On January 1, 2025, the New Year’s Banquet hosted by King Frederik and Queen Mary took place at Christian VII's Palace. The event was organized for representatives of the government, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, high-ranking officials, and specially invited guests. This was the first time King Frederik and Queen Mary hosted a New Year’s banquet since ascending to the throne.
Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark were also present at the New Year’s Banquet. At the event, Danish Queen Mary wore a tiara and earrings from the emerald set, which is part of the Crown Jewels. She paired this with an emerald green velvet gown designed by Birgit Hallstein, who had also created her wedding dress.
All wearing velvet gowns, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen! Queen Mary did better this time with her green gown, because in the official portrait (her wearing the Danish Emerald Parure for the first time) the necklace really interfered with the higher lace neckline and was barely visible. This time she did not wear the necklace and it looked really very much better. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI hope the lace is removable. It would look so much nicer without it. Lace around the neck like this always gives me a ‘hairy shoulders’ feel.
DeleteVelvet is a nice material, however Mary's dress is not my favorite one, yes maybe without the lace. YES to the hair styling.
DeleteIndeed no lace should have been so much better, esp. Cause she's wearing all those decorations. Ot looks messy. Marie looks gorgeous
DeleteAt "20:48" I totally agree.
DeleteIt seems like there might be some confusion—Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is indeed a key figure in the event you're referencing, but it appears there isn't a picture of her included here. As for Queen Mary's gown, I completely agree! The green velvet gown with the Emerald Parure certainly stood out more this time without the necklace. The lace neckline was much clearer, allowing the gown to shine on its own. A great choice!
DeleteI would love to see a close up of what tiara Queen Margrethe is wearing!
ReplyDeleteIt's her Floral Aigrette. Usually a three piece ensemble, but she had worn it also in other settings a couple of times.
DeleteIts amazing beautiful the way she is wearing this tiara
DeleteMary the best dressed royal in the world!
ReplyDeleteNot to everyone.
DeleteI think Letizia, Rania of Jordan and Kate Middleton compete for the title nicely.
DeleteFashionwise to me personally, it's Marie who is first among equals regarding looks. Her natural complexion (makeup), slender figure and warmth add to the outfit. #2 is Benedikte, very regal, very natural in her position and being herself, not trying to impress.
Mary, I'm not jealous, as always looks polished to the single hair, always high-end and luxurious and always giving me the "new-rich" and "trying too hard" impression and the epitome of someone who worked hard to get where they are and now are openly enjoying the rewards.
One is fully entitled to one’s opinion but let’s not be mean spirited as we enter this New Year. It is better to leave that behind in 2024. All the ladies, including Queen Mary, look splendid!
DeleteAnon 08.21 While Mary does often embrace high-end fashion, her style is usually very sophisticated and tailored to her role. Some might see her polished appearance as a reflection of her dedication to her position, rather than an attempt to impress. She’s always seen wearing outfits that blend both modern luxury and classic elegance, which might come off as slightly formal or "perfect," but perhaps that’s just part of her image as a queen. It’s always interesting how royal fashion is perceived differently depending on one’s perspective!
DeleteI agree with 19:07. To me Mary is one of the best dressed Queens, always dressed to the occasion, unlike Maxima f.e. With her I have more of a nouveau ruche vibe. QLetizia and Rania are dressed really good as well, but I personality favor QMary. PMarie looks also stunning in the blue velvet gown. She always dresses really impeccable as well. PB gown looks to short for me and the I don’t like the combination with the gold accessories, but she looks great anyhow.
DeletePrincess Charlene is the best
DeleteEveryone got the memo to wear velvet, boy what a beautiful assortment of gowns. Love the tiara’s selected, especially how Queen Margrethe worn hers.
ReplyDeleteThe king and his brother very dashing in their uniforms. PB elegant as always. Then there is Christian who is so handsome. Lovely photos thank you.
Velvet was the order of the day.
ReplyDeleteFor me Princess Benedikte was the winner.
Lowri.
Agree…she looks fantastic as usual.
DeleteFor me as well.
DeleteIf this were a competition and a winner had to be nominated, my vote would be for Princess Benedikte.
DeleteBut as this is not the case, I think each gown has its beauty and merits.
Overall, it’s just WOW, WOW and WOW.
The royal ladies all look beautiful. Pss Bene looks like a model, simply stunning. The jewels on display are incredible.
ReplyDeleteQueen Mary looks every inch a Queen. The emerald tiara and earrings with the deep green lace and velvet gown are perfection. She also has beautiful posture. I think this tiara truly suits her better than some others. Marie is lovely as always with her floral tiara.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with Anonymous 23:03!
DeleteAll of them are so beautiful with dresses and suits and jewelry, but Queen Margrethe, just love when she has that “tiara” in her hair, I think it’s absolutely amazing! A
ReplyDeleteChristian looks nice with this new hair style. I never thought that the centre part suited him, so I´m glad he´s trying something else now. The above photo of him also reminds me of his paternal grandfather Henrik - a similarity I never saw before today. I always mainly saw Mary in him.
ReplyDeleteI agree his hair is much better so.
DeleteI join the rest: the ladies all look fantastic the velvet and jewelry are just a dream!
Luna
All the ladies look wonderful…who can resist velvet? And Christian looks much better with his new hair style…a nice looking lad.
ReplyDeleteLove the unity and seeing ALL the family together. Titles are only words. These noble souls outshine petty protocals. They all look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of all the lace on Mary's dress. Love Marie's dress. The neckline is so elegant.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your perspective! Mary’s lace details might not be to everyone’s taste—it can sometimes feel a bit heavy or too ornate. But her look often leans toward a more polished and sophisticated style, with a lot of attention to detail. I think her choices are meant to strike a balance between tradition and modern elegance, though I get that it might not appeal to everyone. Marie's dress definitely has that effortless elegance that’s hard to beat!
DeleteTo the first Anonymous. I totally agree with you. I also do not care for all the lace. I do not think it has effortless elgance at all. Marie on the other hand is complete effortless elegance.
DeleteM
Anon 21.45 I can understand your point, but I actually think the lace adds a certain charm and complexity to the look. It’s all about how it’s styled—when done right, it can enhance the overall elegance, rather than detract from it. Everyone has their own take on what feels effortless!
DeleteJust stunning Frederik and Mary. I like it choise of the clothe for Mary, but hair style not so much, it's nice but can so much better. Poltroni
ReplyDeleteLa robe portée par Marie est sobre,élégante et classe.
ReplyDeleteJe n'aime pas la dentelle associée au velours de la robe de Mary.
But still fur around the shoulders! Brbr
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, all the Nordic / Scandinavian monarchies still use real fur stoles/coats/jackets. Those are vintage pieces, meaning the animals used to make them have been long dead since. Which doesn't make it morally / ethically clean clothing, but at least they use what's already in the wardrobes. No recent kills. Still sad, of course. Very difficult topic.
DeleteDSC, You’re right that many Scandinavian monarchies continue to use vintage fur pieces, and it’s a nuanced topic. Using items that are decades old, as you mentioned, means the animals were long gone before these garments were brought out. It can still be a moral dilemma, though, because even vintage fur carries associations with the practices of the past. It’s great that there’s awareness of the issue, and it does make the conversation about the ethics of fur fashion much more complex. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between tradition, sustainability, and evolving ethical standards. Definitely a tough topic to navigate.
DeleteJe suis ravie de voir ces dames porter du velours ; j'aime beaucoup la robe de la princesse Marie - Pas tellement fan de la fourrure blanche sur les épaules de la princesse Benedikte ; en gris clair, cela aurait été parfait !
ReplyDeleteI love a good uniform and the British are the top in this. But the uniform of Frédéric always makes me a bit laughing. Too much of everything
ReplyDeleteHis uniform is no more over the top than the British. That outfit P.Anne wore to the coronation to name one. Naval uniform is very distinguished looking.
DeleteHvilken betydning har ELEFANT for Danmark?
ReplyDeleteElefantordenen (eller Elefantordenen af Danmark), også kaldet Den Kongelige Elefantorden, er en af de ældste og mest prestigefyldte ordener i Danmark. Ordenen blev oprettet i 1693 af Kong Christian V og har traditionelt været tildelt personer af meget høj rang, både danske og udenlandske, for særlige fortjenester over for Danmark.
DeleteOrdenens symbol er en elefant, og ordenen har ofte været givet til kongelige og statsoverhoveder, samt personer, der har gjort en ekstraordinær indsats for Danmark eller for internationale relationer. Elefanten som symbol refererer til styrke, visdom og varig betydning – kvaliteter som blev tillagt modtagerne af ordenen.
Elefantordenen er fortsat en vigtig del af den danske kongelige tradition og bruges i dag som et symbol på højeste anerkendelse af individer for deres tjeneste til Danmark eller for deres diplomatiske bidrag på globalt niveau.
Christian looks like a young Elon Musk
ReplyDeleteOh please NO! Why insult the boy?
DeleteOh come on , not even close
DeleteI agree with Anon 22:22 ! Absolutely not, it’s the worst comparison you could have for this young & handsome boy !
DeleteJK
Oh, n'importe quoi ; il est vraiment un très beau jeune homme dont je retrouve de la ressemblance avec son grand-père !!
Delete@DSC yes fur is difficult, I have three pieces, stola, scarf and hat, from my grandmother, and I've decided to use them. We I live now winters are mild, but when is cold enough I use them gladly: they are very warm and cozy, they were my grandma's and I like how they look.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if anyone who sees me feels offended, but it's my decision.
The younger queens and princesses are not using theirs now, but it might chance with be time...or not.
To each their own.
Luna
Wear your fur, Luna. Good for you. Many animal lovers do wear fur.
Delete2024 and still fur from animals so out of fashion and so flashy jewelry and lace no elegance at all
ReplyDeleteAgree
Delete… but it is normal that royalty carries on tradition. The jewellery, the clothes, the events are part of their essential existence and continuity.
DeleteI can understand your perspective, but I don't agree that fur, jewelry, and lace lack elegance. When done tastefully, these elements can add a unique richness and sophistication to an outfit. Fashion is diverse, and what feels timeless to one person might not resonate with another, but there’s still space for these styles to be part of a refined look.
DeleteAll velvet gowns, just beautiful love the Tiaras. CP Christian really matured, he looks great so do his father and uncle. Love the furs too.
ReplyDeletecss
Mary remains my favourite of her generation. All ladies look very nice. I quite like Marie’s gown too.
ReplyDeleteCH
All of them look very good, but Mary acts always professional.
ReplyDeleteIf you watched the video of the arrival, she said something to Frederik like she does most of the time in these situations. Her facial expressions changes when she does this from smiling her professional smile to looking severe or annoyed. She does this on balcony scenes, at ceremonies in church while for example the priest is speaking. It is of course never captured in photos, but it does not look professional on tv.
DeleteMary is very elegant....as always.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the color of the velvet portion of Queen Mary’s gown; it is truly ravishing, but I do not think the green lace works with it. I think that it was chosen with the intention that it would harmonize with the color of the velvet, but in practice it appears to be much lighter and more green in tone. If the lace were a darker shade and more blue, I think the gown would be more successful.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation. I love the gown as is, but your variation might have been better still.
ReplyDeleteToo much of everything, too much jewelry, too much orders and medaillons. I do not like a velvet dress with lace parts. The men in full gala uniforms is also too much. I feel sorry for the government members that they have to be present on the first day of the new year for a banquet with the king and queen when everyone else is relaxing and resting from the diners, party's and gatherings with their family and friends. But probably they are used to it and must do it for their job. Not in every country with a monarchy the royals are receiving the representatives of the government and other officials on such a formal banquet for the new year. They have a number of receptions with the king and queen and that is. I prefer it more simple.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you prefer a more understated approach, and I can understand why the elaborate outfits and ceremonies might feel excessive. The formalities and grandeur are part of the tradition and history of monarchies, but it’s also valid to feel that simplicity might create a more genuine atmosphere. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to how events should be celebrated, and that’s what makes these traditions interesting—people can appreciate them in their own way.
DeleteToo much ignorance and stupidity
DeletePost a Comment
(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)