on your children, how they are doing, are they happy, are there problems with them. It gives you another depth as a person – giving so much love and getting so much love in return. It is such an enriching experience, children give so much to your life.

Frederik, you once spoke about some moments of pressure and loneliness during your youth. As a father now, how would you use those experiences to raise your children?
F: It is important to me, and to Mary, that our children receive our approach to education and upbringing, not just the way I was brought up. Where I stand today, it has given me a lot of experience. I consider it as a positive thing rather than as something sad.

Do you think those experiences will help your children endure similar moments more easily?
F: Definitely. We are very much.. very close to them.
M: It’s the understanding … we try to give them.
F: We tell them they’re good and look like anybody else but they’re not as ordinary as they think they are. They are extraordinary in our hearts.
M: It’s important we ensure they have self-confidence, are proud of who they are, of what their role is, and carry it with pride.  

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