Mary's Flatmate Carries The Flag At Christening

The Sunday Age

Sunday January 22, 2006

ANNABEL CRABB, LONDON

THE godparents ranged from Princess Victoria of Sweden to plain old Hamish Campbell, Princess Mary's flatmate from Sydney.

And though the temperature was below zero when the half-Australian heir to the Danish throne was christened last night, there was a definite Aussie whiff to the proceedings.

Eucalyptus leaves and agapanthus adorned the royal chapel, and along with the traditional Danish music programmed for the reception, the royal guest list also heard the outback strains of Gundagai Groove.

The royal child himself, whose formal names were still under wraps even as guests arrived and took their seats, wore a 137-year-old robe of Brussels lace.

The gown was worn by Prince Frederik at his christening in 1968, but the Crown Prince was only one month old at the time, so some strategic structural alterations were made to accommodate the bulkier form of his son, 38 years down the track.

The baby prince was due to be attended at the ceremony by eight godparents; his uncle Prince Joachim, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, his father's friend Jeppe Handwerk and Mr Campbell, who was a surprise addition from Princess Mary's side.

Godmothers were his aunt Jane Stephens, Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.

The chapel was decorated with grape hyacinths, anemones, jasmine and narcissi along with the Australian floral imports.

Princess Mary's bridesmaid and best friend Amber Petty was in attendance, as was her father, John Donaldson, and stepmother, Susan Moody.

The Danish do not tend towards cheap souvenirs or wild public revelry on the occasion of a royal christening, but on the day before the event a steady stream of loyal subjects arrived at the Queen's palace with presents for the baby. One man brought an ice-cream cake in the shape of a cradle; children brought hand-made gifts.

While royal christenings have always been private affairs, the Danish royal family allowed the broadcast of the service on a large screen outside the church - a concession largely due to the popularity of the Crown Prince's Australian bride.

"I like her spirit," said Martin Jensen, a Dane in his 60s .

"And her intelligence," added his wife, Birgit. "She has learned Danish so fast, and made our Crown Prince happy."

© 2006 The Sunday Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home