Queen Mary shares photo with furry friend who's related to their pet dog, Coco

Queen Mary of Denmark has posed with an adorable furry friend who has a very special connection to one of her family's pet dogs.

The royal, 52, shared the photos on social media to mark International Dog Day on Monday.

The main photo was taken during her and King Frederik's summer cruise last week which saw the royal couple meet the father of their dog, Coco.

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As the royal couple was touring Assens, on the island of Funen, they came across a woman with her two border collies, one black and the other brown.

King Frederik immediately noticed the brown dog's resemblance to their own dog, Coco, and it turns out the dog – named Eagle – is its father.

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He told Mary, who was photographed enthusiastically patting the dog and giving it cuddles.

Queen Mary said on Instagram on Monday alongside the photos: "Happy International Dog Day to all dog owners and friends.

"At home, Grace and Coco have a very special meaning for our entire family. Last week I met Coco's father Eagle during our visit to Assens. It was a nice surprise and wonderful to feel how much father and daughter resemble each other.

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"In picture number two, Grace is in the front and a curious Coco is seen behind. After all, it can be difficult for someone to see the difference."

Last week, Eagle's owner told local media the dog was referred to the Dansk Kennel Klub when Frederik and Mary wanted Grace to have brown puppies.

The then-Crown Prince family welcomed Grace into their lives when the dog was just a puppy, in July, 2017.

They used to have another brown border collie, Ziggy who lived for 12 years before passing away in 2017, and who was related to Grace.

Ziggy was gifted to the then-Crown Prince and Princess in 2005, five months before Mary was due to give birth to her first child, Christian.

The royals often share photos of their pet dogs, who are much loved members of the family.

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