Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary have completed the first leg of their six-day Australian tour with a sunrise visit to the Muṯitjulu waterhole at Uluru. The royal couple walked to the culturally significant site in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa national park on Sunday morning, accompanied by traditional owners. The waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources around the sandstone monolith, has previously hosted dignitaries including the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1983, and the Dalai Lama in 2015.
The royals arrived in the red centre on Saturday for their first state tour since King Frederik ascended the throne. At the cultural centre, they received a guided tour and watched a ceremonial dance called Inma, which connects the Aṉangu traditional custodians to their ancestors. Queen Mary expressed her delight at being back in Australia, stating: 'We've been so much looking forward to the visit, and to start the visit here in the centre of Australia is quite something.'
The couple were due to travel to Canberra on Sunday for further engagements, including a 21-gun salute at Government House and a dinner hosted by Governor General Sam Mostyn. They will also meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, before departing for Melbourne and Hobart. The tour aims to strengthen trade ties between Denmark and Australia, focusing on clean energy, with a delegation including the climate minister and representatives from over 50 Danish companies.
Queen Mary, born Mary Donaldson in Hobart, met her husband at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympic Games. The couple were proclaimed king and queen in January 2024, marking their 20th wedding anniversary. Their last official visit to Australia was 13 years ago, making this their fourth joint tour. Their four children are unlikely to join them.
