Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark beam as they watch the Changing of the Guard at their summer home in Graasten after months of frosty appearances – but it’s their adorable collie that steals the limelight
Queen Mary and King Frederik watched the changing of the guard from their summer residence, Graasten Castle, today, but it was their adorable dog who stole the show.
The royal couple, looking cheerful after months of cold, opted for casual summer clothes instead of their usual lavish attire as they enjoyed the sunny weather in the south of the country.
But as they watched the ceremony from their front door, which took place in the castle courtyard, all eyes were on their furry friend.
Mary’s border collie Grace enjoyed all the attention, turning around and posing for the cameras.
The royals got Grace in 2017, after the death of their other dog, Ziggy, and said the puppies were both from the same family.
The royal couple were not in their usual lavish attire and were photographed in casual clothes, enjoying the sunny weather in Graasten, together with their dog, Grace
Ziggy was given to Mary and Frederik as a wedding gift when they got married in 2004.
They wrote on Instagram at the time: ‘Ziggy was a loyal and loving dog, who unfortunately suffered from chronic kidney failure and osteoarthritis. Despite this, he had a high quality of life until the end.’
At one point, the queen is depicted crouching on the ground and giving her sweet dog some affection by rubbing her back.
Mary, 52, got carried away by summer and opted for a simple yet sophisticated look in a cashmere cardigan from Yoox, which retails for £176.
She paired the colorful, muted blue and yellow piece with a breezy white maxi skirt and a ribbed shirt.
Mary kept it simple when it came to accessories, wearing sunglasses, brown and cream checked flip-flops and a gold necklace with an M charm.
She wore her glossy, chestnut locks loose with a blow-dryer and opted for natural makeup.
King Frederik, 56, also wore an airy outfit in a blue and white shirt, light brown chinos and a pair of navy loafers.
The royal couple waved for the cameras as they put on an informal show outside their summer home
At one point, the queen was depicted crouching on the ground giving her beloved dog some affection by rubbing her back
Queen Mary and King Frederik watched the changing of the guard today from the summer residence Kasteel Graasten
She brought summer into her home and went for a simple yet sophisticated look as she wore a cashmere cardigan from Yoox, which retails for £176.
The royal couple acquired Grace when their family dog Ziggy died in 2017. Mary is pictured giving Grace a back massage
Mary and Frederik watched the action from their front door as they watched the ceremony on Friday
Grace stole the show today when she stepped out with Mary and Frederik to watch the changing of the guard
The pair watched intently as the formal ceremony took place, during which soldiers carrying out their duties at important institutions such as palaces were replaced by a new batch of soldiers.
According to the website of the royal family, the ‘Friday Parade’ will be performed in Graasten on Friday. The Band of The Royal Life Guards will take part, while the changing of the guard will take place in the courtyard of the palace.
It comes as the Queen received several bouquets of flowers from benefactors earlier this week. The royal couple was also welcomed by Mayor Erik Lauritzen.
The summer holidays follow a turbulent year for the Danish monarchy, with rumours that King Frederik had had an affair (which were vehemently denied) and the shock abdication of Queen Margrethe in the new year.