Share and Follow
The atmosphere instantly changes as Australia’s own Queen Mary and her husband, King Frederik X of Denmark, make their entrance. Their presence is nothing short of magnetic.
Amidst their busy itinerary, the couple exudes a sense of ease and joy during their visit to Mary’s homeland. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, given their charming love story that began at Sydney’s Slip Inn during the 2000 Olympics.
As they move through the room, Mary and Frederik engage warmly with everyone they encounter. Each handshake only amplifies the palpable excitement among those present.
During the visit, Mary was momentarily pulled away for a private meeting. Meanwhile, Frederik took on a spirited challenge, facing off against some young advisors in a lively game of ping pong, showcasing his competitive spirit.
While Mary was whisked away during the visit for a private meeting, Frederik bravely challenged some of the youth advisors in a heated game of ping pong.
Fred played doubles and, despite channelling his inner Marty Supreme with a promising early lead, lost at the final hurdle.
Headspace’s Matt was part of the lucky winning team who played a round against the King of Denmark.
“I’ve already told about 10 people that I won and it’s been five minutes, I’m very happy with ourselves,” Matt said.
“They’re both quite lovely,” he added.
“You wouldn’t pick that they were King and Queen.”
Fred sheepishly admitted to his wife that he lost the game 5-4 when Queen Mary returned to the room later on.
“So disappointing,” she joked, prompting a ripple of laughter throughout the press pack.
Earlier, the royal couple listened intently as the headspace crew spoke about the state of mental health in Australia and the barriers for seeking help.
Mary expressed surprise upon learning it is still hard for some young people to admit they are not OK.
“Is it still very stigmatised?” she asked headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan.
The Danish Queen is a long-time advocate for mental health and wellbeing, having championing the cause through her anti-bullying organisation The Mary Foundation.
Today marks the monarch and his wife’s final day in Melbourne, after visiting Uluru in the Northern Territory and Canberra.
The couple will head to Mary’s hometown of Hobart in Tasmania tomorrow, where a warm welcome is expected.
One royal fan had a split-second opportunity to remind Mary of her Tassie roots as she left headspace and greeted the waiting crowd.
“You’ll get a great response in Hobart,” he told the Queen.
The royals will also host a reception in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens later today.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.