First patronage: Julemærkefonden

11 January 2005

Mary's first patronage was granted to the Danish Christmas Seal Foundation, Julemærkefonden.

The foundation runs 4 homes for children and young people with overweight. There's room for 750 boys and girls who work on getting a healthier life style and regaining self-esteem in a 10 week program. Their stay and guidance at the homes is free from charge. The Julemærkehjemme are funded by the annual sale of "Christmas seals" (stamps) - each year designed by another artist and presented with big media attention.

By granting a patronage, crown princess Mary involves herself with this cause for as long as she's a member of the royal family. She's the "face" of this foundation, giving it extra publicity.

At her first meeting with the foundation she was informed about their working during a 2 hour visit. This took place at the foundation's offices at Brolæggerstræde in Copenhagen.

Christening of Hannibal Gad Foss

8 January 2005

Frederik & Mary were guests at the christening of Hannibal Valdemar Gad Foss, the second son of their friends Rose Gad & Holger Foss. 

Visit to Red Cross & Red Barnet

6 January 2005

In the aftermath of the tsunami in South East Asia, Frederik & Mary, accompanied by Per Thornit, made a visit to the Danish Red Cross and to Red Barnet to hear about the relief efforts that were being made to help the victims.

They were also informed about the general working of the two organisations. Red Barnet's secretary general Mimi Jakobsen showed them round.

Memorial service for tsunami victims

2 January 2005

Many Danish tourists were involved in the tsunami that hit South East Asia on Boxing Day 2004. In Denmark a national day of mourning was held with a 2 minute silence and a national remembrance service for the victims in Copenhagen's Vor Frue church.

Along with prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the royal family was present: queen Margrethe II, prince Henrik, the crown princely couple, prince Joachim and princess Alexandra (seperated but not yet divorced).

Also present were Mary's lady-in-waiting countess Victoria Bernstoff-Gyldensteen and chief of court Per Thornit.

New year's court

1 January 2005

The traditionally very regal first "nytarskur" was replaced by a smaller event, in reception rather than gala style because of the tsunami that hit south east Asia less than a week earlier. In the disaster many Danish tourists were harmed.

The other two new year's courts were cancelled.

A hazy photo of Mary and Frederik arriving at Amalienborg palace:

No footage was released by Danish court. Public opinion was negative on the amount of time the prime minister had taken in making his public condolences.

New year's eve

31 December 2004

On her first new year's eve as "kronprinsesse" Mary hosted a party at her home in Fredensborg.

About 20 befriended couples celebrated the arrival of the new year at Kancellihuset with Fred & Mary.

Christmas day

25 December 2004

In the company of Margrethe, Henrik and the separated couple Joachim & Alexandra, Frederik and Mary attended another church service in Arhus cathedral on Christmas day.

It's Margrethe's tradition to go to Christmas service twice each year: on the 24th and the 25th December.

Christmas card 2004

December 2004

For their private christmas card, Fred & Mary used a photo of them that was shot during Mary's first official visit to Greenland - earlier in 2004.

Christmas eve

24 December 2004

Mary & Fred spent Christmas at Marselisborg with queen Margrethe, prince Henrik, prince Joachim, princess Alexandra & their sons. Joachim & Alexandra were separated but not yet divorced.

Everyone (except prince Felix) attended the Christmas eve service at Aarhus cathedral.

New official photos

23 December 2004

A set of new official photos was released. They were taken earlier in 2004.

Opening a nursing home

11 December 2004

Mary and her lady-in-waiting went to Bov to open Rønshave, a nursing home for elderly people.

Bent Fabricius's birthday party

7 December 2004

Frederik, his brother Joachim & Mary were guests at the gala birthday party for the 80th birthday of Danish jazz musician Bent Fabricius-Bjerre. The party was held at Metronome Studios in Copenhagen.

Mary wore a new gown by Céline.

Visit to Bredegaard Centre & Handing out the Philips Nordic Prize

6 December 2004

A day with two official activities for Mary, on both of which she was accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, countess Victoria Bernstoff-Gyldensteen.

In the morning the fresh crownprincess visited Bredegaard, a nursing home for blind persons in Fredensborg.

Mary wore a new jacket by Max Mara.

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon Mary handed out the Philips Noric Prize at the Rikshospital in Copenhagen. A sum of 50.000 euro was given to child psychiatrist Christopher Gilberg for his research on autism and Aspergers.

On this occasion Mary wore a new hat by Philip Treacy.