Princess Mary can now act as Denmark’s Queen

Queen Margrethe of Denmark is passing on some of her power to Princess Mary, who, along with her husband, is next in line to ascend to the throne.

In a historic move, the 79-year-old monarch signed over the right for Australian-born, 47-year-old Mary to act on her behalf at official events when she is unable to attend.

Currently, this is something Mary’s husband, Crown Prince Frederik, is able to do.

In a statement, the palace said: “As regent, The Crown Princess will, from now on, be able to attend to The Queen’s duties as head of state when The Queen is prevented from doing so, for example during a stay abroad.”

A photo of the signing was shared on the royals’ Instagram page with Mary seen sitting next to Frederik as Queen Margrethe beams at both of them.

In what was surely a sartorial sign of solidarity, both Mary and Queen Margrethe were dressed in red - Denmark’s national colour.

Next in line

Mary and Frederik, who share four children and have been married for 15 years, will be Denmark’s next king and queen.

They’ve been playing an increasingly larger role in supporting Queen Margrethe since her husband Prince Henrik, passed away in February last year.

In May, a royal insider hinted to New Idea magazine that Mary is “‘already the de facto Queen in many people’s eyes”.

“The Queen is slowly handing over some duties to Frederik and Mary, and she sees the future of the royal family is in safe hands,” the added.

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