The gala posing of Frederick and Mary of Denmark: three big differences from the first official portrait

This Thursday, April 25, the Danish Royal House distributed a new portrait of Frederick X and Mary of Denmark. The pose, the first of the Kings in gala costumes, has been released online to mark the arrival of the monarch to the throne (left photo). Four months ago, January 19, the House shared the first official poses of the Kings (right photo). We compare both photo sessions.

The recent session, this April 25, shows us the image of the Kings with their respective “gala costumes with the Order of the Chained Elephant,” explains the House. The portrait “can now be seen hanging, among other places, in state institutions, including Danish embassies and consulates around the world and on Danish ships.” They share this photograph and the previous one, the one from January, the same location: Christiansborg Palace. The gala portrait was taken by photographer Steen Evald, who immortalized the Kings in the Green Room of the Royal Reception Rooms of the palace.

Beyond the gala dresses and the crown, which mark the two main differences between the snapshots, we find one more detail. Mary’s position, regal, equal, shoulder to shoulder with her husband. However, in the January session, we see the Queen, in white, looking like a bride on her wedding day, and standing behind her husband. The leading role goes to the King and the consort, turned, is in second position.