Inside Princess Mary and Prince Frederik's fairytale romance: 'Fireworks'

Following the shock abdication announcement of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, the royal road has been paved for her son, Crown Prince Frederik, to ascend the throne, alongside his Aussie-born wife Princess Mary.

As the Danish monarchy undergoes this transition, take a look back at the unlikely love story of the royal couple—a pair who epitomises a royally modern romance, reminiscent of a classic fairytale. Handsome Prince meets "commoner" and falls in love...

An unlikely encounter

The fairytale began in a Sydney bar, of all places, in September 2000 when Mary Donaldson, an Australian advertising executive, struck up a conversation with a stranger who introduced himself simply as "Fred." Unbeknownst to Mary, she was chatting with the Crown Prince of Denmark, heir to a 1,000-year-old throne.

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Indeed, Crown Prince Frederik was considered a heartthrob in Denmark at the time, with a string of stunning ex-girlfriends, and the nation on the edge of their seats, eager to know who would eventually win his heart.

Reflecting on their initial encounter, Princess Mary shared in a 2005 interview, "Something clicked. It wasn't the fireworks in the sky or anything like that, but there was a sense of excitement."

Long-distance love away from the limelight

As their long-distance relationship blossomed away from the media's gaze, Mary got to know Frederik as a man rather than a Crown Prince.

In 2001, just over a year after their initial meeting, Mary made the move to Paris. By 2002, as their relationship entered the public spotlight, she decided to call Copenhagen home, immersing herself in Danish culture, learning the language, and embracing the Lutheran Church.

Their engagement was announced in 2003, and they exchanged vows at Copenhagen Cathedral the following year, on May 14.

Despite her unexpected journey into royalty, Mary once expressed, "I don't recall wishing that one day I would be a princess; I wanted to be a veterinarian."

The couple's shared love for the Olympics, which they attended in various locations including Athens just a few months after they were married, adds a unique chapter to their love story. Frederik's induction into the International Olympic Committee in 2009 further solidified their connection to the Games.

Family focus

Now, focused on their royal duties and growing family, Frederik and Mary are proud parents of four children: Prince Christian, 18 years old and heir to the throne, Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 12.

Rumours of alleged infidelity

Within the frames of a seemingly content royal family, whispers of alleged infidelity by Prince Frederik have cast shadows over their public image in recent times. As rumours swirl around an alleged affair involving Prince Frederik, the Danish royal family finds itself confronting unexpected challenges.

Crown Prince Frederik's loyalty came under scrutiny when Spanish magazine Lecturas published photos of the Danish heir attending an exhibition in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova last October.

The soon-to-be King of Denmark now faces rumours of an "alleged" affair with the 47-year-old Casanova. The pair was spotted enjoying an evening out, including a stroll in the park, a visit to a Pablo Picasso exhibition, and a meal with flamenco entertainment, all without his wife, Princess Mary.

The abdication of Queen Margrethe in her New Year's Eve address has added a layer of intrigue, sparking speculation about the future of the Danish royal family. The unconfirmed rumours surrounding Prince Frederik's supposed involvement with socialite Casanova leave many wondering about the motives behind the Queen's shock decision.

Dismissing rumours of a romance with Frederik, Casanova has vehemently denied any romantic involvement, deeming the reports as "malicious" and false.

Meanwhile, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik showcased their happy family, decorating their Christmas tree in a festive video and attending a Christmas Eve service with their children, presenting a united front amid the swirling speculations.

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