"Genuinely joyous": Danish palace releases new birthday portraits
The Danish Royal family have celebrated the birthdays of Princesses Mary and Princess Marie with stunning new portraits.
The photos of Princess Mary - who turned 51 on February 5 - and Princess Marie - who turned 47 on February 6 - were shared to Instagram on their respective birthdays by the official royal account.
Mary’s portrait, taken by Stine Heilmann, featured the caption “Today is Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess's 51st Birthday”.
In the picture, Mary is smiling and wearing a recycled Carolina Herrera polka dress that she has been spotted in numerous times before - a move that has drawn praise from her supporters.
Many from all around the world sent their birthday wishes in the comment section, but it was Mary’s Australian fans who expressed their pride along with it.
“Mary beautiful Mary born to be a Queen - you make Australia very proud,” commented one supporter of the Australian born royal.
“Happy Birthday Mary, love from Australia. You have become an amazing princess and we are very proud of you,” wrote another.
Marie’s portrait was captured by Steen Brogaard, and was captioned similarly to Mary’s, “Her Royal Highness Princess Marie has a birthday and turns 47 today”.
Marie opted for a white blazer and shirt combo for her photo, accessorising with a smile and some stunning diamond earrings.
Like Mary’s, the comments on Marie’s post were a sea of “happy birthday” wishes, with Marie’s fans eager to share their thanks for the new look at their princess and to sing her praises.
“I just love the way everyone in Denmark is so genuinely joyous and respectful towards their royal family,” said one, “and happy birthday to Princess Marie.“
“Congratulations to the most beautiful in the Royal House,” commented one fan.
“Congratulations to our beautiful, natural and talented Princess Marie,” agreed another.
The portraits were released as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark’s grandsons Count Nikolai, 23, and Count Felix de Monpezat, 20, were spotted in public for the first time since losing their royal titles.
The two, Nikolai and Felix, were attending the memorial service for their grandmother Christa Manley in Vienna, Austria, on January 27.
Despite reports of tension in the royal household, the new portraits offer fans an insight into the warmer side of things, and a welcome change of pace.
Images: Instagram