They say that time can mend even the deepest wounds, but just as Queen Mary was beginning to put the 2023 Danish royal photo scandal behind her, the saga is set to reemerge—this time, as the images take center stage in a new legal battle.

Let’s take a step back. In November 2023, a series of striking photos emerged, depicting Crown Prince Frederik enjoying an evening out in Madrid alongside Spanish television personality Genoveva Casanova.

Conspicuously missing from these snapshots was Frederik’s Australian-born wife, known then as Crown Princess Mary.

The collection of 14 photos documented the Danish heir and the Spanish TV star spending several hours together in the vibrant Spanish capital—meandering through a park, taking in an art exhibition, and sharing a meal while watching a flamenco performance.

The images—allegedly taken on October 25 and 26—not only captured their leisurely stroll through the city but also showed the duo heading to her apartment, changing outfits, and stepping out again for the evening.

Published first by the Spanish magazine Lecturas, these provocative images quickly reverberated through Spain and Denmark, eventually capturing attention worldwide and making international headlines.

Taking a leaf from the British royal playbook, the Danish royals remained tight-lipped about the photos: don’t complain, don’t explain.

Neither Frederik, Mary, nor any other Danish royal has ever publicly uttered a word about the photos.

After abdicating in December 2023, Frederik and Mary became King and Queen in January 2024

The 2024 coronation ceremony saw the new king and queen exchange what was widely-regarded as an awkward kiss on the palace balcony

Genoveva Casanova was pictured attending an event in November 2023 – weeks after photos were published of herself out with then-named Crown Prince Frederik

Less than two months after their publication, Queen Margrethe II announced in her New Year’s Eve speech that she would step down in January 2024, installing her eldest son Frederik as monarch.

Cynics mused that a changing of the guard was the ultimate smokescreen.

Frederik and Mary became King and Queen in January 2024. Since then, they’ve worked hard to present a united front and an image of marital harmony.

Meanwhile, Genoveva had remained largely silent – until now. 

Initially, when the images were published, she released a statement denying the rumours of a romance outright. 

‘I categorically deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Crown Prince Frederik and me,’ Genoveva said in a statement provided to Spain’s Hola magazine in November 2023.

‘Any statement of that type is not only devoid of truth, but also misrepresents the facts in a malicious manner. It is already in the hands of my lawyers, who will take the appropriate steps to protect my right to honor, truth and privacy.’

It seems this was no idle threat, as reports of legal action have now surfaced. 

Spanish newspaper El Economista was first to report on the legal proceedings, based on confirmation from Lecturas’ editor-in-chief, Luis Pliego. 

Genoveva Casanova, pictured here at a fashion event in November 2022, is reported to have filed a 400-page lawsuit against Lecturas and several other Spanish outlets that published photos of her with Frederik

They alleged that Genoveva’s lawyers filed a 400-page lawsuit against Lecturas and several other Spanish media outlets that reported on or contributed to the spread of the story.

The lawsuit reportedly claims that the stories published by local outlets violated Genoveva’s privacy and damaged her reputation irreparably. 

Furthermore, the suit is reported to be demanding one million euros in compensation for publication of the scandalous snaps.

El Economista quotes editor Pliego, who said: ‘I can only say that she is demanding one million euros and that in my explanation I have defended the journalistic relevance of the story.’

Also attributed to Pliego is a claim that a total of 16 people were called into court to give evidence in the proceedings. Curiously perhaps, Genoveva was not among them.

Instead, El Economista claimed she fled to Mexico – even missing the wedding of her ex, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, father of her children.

This might seem unsurprising – why would you want an ex-spouse attending your  wedding – but the pair, who were married for only a few years and share twins, are reportedly on good terms. 

In fact, according to El Economista, her aristocratic ex-husband is believed to be funding the lawsuit.

Queen Mary and King Frederik, pictured here attending a state dinner in Latvia on October 28, have remained silent on both the photographs and the court case

A SE og HØR report claimed that Genoveva’s ex is ‘the one who pays Casanova’s lawyers bills in connection with the trial’.

As the case unfolds in a Spanish courtroom, Lecturas has taken the lead in mounting an unexpected defence, aiming to dodge the compensation claim.

If successful, it could be another brutal blow to the Danish royals.

El Economista reported that the defence’s argument centres on public interest – suggesting the reporting was justified because it ultimately ‘led to Queen Margrethe’s abdication and Frederik’s ascension to the throne’. 

In other words, the media argue that the public interest in the story outweighs the right to privacy of the future King and the TV star.

However, there is some scepticism in the Danish press as to whether this argument will hold up. 

Danish royal expert Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen is among those questioning the validity of this claim.

‘It is quite clear that it was a decision she made during the Christmas days of 2023 – that is, some time after the Madrid story,’ read part of his translated statement given to SE og HØR.

On October 27, Queen Mary and King Frederik co-hosted the Royal Couple’s Awards Ceremony for the first time

Danish media outlets such as Billed Bladet gushed over the couple’s warm interactions as hosts, noting they exchanged ‘loving glances’ throughout the event

‘The other thing is: Could this be the way the Queen has typically acted? Has she continuously reacted and acted strategically for the press? I don’t think so.’

Nevertheless, the crux of the Spanish media’s defence carries a sting for the royals.

Meanwhile, as ever, Queen Mary and King Frederik remain silent on both the photographs and the court case. With a royal tradition of not commenting on rumours, it’s unlikely we’ll hear anything further. 

But the royals are certainly doing their utmost to project an image of a solid, united and even loved-up couple. 

With timing that may appear uncanny, Frederik and Mary have ramped up their joint public appearances over the past week. 

On October 27, Queen Mary and King Frederik enjoyed a milestone in their reign, co-hosting the Royal Couple’s Awards Ceremony for the first time – an event widely hailed as a triumph.

Danish media outlets such as Billed Bladet gushed over the couple, noting their arm-in-arm walk and ‘loving glances’ throughout.

Days later, the royal couple’s busy schedule continued with back-to-back events during a two-day State visit to Latvia.

The royal couple’s action-packed itinerary included several photo ops – all peppered with warm interactions between Mary and Frederik

The action-packed itinerary included photo ops at a museum, a gymnasium and an official meeting with the president – all peppered with warm interactions between Mary and Frederik.

The visit culminated with a glamorous State Banquet, which saw them don tuxedos, tiaras and other finery.

There was no rest upon their return to Denmark on October 30, when the pair enjoyed a date night at the Copenhagen Concert Hall, watching the Danish National Symphony Orchestra’s 100th birthday celebration.

Maintaining a positive and press-friendly front is clearly still the royal strategy – and with almost two years on the throne, it’s a tactic that’s served them well so far. 

In the meantime, Mary’s glamorous photo offensive hasn’t let up. In early November, she travelled to Egypt, with the royal family’s Instagram sharing a series of awe-inspiring photos of the Queen exploring the Giza pyramid complex and surrounding sites.

There’s certainly plenty of sand there, should anyone feel the urge to bury one’s head.