Queen Mary of Denmark

Mary (born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson on February 5 1972) is Queen of Denmark as the wife of King Frederik X. She is the daughter-in-law of Queen Margrethe II.

Often it is the case that it takes ‘just a little’ to help and support people, so they can help themselves.

Quotes

• “Why don’t you leave?” the woman in the poem asked herself. We need to stop asking that question and begin to understand why she is staying. From understanding comes the ability to reach, to touch and to change. And if we help even just one woman to take that courageous first step out of violence, we have achieved a lot.
  • Conference on domestic violence, [1] (27 February 2012)

• Often it is the case that it takes ‘just a little’ to help and support people, so they can help themselves. I have met adults and children, men and women, whose living conditions are difficult for us to imagine, but every time I come away inspired by their strength and will to improve their lives and provide a better life for their children.
  • Speech at the opening of Danida’s 50th anniversary exhibition in Bella Center; quoted on royal website (16 March 2012)

• A secure life and a well developed social system; not many people fall through the net. And shared values, I would say; that sense of equality...
  • On reasons for Denmark being voted the happiest country, 'True Romance', Interview with DailyLife.com.au (12 October 2013)

• You can cycle through town and nobody shouts, "look, it's the Princess" – they are used to seeing us. Some people come up and say hello and that's fine. It's no big deal.
  • On royal life, 'Courtesies and curtsies: what it takes to interview Princess 'Maz, Interview with DailyLife.com.au (11 October 2013)

• Everyone has the right to belong
  • Unofficial slogan of her work with the Mary Foundation, quoted here during a speech in Estonia (02 May 2014)