It’s been 20 years since Mary Donaldson first graced the cover of The Weekly, speaking about her budding romance and marriage to the then Crown Prince Frederik. This month, she returns to grace the cover of Are Media’s The Australian Women’s Weekly as Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark.
Whilst it won’t be a shock to see a royal on the cover of an Australian magazine, the February souvenir issue marks the ascension of the world’s first Australian-born Queen.
The February issue commemorates their recent coronation as King and Queen with 18-page special featuring insights, images from Queen Mary’s personal collection, and a feature on the Danish Crown Jewels.
Editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Sophie Tedmanson, said “The Weekly has covered royal families for the past 90 years and we couldn’t be more excited that such an extraordinary Australian woman has become a queen who is adored by our readers and set to become even more popular during her reign.
“Mary is a model royal and a great Australian ambassador, and her effortless charm and cheerful grace will continue to make her a global style icon over the next few years.”
The Weekly’s royal correspondent Juliet Rieden – who has interviewed Mary in person – reflected on the significance of the monarch saying: “It was clear from the first time she was pictured with Frederik that she’d be a natural and deal with the immense pressure of being in the public spotlight.
“Denmark is a tiny nation compared to the UK, and the Danish monarchy is very in touch with its people and hugely popular, as was obvious when tens of thousands turned out to cheer for the new King and Queen on Proclamation Day. Danes have especially opened their arms to Mary; she is part of the fabric of the nation now. Mary is also very relatable and a wonderful contemporary royal role model.”
The February issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly is on sale from 25 January.