In pictures: Denmark's Queen Mary and King Frederik X return to Australia for first state visit
Updated . First published
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark have visited Australia for the first time as King and Queen in what was their first official joint tour in 13 years.
It was a state visit and the biggest foreign tour the King and Queen have done following the change of throne, signifying Australia's importance to the couple and Denmark.
That Australia was chosen for King Frederik and Queen Mary's first state visit outside of Europe and Scandinavia is a major indication of the enduring affection, and connection, the Tasmanian-born royal has for her birth country.
Continue through to see all the highlights from the visit.
On Friday evening – the day after the tour ended – the King and Queen shared a photo taken on the steps of Government House and a message thanking Australia for hosting the state visit.
"As we return to Denmark, we are grateful for all the warm greetings, generous sharing of time and knowledge, and the care you've shown us which have left lasting memories," the King and Queen said.
"We have truly felt the warmth of the Australian hospitality and friendliness."
The royal couple spent a few days in Hobart following the tour, relaxing with Mary's family.
The King was due back in Copenhagen on Tuesday when Danes go to the polls after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called an early election.
Mary is scheduled to attend the Danish Heart Association's annual awards ceremony at Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen on Thursday.
Scroll through to see the highlights from their state visit.
Day one: Uluru
Queen Mary and King Frederik X began their Australian tour by watching the sunset at Uluru.
The Danish King and Queen arrived in the Northern Territory on Saturday March 14, the first stop on their six-day state visit which will end in Mary's former hometown, Hobart, on March 19.
Queen Mary and King Frederik posed for photographs as the sun set over Uluru, the 348-metre national landmark that is arguably Australia's most famous natural wonders.
It has become a rite of passage of sorts for royals visiting Australia, with Prince William and Catherine, as well as Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles, having done the same during past tours Down Under.
Mary wore a beige linen skirt and a brown button-down shirt and tan flat shoes. She accessorised with an Akubra hat and jewels from Dulong, plus her Cartier watch.
King Frederik and Queen Mary watched a cultural performance and met elders from the Aṉangu people – the traditional owners of Uluru.
Day two: Uluru
On Sunday, March 16, Queen Mary and King Frederik took in the sunrise and toured the Muṯitjulu Waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources around Uluṟu.
Day two: Canberra
The Danish King and Queen were welcomed to the nation's capital on Sunday after flying in from Uluru, on the second day of their state visit to Australia.
Their afternoon in Canberra began with a smoking ceremony at Government House.
The Queen re-wore a green Zimmermann dress for the arrival.
There was a quick outfit change and the royal couple was welcomed to Canberra by Australia's Governor General Sam Mostyn.
Queen Mary wore a white dress by Danish designer Claes Iversen with floral motifs and a blue fascinator.
She and King Frederik were greeted with a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour before the national anthems of Australia and Denmark were played.
While inside Government House, Mary spoke warmly about her enduring connection with Australia and being welcomed back after so many years.
"It is always a joy to come back to Australia, we've been so much looking forward to this trip," she said.
"As a former Australian, there is something special about coming back to the place I was born and grew up in, and had a large part of my adult life in. To be remembered is nothing that should never be taken for granted and it warms our hears that Australians continue to remember us and have us in their hearts and minds."
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