Mary has a new lady-in-waiting

It has been announced on Frederik and Mary's website in a press release that Mary will have a new hofdame (lady-in-waiting). She is Caroline Heering who is a longstanding friend of Frederik and Mary.



The Crown Prince Couple's website indicates there will be an overlap between Caroline Heering's appointment (from 1 March 2006) and Mary's lady-in-waiting of two years, Countess Victoria Bernstorff-Gyldensteen, who will conclude her contract in April.

Countess Victoria Bernstorff-Gyldensteen is an American from New Jersey originally, who married a Danish count and settled in Denmark. Victoria experienced a similar path to Mary by adopting a new life in a new country, learnt a notoriously difficult language and had children. In the two years of her appointment Victoria has travelled with Mary to many places in Denmark, to New York and to Australia. Mary and Victoria share an interest in golf. Victoria has become a familiar figure by Mary's side at many events.

Caroline Heering is married to Peter Heering who is a childhood friend of Frederik. The couple is close to Mary and Frederik. Caroline has been accustomed to be in the 'royal circle'. Caroline and Peter have two young daughters.

So, we will see a new face with Mary when she is doing her solo engagements.