Copenhagen: Allow yourself – if only for a moment – to be swept away by this fairytale. It’s an antidote, perhaps, to months of horror headlines, two years of war and an ongoing political dialogue so poor that makes schoolyard squabbles sound like Rhodes scholar debates.

Queen Mary, once just plain old Mary Elizabeth Donaldson from Hobart, Tasmania, now sits on Europe’s oldest royal throne alongside her husband, King Frederik X. Just like her wedding 20 years ago, it was sealed with a memorable kiss.

Danish King Frederik X and Queen Mary kiss on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.Credit: Getty

In Copenhagen, the cobblestoned centuries-old city that inspired the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen, they came out in droves, wearing lined winter coats, scarves and woollen hats – some even held hands. By the time the royal family popped their heads through the balcony doors, the temperature had fallen to below freezing.

There was ample room here for the cynics. Some even turned up carrying placards.

“Justice for Pingo,” screamed one, using King Frederik X’s old navy nickname to call for him to be tried for treason – apparently for his government’s decision to allow US army bases on Danish soil. The new king is likely to be asked for royal assent.

But tin foil hat-wearers and republicans alike were completely outnumbered by the more than 100,000 people who just wanted to, even if just for a few hours, open their hearts and forget about everything else.

King Frederik X and Queen Mary, with their children Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Crown Prince Christian and Princess Isabella.Credit: Getty

Hotels, trains and airlines had been fully booked since the queen dropped her bombshell abdication announcement in her annual televised New Year’s Eve address.

Faith Julija Kristensen, who left Sydney in 2006 for a new life with her partner in Denmark, was one of those who embraced the moment.

QOSHE - How Mary and Frederik’s fairytale kiss provided an antidote to our times - Rob Harris
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How Mary and Frederik’s fairytale kiss provided an antidote to our times

10 14
15.01.2024

Copenhagen: Allow yourself – if only for a moment – to be swept away by this fairytale. It’s an antidote, perhaps, to months of horror headlines, two years of war and an ongoing political dialogue so poor that makes schoolyard squabbles sound like Rhodes scholar debates.

Queen Mary, once just plain old Mary Elizabeth Donaldson from Hobart, Tasmania, now sits on Europe’s oldest royal throne alongside her husband, King Frederik X. Just like her wedding 20 years ago, it........

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