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Queen Mary of Denmark

Queen Mary of Denmark is the Queen of Denmark and the wife of King Frederik X.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Queen Mary of Denmark is the Queen of Denmark and the wife of King Frederik X. Born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, she became queen consort on 14 January 2024 following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II. She is known for her philanthropic work, including founding the Mary Foundation in 2007.

Early life

Mary Elizabeth Donaldson was born on 5 February 1972 in Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. She was raised in Tasmania and educated there.

Marriage and family

She married Frederik, then Crown Prince of Denmark, on 14 May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral. The couple have four children: Christian, Isabella, Vincent and Josephine.

Queenship

Mary became Queen of Denmark on 14 January 2024 when her husband acceded to the throne as King Frederik X after the abdication of Queen Margrethe II. She is regarded as the first Australian-born queen consort of any country.

Public work and philanthropy

Since joining the royal family, Mary has carried out official engagements and supported a range of charitable organisations. She founded the Mary Foundation in 2007, which focuses on issues such as social isolation, bullying, domestic violence and loneliness. She also serves as patron of numerous charitable and health-related organisations.

Key facts

  • Queen Mary was born in Tasmania, Australia, in 1972.
  • She married then-Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark in 2004.
  • She and King Frederik X have four children: Christian, Isabella, Vincent and Josephine.
  • She became Queen of Denmark on 14 January 2024 after Queen Margrethe II's abdication.
  • She founded the Mary Foundation in 2007 to address social isolation and related issues.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Queen Mary of Denmark?
She is the Queen of Denmark and the wife of King Frederik X. She was born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in Australia and became queen consort in 2024.
When did Mary become Queen of Denmark?
She became Queen of Denmark on 14 January 2024, when Frederik acceded to the throne.
Where was Queen Mary of Denmark born?
She was born in Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
How many children does Queen Mary of Denmark have?
She has four children: Christian, Isabella, Vincent and Josephine.
What is the Mary Foundation?
It is a charitable organisation founded by Mary in 2007 that works on issues such as bullying, domestic violence and loneliness.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Mary_of_Denmark
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, marriage date, children, accession date, and charitable work.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Queen-Mary-of-Denmark
    Supports: Mary became queen when Frederik was sworn in as King Frederik X on 14 January 2024.
  3. United Nations Environment Programme — https://www.unep.org/people/her-majesty-queen-mary-denmark
    Supports: Birth date and place, marriage to Frederik, four children, and Mary Foundation details.
  4. ABC News — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-01/how-australian-mary-donaldson-became-queen-of-denmark/103276432
    Supports: Australian birth, marriage at Copenhagen Cathedral, and becoming queen after Margrethe II’s abdication.