celebrity

The real meaning behind Queen Mary's proclamation dress.

History was made on Sunday night as Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, formerly known as Princess Mary, was crowned the Queen Consort of Denmark alongside her husband, Frederik, who was proclaimed King.

While it was King Frederik X’s day, it was the new Queen who stole the show, choosing to step out onto the balcony in a stunning white gown designed by Soeren Le Schmidt and sewn by Birgit Hallstein.

Watch: Opening Day - Crown Princess Mary Of Denmark. Post continues below.


Video via Supplied.

The full-length dress featured a cowl neckline and draped fabric that was similar to her Uffe Frank wedding gown, which was also stitched by Birgit.

Her brunette hair was tied up into a neat updo, showing off the Danish Ruby Parure Earrings.

Soeren Le Schmidt seems to be Queen Mary’s go-to designer, as she's often seen wearing his creations for official events such as the coronation of King Charles III of England last year.

And while it’s clear that he’s no stranger to dressing royalty, designing the gown for the new monarch’s first public appearance was special.

"I was very honoured, happy, proud, and not least grateful to be asked to design this particular dress," he told Vogue Scandinavia

ADVERTISEMENT

"The first dress that Queen Mary would wear under her new title as Queen - a dress for the history books - means a great deal. I am very moved."

Designer Soeren Le Schmidt only had two weeks to create Queen Mary's proclamation dress. Image: Getty.

The dress, which featured long, narrow sleeves, structured shoulders and a voluminous skirt, was "relatively simple" according to Soeren.

"Additionally, it is constructed with a separate waist belt that has a voluminous drape from the waist, around the neck, and over one shoulder," he explained.

ADVERTISEMENT

Made from a blend of wool and viscose, the dress had weight to it, and because of the bright white colour, it allowed her ruby jewels to stand out. 

"The colours of Denmark are red and white, so a graphically beautiful white dress adorned with the earrings and a brooch from the Ruby Set seemed like the right choice," said the designer.

Not only is white a part of the Danish flag but it's a traditional colour for royals to wear on succession days. 

Mary also chose to forego wearing a tiara, unlike Kate Middleton, who opted for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece at Charles' coronation.

The Ruby Set the new Queen wore does come with a matching tiara, but the reason behind her ditching it could be because the Danish royal family have a more paired-back approach, which is one reason they're so loved.

Compared to the British royals, the Danes spend a lot less money and have fewer working royals, making them appear much more relatable and humble than other monarchies around the world. 

Both Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales wore white to King Charles' coronation in 2023.

Feature Image: Getty.

Calling all internet users! Take our survey now and go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher!