Canberrans are invited to the Royal Danish Embassy in Yarralumla to sign a book of congratulations for the new King and Queen of Denmark – King Frederik X and his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary.
Deputy Head of Mission, Lene Schumacher, said the Embassy welcomed well wishers to visit to sign the book and share in the celebrations.
Because Queen Mary has Australian roots, this has added a unique and meaningful dimension to the Danish royal family’s connection with Australia.
What message does the Embassy in Australia have for King Frederik X and his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary?
The Embassy congratulates His Majesty King Frederik X and Her Majesty Queen Mary on their reign.
As we see by the large number of people participating in the celebration of the succession of the Danish throne in Denmark yesterday, the new King and Queen of Denmark have the support and respect of the Danes.
They have been a very successful Crown Prince couple and we look forward to support them in their new and exciting role as Head of State of Denmark.
How has the Danish community in Australia responded to the new King and Queen?
There have been numerous celebrations around the country with Danes living in Australia congratulating the new King and Queen of Denmark.
In Tasmania, many Australians raised their glasses for the royal couple, and marked the celebration by lighting the Tasman Bridge in red and white.
The Tasmanian Government has donated $10,000 to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, where Queen Mary is the protector, as well as a Huon pine table created by the Tasmanian artisan Rex Heathcote to the royal couple.
What has the response been like from the Canberra community?
The Royal Danish Embassy has opened a Book of Congratulations inviting Canberrans – Danes and Australian – to send their well wishes to the His Majesty King Frederik X and Her Majesty Queen Mary.
We celebrated with a glass of champagne this morning and have had a steady flow of people passing by. We invite everyone to come by and be part of this historic moment in Danish (and Australian) history.
How many people have signed the Book of Congratulations in Canberra so far?
Diplomats, Danes and Australians have signed the Book of Congratulations on this first day (Monday 15 January). We have approximately 30 greetings after the first day.
Are there opportunities for Australians outside of Canberra to offer congratulations?
Books of Congratulations are also available at the Royal Danish Consulate in Sydney, at the Honorary Consul in Brisbane, and at the Town Hall in Hobart. In addition, an online Book of Congratulations is available for everyone in all corners of the country to sign: Online Book of Congratulations.
The Royal Danish Embassy Canberra is located at 15 Hunter Street, Yarralumla. Opening hours for the week of 15-19 January are: Monday – Wednesday 10am-2pm.
Royal Danish Consulate General in Sydney: Monday–Wednesday 9-10am and 12-4pm; Thursday – Friday 9am-4pm.
Honorary Consul in Brisbane: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm.
