Queen Mary of Denmark forced to make last-minute change to Australia trip amid escalating conflict

Queen Mary of Denmark’s trip to Australia has been riddled with complications as the Danish monarch battled flight restrictions and cancelled plans ahead of her return to the land Down Under. 

The Australian-born queen will return home with her husband, King Frederik X, for six days between 14 and 19 March. Their arrival will signify the first time the couple set foot on Australian soil since being crowned King and Queen in 2024, after Frederik’s mother, Queen Margrethe, abdicated the throne. 

However, despite months of preparation, unforeseen circumstances forced a change of plans to their travels as airspace above the Middle East was disrupted by missiles and drones. 

Amid the rising political tensions, the Danish Royal House revealed that adjustments to the travel itinerary for the royals had to be made so as not to get caught up in the unrest. 

The issues arose due to the couple’s preference for commercial flights over military aircraft or private royal planes, according to Jesper Lundorf, one of Frederik’s former royal bodyguards from 1992 to 1999. 

Speaking to Danish publication, B.T., he revealed that, in his previous experience with the royals, they typically liked to take commercial flights for long-haul trips, and that other forms of air travel were reserved for “special occasions”, and noted that “they can’t fly long distances”.

According to the Danish outlet, the Royal House released a written statement to them that said: “The royal couple’s visit to Australia will be carried out with a few adjustments that will be announced later. The dates of the visit will not be changed.” 

Queen Mary’s wardrobe woes

Alongside complicated travel plans, the trip to Australia, which aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Denmark and the Queen’s native country by focusing on sustainability and renewable energy, has also been plagued by disruptive protocols. 

The Tasmanian native will not be showcasing the Danish Royal Court’s crown jewels on her official visit, as there are strict rules about removing the private collection from the state. 

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Dubbed “forbidden jewels”, the Queen will have to carefully select which accessories she will take on her visit. Among the pieces that must stay in Denmark, the emerald parure is one of the most magnificent and representative of Danish queens, with its origins dating back to the silver wedding anniversary of King Christian VIII and Queen Caroline-Amalie in 1840. 

Despite the restrictions, Mary will not be completely blingless as she can travel with pieces from the Royal Trust or her own personal collection.