GOSSIP!

Crown Prince Frederik Engaged?
Sept-2002

Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik

Danish royal watchers are convinced the heir to their throne, Crown Prince Frederik, is about to announce his engagement to former Sydney real estate agent Mary Donaldson.

Ms Donaldson was wearing a large ring on her left ring finger when she was spotted in public with the crown prince in Denmark last weekend. The ring is the latest development in a romance that began two years ago at the Sydney Olympics and has since captivated Denmark.

Whether the ring signifies an engagement has Danish royal watchers in a frenzy of debate. The 30-year-old former Belle Property agent and her 34-year-old royal lover are becoming increasingly public with their affections.

While there is a question mark over the engagement, there is no doubt Ms Donaldson is being groomed to assume the role of future queen of Denmark. Gone are the casual outfits she used to wear before she left Sydney. In their place are smart suits like the white and beige ensemble she wore to the baptism, and stunning couture gowns like the one she wore to the wedding.

Crown Prince Frederik

Frederik's choice of wife is important for the fate of the monarchy, which needs the people's support to continue. "I think it's important for the future of any monarchy that you have a royal family that is respected and does show a high level of values, and from that standpoint, I think it's very important who Frederik chooses," a palace source said.

When Ms Donaldson moved to Denmark to join the crown prince at the end of last year, the couple usually shunned public events or arrived separately to avoid being photographed together. But earlier this month they attended the baptism of the first son of Frederik's close friends, Caroline and Peter Heerings. They arrived at the Church of Oestre Egede in the south of Denmark, holding hands and smiling for the cameras.

Many people in Denmark think Donaldson would be the perfect wife for Frederik, who has had public affairs with a number of local girlfriends.

She has already won over Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, who strongly approve of their eldest son's new partner.