Danish Monarchs Announce First Australian State Visit Since Accession
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark are preparing for their inaugural official journey to Australia as reigning monarchs, scheduled for March 14th to 19th, 2024. This significant tour marks their fourth visit to the nation in an official capacity but holds special importance as it is the first since King Frederik ascended to the throne following his mother Queen Margrethe II's abdication earlier in the year.
An Itinerary Spanning Multiple States with Personal Connections
The royal couple will embark on a comprehensive itinerary that includes the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. The final destination holds particular sentimental value, as Queen Mary, born Mary Donaldson, hails from Hobart's Battery Point suburb. Their connection to Australia is deeply personal, having first met at Sydney's Slip Inn pub during the 2000 Olympic Games, a meeting that eventually led to her relocation to Denmark a year later.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Business and Culture
The primary focus of the visit will be on enhancing bilateral cooperation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation. This aligns with the strategic partnership agreement signed by the two nations in July 2023, which aims to accelerate investment in green technologies. A substantial delegation of 55 Danish businesses will accompany the royals, highlighting the commercial opportunities in the green transition sector.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, 'It is an honour to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark back to Australia. Denmark and Australia are great friends, and together we are working to build a more sustainable, secure and peaceful future.' He further noted that the tour's inclusion of diverse regions across the country underscores the breadth of the relationship.
Geopolitical Context and High-Level Participation
The visit occurs against a backdrop of geopolitical shifts, including recent threats against Greenland by US President Donald Trump, which have brought Denmark into global focus. The Danish royal family's website emphasised that 'a strengthened partnership with Australia is particularly important at a time when geopolitical shifts have economic and security implications.'
Accompanying the King and Queen will be Denmark's Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Climate Minister, underscoring the high-level diplomatic and environmental priorities of the trip. This ministerial presence aims to foster deeper collaboration on shared interests, from climate action to technological innovation.
A Blend of Official Duties and Personal Heritage
While the official agenda is packed with business and cultural engagements, the conclusion of the tour in Tasmania offers a poignant personal touch. Queen Mary's return to her birthplace not only celebrates her roots but also symbolises the enduring personal bonds that underpin the diplomatic relationship. The couple, who have four children together, last visited Australia in 2013, making this journey a long-awaited return to a country that holds a special place in their history.
This state visit represents a multifaceted effort to deepen Australia-Denmark ties, combining economic partnerships with cultural diplomacy, all while honouring the unique personal narrative of the royal couple's connection to the land down under.
