Princess Mary and Prince Frederik wow Sydney & expresses heartbreak for NSW bushfire victims

AUSTRALIAN-born Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark will be staying in Sydney until October 28 and attending an array of events and ceremonies while they’re here.

The pair kicked off their visit with a stop off at the Sydney Opera House yesterday waving to crowds gathered at the iconic building's forecourt.

The couple have spoken of their grief for those caught up in the devastating NSW bushfires. "It's heartbreaking," Princess Mary told reporters in the crowd.

As they greeted schoolchildren on the steps of the Sydney Opera House this morning the pair expressed their concern for all those involved.

"We've been monitoring the situation for the past eight days from Denmark," she told reporters at the Opera House on its 40th anniversary.

"Our deepest sympathies go to those who have been affected ... Our utmost respect goes to those who are working to control these fires that are really scary."

She said that while bushfires were a part of Australian life, "it's always heartbreaking to see people who are losing possessions and homes".

Jorn Utzon's son, Jan, told reporters the links between Denmark and Australia were "wonderful" and that his father would be proud.

"I feel his spirit is here with us in the Opera House, the most important achievement for him in his life."
He said he would "happily" be back in 10 years' time for the House's 50th anniversary.

Alongside celebrations at Bennelong Point, the Danish Royals will also visit Government House, attend the opening of the Ole Lynggaard store, attend the Premier's Reading Challenge at Five Dock Primary School, open the Danish Design at the House exhibition and visit the Australian Twin Registry at the Sydney Children's Hospital.



The couple, who famously met at the Slip Inn pub during the 2000 Olympics - close to Metro Hotels on Darling Harbour, have four children: Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

They last visited Australia in 2011.

Sources:
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/princess-mary-and-prince-frederik-wow-sydney-opera-house-crowds-20131024-2w31y.html
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/princess-mary-and-prince-frederik-express-heartbreak-for-nsw-bushfire-victims/story-fni0b8dv-1226745816906

Denmark’s Crown Prince Couple Arrive in Sydney

On a stunning Sydney morning Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick walked out onto the Sydney Opera House steps to wish “Happy Birthday” to the 40-year-old Australian icon.

The couple are patrons of the birthday celebrations, representing the perfect contemporary union of Denmark and Australia, a symbol for our union decades ago with Danish architect Jorn Utzon.

In the crowds is Jan Utzon, Jorn’s architect son, proud to be here to see his father’s work gleaming so brightly in the sunshine.

A throng of school children greet the Crown Princess who is the picture of elegance in a silver dress with blue floral designs and impressively towering Jimmy Choo heels.

The children are from class 5A of Redlands School. Ten-year-old Stephanie tells me she is incredibly excited to be here and has been practising her curtsey.

Her fellow classmate Carl Hansen is Danish and has been here in Sydney for four years. He’s the son of Danish Consul Michael Hansen and has met Crown Princess Mary before.

Carl is a huge fan of the Australian-born Crown Princess and thrilled to be able to share his special connection with his school friends.

Also in the crowd are retirees Shirley and Terry Perrott from Canberra. They’re in Sydney to see Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes South Pacific tonight but couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Crown Princess Mary face to face. And they weren’t disappointed.

As Mary walked along greeting the crowd she spied Shirley and shook her hand.

“She’s very beautiful” a thrilled Shirley tells me afterwards. “I won’t forget this day.”

As the couple left the throng of well-wishers many waving Danish fans, the crowd clapped and cheered.

This is the first stop on a four day tour which will see the Crown Prince Couple visiting a school, Randwick Children’s hospital, a wind farm, Danish designer shops, a clutch of events at the Sydney Opera House and later today meeting NSW Governor Marie Bashir at Government House.

Images - Taken by Prudence Upton

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