Queen Mary of Denmark laughs as she’s greeted by hospital clowns during solo engagement – one year on from King Frederik’s ‘affair scandal’

Queen Mary of Denmark couldn’t help but laugh when she met hospital clowns during a solo visit to the city of Middelfart.

The royal, 52, arrived at the event with a big smile on her face as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

She grinned during a meeting with Danish Hospital Clowns – an organization dedicated to brightening the days of children receiving medical treatment.

Those who are part of the movement are professionals who must undergo special training, which can last up to a year and a half.

Mary was greeted by workers dressed in colorful ensembles with balloon headpieces and round clown noses.

The beaming monarch appeared unfazed following the one-year anniversary of the rumored scandal over her husband King Frederick’s ‘affair’.

She seemed in good spirits as hospital staff put on a show for her at the Severin Konference hotel.

The mother of four put her fashion foot forward and wore a vibrant ensemble for the occasion.

Mary wore an Erdem Lindsay Hideko floral print silk blouse which she tucked into a belted black maxi skirt, which showed off her slim figure.

She completed the look with sheer tights, simple black heels and a pair of gold earrings.

Those who participate in the Danish Hospital Clown Training Program learn about relationship building and neuropsychology, as well as how to better understand the needs of hospitalized children.

The team consists of approximately 61 hospital clown members and visits more than 30,000 children admitted to Denmark every year.

The clowns have also worked in various child and adolescent psychiatric wards in the country.

Mary also met with some of the children and young people who met the clowns while they were in hospital, and gave a talk about the organization on stage at the conference.

Yesterday she attended the Hubertus Hunt in Dyrehaven with her daughter, Princess Josephine, 13.

The Hubertus Hunt is an annual cross-country horse race held on the first Sunday in November at Deer Park in Klampenborg, north of Copenhagen.

Dating back to the 20th century, the event marks the end of the Danish hunting season, with 160 hunters riding on horseback over hedgerows and water features through the park, completing a route of 13 km. It attracts approximately 40,000 spectators.

Josephine and Mary’s appearance comes as the couple returned from Australia this weekend after a surprise visit to the Queen’s homeland.

It is believed she flew to Hobart last week to attend her niece’s wedding before traveling to Sydney where she soaked up the sun on some of the city’s most picturesque beaches.

After spending almost a week in her home country, Mary was spotted leaving Australia with her 13-year-old twins Josephine and Vincent.

Mary last visited Australia in December with her twins to spend Christmas with her family.

Her return to Australia comes 12 months after rumors emerged that her husband King Frederick, 56, had an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, which were strongly denied.

Frederik did not accompany his wife on her trip to Australia, but chose to remain in Denmark on official business.

However, his decision to stay home has raised eyebrows among fans of the Danish royal family, who have been keeping a close eye on the couple since the alleged ‘affair’ scandal rocked their relationship.

Cracks began to appear in the couple’s fairytale romance after the then-Crown Prince was photographed on a night out with Ms Casanova in Madrid last October.

Ms Casanova strongly denied any affair with Frederik immediately after photos of the pair together emerged and has since refused to speak about the matter.

Weeks after the photos of the now King and Mrs Casanova were published, Mary was spotted on another holiday in Sydney without Frederik.