Who wore it better?

Crown Princess Victoria vs. Crown Princess Mary

Who wore it better? (skirt edition)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge vs. Crown Princess Mary

Crown Princess Mary has worn this dress five times since 2006.

Crown Prince Frederick,  Crown Princess Mary, and Prince Joachim of Denmark attend the inaguguration of the house of foreign industry on June 10, 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Lady-In-Waiting

What is a Lady-In-Waiting? That depends on the royal family, often. Pictured here are the three ladies that have served as Hofdame (literally Court Lady) for Crown Princess Mary of Denmark since she married Crown Prince Frederik in 2004. They help Mary with things such as the language (particularly her first Hofdame), etiquette, information about whatever organization or event they are visiting/attending, and telling her who people are, as well as little things such as holding her purse, flowers, & gifts. They most likely also take care of little secretarial things. It was said that Queen Beatrix’s L-I-W’s had their own area of expertise, so when Beatrix would go to an art museum, she would take the L-I-W who was most knowledgeable in art. A handy trick for Queen’s with several L-I-W.

How do I become a Lady-In-Waiting: Good question. Honestly, you need to be close to the royal family. Victoria, Mary’s first Hofdame, was chosen because she was noble, but also because she was an American who moved to Denmark to marry her husband. Victoria spoke Danish exceptionally well for someone not raised speaking it and she was probably quite a help for Mary in her transition in becoming a Princess, but also in becoming a Dane. Caroline, Mary’s second Hofdame and her current Personal Secretary, was friends with Mary for years before taking over for Victoria in 2006. Caroline’s husband Peter has known Crown Prince Frederik since their childhood. Peter’s parents are also close friends with Queen Margrethe (his mother choregraphs ballets and often does ballets that Margrethe will design the sets & costumes for). Tanja, Mary’s third Hofdame, has known Mary for many years as well. Her husband Chris is a friend of Frederik as well. Tanja is apparently also friends with Countess Alexandra. The titles and duties of L-I-W can vary from country to country (for those who have them).

Keep in mind that, in the case of the Danish Hofdamers, it is NOT a paid position. These were took/are taking time away from their families to accompany Mary to events and sometimes on foreign visits. That’s quite a bit of work for someone not getting a paycheck.

Pictured are Countess Victoria Bernstorff-Gyldensteen, Caroline Heering, and Tanja Doky.

(credit to the Unofficial Crown Princess Mary Message Board)

I’m glad to see Mary in the Midnight tiara again, but I’m not totally sold on her dress. I think the cape part is throwing me off and it would have looked better without it. Also, it seems as though the Ruby Parure tiara would have suited this gown much better. Thoughts?

Princess Charlene leaving the ceremony with Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik.

she’s done it again!

The Danes leaving their hotel

Princess Marie is wearing her usual floral tiara and Crown Princess Mary is wearing the Midnight tiara!

Here are the Crown Princely couple arriving at their hotel in Stockholm

forhelvede:

Crown Princess Mary wearing the Danish Ruby Parurue (also called the Ruby Tiara and Queen Ingrid’s Ruby Tiara), part 2 of 2

Each picture has a caption with the event she wore it to and the date.

forhelvede:

Crown Princess Mary wearing the Danish Ruby Parurue (also called the Ruby Tiara and Queen Ingrid’s Ruby Tiara), part 1 of 2

Each picture has a caption with the event she wore it to and the date.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark delivers her speech during the third day of The Women Deliver Conference on May 30, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia