Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary concluded the initial stage of their visit to Australia with a memorable early morning journey to a renowned Uluru watering hole.
Rising before dawn on Sunday, the royal duo embarked on a walk to Muṯitjulu Waterhole, located within the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, accompanied by the site’s traditional custodians.
This site holds great cultural significance and serves as one of the few lasting water sources around the sandstone monolith, making it a frequent stop for visiting dignitaries. It has previously welcomed notable figures such as the late Princess Diana and then Prince Charles, who is now the King, during their 1983 British royal tour. Additionally, it was visited by the Dalai Lama in 2015.
Frederik and Mary, who arrived in the heart of Australia on Saturday, commenced their six-day state tour, marking their first journey to the country since ascending to the throne.
Under overcast skies, the monarchs joined a guided tour at the cultural center where they experienced a ceremonial dance known as Inma. This performance is a profound connection for the traditional custodians, the Aṉangu people, linking them to their ancestors.
The monarchs made their way into the cultural centre under grey skies for a guided tour and ceremonial dance called Inma that connects traditional custodians, the Aṉangu, to their ancestors.
Queen Mary said it was great to be home while snapping pictures at Uluru’s sunset viewing site.
“We’ve been so much looking forward to the visit and to start the visit here in the centre of Australia is quite something,” she said.
“And to experience Uluru for the first time and to meet with the Aṉangu people and hear a little bit about their spiritual and cultural connection to the lands … it’s been a really great start to what will be an exciting visit here.”
The royals will head to Canberra on Sunday for more activities, including a 21-gun salute at Government House and a dinner hosted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The pair will also meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon, before departing for Melbourne and Hobart.
The royal visit aims to deepen trade ties between Queen Mary’s adopted and home countries, with a focus on clean energy.
Their delegation includes Denmark’s deputy prime minister, ministers for foreign affairs and climate and more than 50 Danish companies.
Frederik and Mary were proclaimed Denmark’s king and queen in a ceremony attracting wide fanfare in January 2024.
The event marked their 20th year of marriage.
Formerly Mary Donaldson, the pair met during a chance encounter at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympic Games.
Then aged 28 and working in marketing, the future queen had no idea she had crossed paths with Denmark’s party-boy crown prince.
The last time the royals visited Australia officially was 13 years ago, making this their fourth tour together.
They are likely to spend time with Queen Mary’s relatives in Tasmania, including her elderly father John Donaldson.
King Frederik and Queen Mary’s four children, Crown Prince Christian, 20, Princess Isabella, 18, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine,15, are unlikely to join their parents on the tour.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
