Mary & the twins readying to leave hospital

As reported, the Crown Prince Couple will leave the hospital with the twins in the late afternoon tomorrow (Friday). It has been speculated in the press that the twins may have been jaundiced, which is very common among twins and premature babies. Chief Obstetrician Morten Hedegaard said the twins were born early at the press conference last Saturday. He said they had been due towards the end of January. Meanwhile, there are a few things to ponder. What will Mary wrap the twins in? Crown Princess Mary used a shawl knitted by her mother, the late Henrietta Donaldson, as a receiving blanket for both Prince Christian and Princess Isabella when leaving the hospital. It is an old traditional Shetland christening shawl pattern (like this: see Marianne Knorborg's site, who translated and developed the pattern in 2005). The other 'twin problem' for Mary and Frederik is that there is just one traditional royal 140-year-old christening robe, which has been used since Christian X was christened (see DRWs | Christening robe and font ). The royal children who have been christened in this robe are:

Prince Christian
Prince Carl (King Haakon VII of Norway from 1905)
Prince Harald
Prince Gustav
Princess Louise
Princess Thyra
Princess Dagmar
Frederik IX
Prince Knud (once Heir Presumptive to the Throne)
Queen Margrethe
Princess Benedikte
Queen Anne-Marie
Princess Elisabeth
Count Ingolf of Rosenborg
Count Christian of Rosenborg
Crown Prince Frederik
Prince Joachim
Prince Christian
Princess Isabella

One problem is sorted however. The babies will have a twins pram from Odder. Prince Christian and Princess Isabella had an Odder pram (so did princes Nikolai and Felix) and Mary has ordered one in beige for the twins. Not only has the Odder factory made prams for the current younger generation, but in 2007 they did a special commission for Queen Margrethe, which demonstrates both her sense of history and sense of humour. The Queen found an old pram in the attics at Amalienborg which was used for her as a small child. She thought the next generation should also enjoy it, so the charming old wagon received a new set of wheels, a new hood and it had a license plate mounted on it which said [roughly] 'quite small Crown car'. The Queen gave it to Christian and Isabella to play with at Chancellory House.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Berlingske Tidende Royal twins suffering from jaundice

Says there is speculation about why the twins are still in hospital six days after their birth. Berlingske Tidende quotes B.T. that the twins are suffering jaundice.

"Mary and the kids are doing well, but the twins have been undergoing treatment for jaundice," says a source from University Hospital to B.T. The source is also known by Berlingske Tidende.

Jaundice is usually a harmless condition which colors the skin and eyes yellow. The twins right now lie in a special ultra violet light box that breaks down the substance called bilirubin that causes jaundice.

The condition often affects premature babies, and last Saturday obstetrician Morten Hedegaard said that the twins were born a few weeks before term.

Both twins scored the highest points on the Apgar score, and both had good birth weights, despite the fact that they are born prematurely. The little prince weighed 2674 grams and measured 47 cm, while the little princess weighed 2554 grams and measured 46 cm.

The court does not want to comment on the children's health, but confirms that it is their small sizes which keeps them in the hospital.

"They are doing really well and everything is as it should be. They are still hospitalised because they are small babies who are born prematurely. It is therefore quite natural that they are staying longer in hospital than single birth babies," says the court's press chief Lene Balleby to B.T.

When Prince Christian was born five years ago the Crown Prince Couple had to take their firstborn back to the hospital for light treatment because he developed jaundice after six days. Therefore in the first images of the little prince he had a yellowish tinge on face and hands. Christian otherwise also had a beautiful birth - 3,500 grams and 51 cm.

Billed Bladet Twins not to go home earlier than Friday

13 January 2011 | Preben Petersen

According to Billed Bladet's information the Crown Prince Couple will not leave hospital on Thursday and it will be Friday at the earliest. There has been speculation in Denmark about when the twins will be seen. In the entrance hall at Rigshospitalet the press area is ready and the press is anticipating the announcement of when the Crown Prince Couple and their newborns leave. The Crown Prince Couple are known not to take chances when it comes to their children's well-being. Prince Christian was born on 15th October 2005 and left Rigshospitalet with his parents on 18th October 2005. Princess Isabella was born on 21st April 2007 and left the Rigshospitalet with her parents on the 23rd April 2007.

Billed Bladet Crown Princess Mary's sister looks forward to them arriving home. Billed Bladet came across Mary's sister Jane and her father.

Mary is getting the best treatment at University Hospital as anyone one could wish. But being in her own familiar environment is now the best. And all in the immediate family will be looking forward to the moment when the University Hospital's maternity ward will be replaced by the newly decorated nursery.

Also, Mary's sister looks forward to her little sister back home where she is waiting with her father. "We look forward to the twins arriving home," Jane Stephens said today when she and John Donaldson went for a walk around Amalienborg Palace in the company of the Crown Prince couple's dog Ziggy.

Hello! magazine Princess Mary and twins to go home in next few days
Berlingske Tidende Mary's sister visited the twins for nine hours and Susan Moody and John Donaldson also visited

Berlingske Tidende gallery the twins' siblings
Berlingske Tidende gallery the twins are 'so-oo big'

ZDF.de clip

Photos © Martin Høien/Billed Bladet, Jesper Sunesen/Billed Bladet, Getty Images

Thanks cph :))

Mary & her twins enjoy close family but remain in hospital

Photo © Billed Bladet | Jesper Sunesen: Frederik busy going between the palace and the hospital

In Denmark today there is no information yet on when Crown Princess Mary and the twins might be leaving hospital. This is no doubt a good thing since it should be the health of the twins and their mother which determines the media schedule, not the other way around. Billed Bladet reports that at 9:30 this morning Crown Prince Frederik has taken Prince Christian and Princess Isabella to visit their mother and their new brother and sister. It is reported that yesterday in the evening Mary had a quiet time with just family visitors and her sister Jane, who stayed with her for around 8 hours. Billed Bladet has since reported that after a two hour visit with Mary and the twins, Crown Prince Frederik returned the children to Amalienborg Palace with a tear stained Isabella in his arms. The older children have been separated from their mother since Saturday and Frederik, in collaboration with John Donaldson, Susan Moody and the children's nannies are trying to ensure that Christian and Isabella are doing as well as can be at home at Amalienborg.

Billed Bladet Christian and Isabella enjoy a cosy morning with Mary

12 January 2011 | Ulrik Ulriksen

There is every indication that Mary will not leave the University Hospital today after her oldest royal rugrats have been visiting.

This morning Crown Prince Frederik picked up Prince Christian and Princess Isabella at Amalienborg Palace so that they could visit Rigshospitalet's maternity ward to be together with Mary and twins.

Christian was in top form as he arrived at the hospital at half past nine in the morning. Christian and Isabella had a couple of large teddy bears with them...

The Crown Princess spent a snug evening yesterday with visits from immediate family: Frederik took Christian, Isabella and her father John Donaldson plus her eldest sister Jane. Jane in particular was with Mary and the twins at the maternity ward for almost eight hours.

B.T. Snuck in with Christian and Isabella:

Mary's sister in secret visit to the hospital

KARINA SVEN FARM Tuesday, 11 January 2011, 17:22

The twins are already a major attraction within the family. On Tuesday afternoon Christian and Isabella visited again. And Mary's stepmother had visited earlier. And yesterday Mary's sister was in the hospital for nine hours.

The noses of hyper-attentive Danish journalists and photographers and the Australian newspaper The Mercury [ie: News Ltd's Lucy Carne 'syndicated' to 9 or more masts] spotted Mary's sister Jane Stephens at Rigshospitalet.

Since the jungle drums sounded, she made more than a 24-hour-long trip from Tasmania to Denmark to see the new family members, the press has pretty well been on our toes. But in vain.

Jane Stephens landed on Monday and subsequently spent nine hours at the hospital in the company of her sister, her brother-in-law and the newborns.

She arrived at the hospital in one of the royal family's cars, but did not want to talk to the press which were present. She had a large gift from a local children's store with her.

At 20.45, Jane left the hospital again, this time in the company of Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and their father the Crown Prince.

Late on Tuesday afternoon, Christian and Isabella once again visited their new siblings.

Photo © B.T./Jeppe Michael Jensen

The Courier Mail Mary and twins preparing to go home
Female First.uk Princess Mary and twins to leave hospital

Billed Bladet Isabella sad at leaving Mary
Digital Journal Opinion: Danish monarchy shines, while politics sputters
The Huffington Post Princess Mary Gives Birth To Twins In Copenhagen
CBS News Celebrity Circuit Denmark's Crown Princess Gives Birth to Twins
The Examiner Danish royal twins greeted with joy and passports
Aol News Danish Crown Princess Gives Birth to Twins

TV2 gallery - an interesting look at what some of the world press made of Mary's twin's birth


DRFGarden YouTube of Frederik's press conference (12:20)
TV2 early news report from TV2. The media is ready for the twins to leave hospital, but are they?

Christian's & Isabella's big week (plus a wrap)

After the excitement of the birth of the twins, news has slowed down as we wait to find out when the Crown Prince Couple will leave hospital with the newborn babies. Ekstra Bladet reports that the hospital foyer might be mistaken for a painter's conference because of the 30 or so step ladders crowding the area. The media organisations and photographers set up step ladders for the best vantage points for when Mary and Frederik exit with the babies. Journalists from Denmark and abroad are hoping to secure the best possible place for photos and questions although it is not yet known when Crown Prince Couple will show themselves and their newborns to the Danish people.

Meanwhile Prince Christian and Princess Isabella have had their own busy week, B.T. reports. Last Tuesday, January 4, Christian and Isabella attended the Garnison Sogns Menigheds Børnehave (Garrison Parish Church's Preschool) which is very close to Amalienborg. The kindergarten newsletter simply welcomes "Christian and Isabella" and has refused to comment more. In something familiar to all families the world over, the newsletter warned parents to check their children's hair for lice. Even royals are not immune to the fundamentals of everyday life! Prince Felix attended this kindergarten before 'graduating' to Krebs' School, where Nikolai attends, and which Frederik and Joachim also attended as children. The kindergarten is attached to the church which Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, Christian and Isabella attended for church service last Christmas Eve. There are many new arrangements for the Crown Prince Family since moving into the newly renovated Frederik VIII's palace at Amalienborg. It now seems very likely that the drive Crown Princess Mary made across the square at Amalienborg last week with Ziggy to pick up the children was a drive to pick them up at their new kindergarten. B.T. sources confirm that the royal couple have been driving Christian and Isabella to kindergarten, just as any parents do. The kindergarten is a private institution which has around seven nursery children aged 2-3 years and 31 children aged 3-6 years. The kindergarten writes on their website that they give very high priority to play and friendship, so perhaps, B.T. suggests, it is here that Prince Christian and Princess Isabella will meet good friends they will have for life.

Visitors to the twins yesterday and today included Countess Alexandra, Princes Nikolai and Felix and Martin Jørgensen, Julie Mølsgaard and Ellen Hillingsø. Mary's eldest sister Jane Stephens spent 9 hours at the maternity ward with Mary and the twins after arriving from Australia and missing the media scrum in the foyer by going in another entrance, as did Christian and Isabella. 


Prince Henrik has caused a stir (another!) with his comments about newborns. Henrik can always be depended upon for some colour, and there is no doubt that Frederik and Mary would understand exactly what he means with no offence taken. There is no doubt he is an attentive and loving grandfather to all his grandchildren, if photographic evidence is a measure. (see below)

B.T. Ellen Hillingsø shakes her head at the Henrik:'They are not ugly'

Kenan SEEBERG | KARINA SVEN FARM (BT-KSV) - Tuesday, 11 January 2011, 13:37

Actress Ellen Hillingsø disagree with Prince Henrik's assessment of the royal twins.

Hillingsø visited his childhood friend Crown Prince Frederik [for a half hour visit]...

Is it true that the twins are ugly like Prince Henrik says, bt.dk asked her.

"No, no,no," she replied.

How were they?

"They are extremely cute," she smiled.

Ellen Hillingsø's friendship with Crown Prince Frederik is one of the many friendships that have been passed down in the royal family. Their mothers, Birgitte Hillingsø and Queen Margrethe, went to school together.

1) and 2) Alexandra, Nikolai, Martin Jørgensen and Felix, 3) Ellen Hillingsø, 4) some of the waiting media

Photos © HELLO!magazine.com, B.T./Jeppe Michael Jensen, SN.dk/Thomas Arnbo, B.T./Nils Meilvang

MSN Starlounge Christian photographed arriving at the hospital

Due to a strong cold Prince Christian did not see the twins before Sunday...Late Monday, he returned to Rigshospitalet to visit his mother and the two new siblings.

As with the visit on Sunday, Crown Prince Frederik's and Crown Princess Mary's eldest son used a lift to access the maternity ward. Mary's father, John Donaldson, together with his wife Susan Moody take care of Christian and his little sister, Princess Isabella, while Mary is in hospital. Lightening the load for Frederik who as a father of four, he has his hands full. "The Crown Prince is actually more tired than the Crown Princess. They look forward to getting home and getting started with a regular routine. It is, of course, a handful for them, but I am sure they will do it well," said Countess Alexandra, when she visited earlier in the day with Martin Jørgensen and the new babies cousins, Prince Felix and Prince Nikolai. Mary's sister Jane Stephens has also just arrived in Copenhagen to help with the newborns.

B.T. speculates about Frederik and Mary needing more help with the children. Frederik and Mary have remained hands-on parents even though they have had various nannies. They spend a lot of time with the children, read them stories and comfort them if they have bad dreams just as any parents do.

SN.dk A bit of a stir from Prince Henrik. He has suggested that newborn babies are not beautiful, including his own grandchildren.

Prince Henrik is on one of the annual royal hunts today and was asked about the new babies. "They are as ugly as other babies. I do not think that babies are beautiful,"said Prince Henrik Tuesday morning about the Crown Prince couple's newborn twins. His reply came before setting out for the hunt. "But the twins are cute above all, they have some good potential, so I'm happy about them. The best part is that their parents are happy and well and that the Crown Princess is in fine form," he said,...

The Daily Telegraph Princess Mary's twins meet siblings
Hello! magazine Denmark's new little prince and princess start to receive first visitors
The Mercury (Hobart) Mary leaving hospital soon

Thanks commoner, cph and gudinde :))

Margrethe visits, John Donaldson visits & two 21 gun salutes for newborn prince and princess

The Queen said the twins are not so big but are very fine and all in the family are very happy. Normally the Queen is a bit reserved with the press, but today she was a radiant and proud grandmother. The Queen's visit lasted about an hour and she spoke to the press afterwards.
"They are not so big but very fine ... We are all very pleased, all of us in the family... and the parents are feeling very well, both of them I think ... My daughter-in-law looks wonderful and the children do as well ... I'm so pleased for the Crown Princess that her father is here. He has been here for Christmas ... It's nice for her to have her family with her."
Her Majesty had a little gift, but she did not want to say what it was.

Photos © DR.dk/Keld Navntoft/Scanpix, B.T.,Berlingske Tidende

• Ekstra Bladet clip - Queen Margrethe

• TV2 clip (4:18) interview with John Donaldson

• It seems Christian has a cold and so he and Isabella may not visit their new brother and sister today, they heard the news with everyone and smiled but John Donaldson is not sure they entirely understand.

• Billed Bladet Mary's father proudly praises his daughter

January 8, 2011 | Jan Bergman

Immediately after Her Majesty the Queen had left the University Hospital, Crown Princess Mary's father came down from the delivery room.

And it was certainly a happy and enthusiastic grandfather, who welcomed his two new grandchildren.

"They are amazing," he said, and revealed that he thinks they look like Princess Isabella.

John Donaldson also praised his daughter and told her that she is quite unique and that she even has the energy make jokes and have a bit of fun, but did not elaborate on this further.

While Crown Princess Mary has been at University Hospital, her father was home at the Royal Palace, with Prince Christian and Princess Isabella.

Prince Christian and Princess Isabella were given the happy news while their grandfather was with them and they both smiled, he said.

John Donaldson, who has been in Denmark since before Christmas, is apparently not busy with traveling again yet, as he told me that he will remain in the country at least one more week.

• Berlingske Tidende Canon salute to the little prince and princess

The guns thundered at Holmen and Elsinore in honor of the royal twins.
Saturday 8 January 2011, 12:35
Flags immediately flew to the top of both government buildings and ships, when Denmark Saturday got a prince and a princess.
And at midday guns thundered in both Elsinore and Copenhagen. Twenty one shots were fired twice with smoke and steam from the Battery Sixtus on Holmen [Copenhagen] and from Kronborg Castle [at Elsinore] in honor of the two small newborns.
There were two minutes between the two shot series.
Cannon salute is a tradition that marks special events in the Danish royal family. Cannons boomed so also, when Crown Prince Christian was born on 15 October 2005, and when Princess Isabella was born on 21st April 2007.
The four guns used at Battery Sixtus were operated by Navy personnel. The 17 guns used at Kronborg Castle, dating from 1766-1769, were operated by gunners from the Army.
Dating back to Viking times bonfires and beacons have been used for special signals to provide information on important events.


/ Ritzau /

• B.T. Unreal for Christian and Isabella : Thinks mum comes home with dolls. Christian and Isabella are at home with John and Susan Donaldson

• B.T. Jane Stephens tells B.T. how thrilled they are at the birth by phone from Tasmania

• B.T. John Donaldson has visited and confirmed that he too is a sensitive chap, he wept when Mary was born. He says he will stay in Denmark for a week or so and one of Mary's sisters will arrive in Denmark shortly. In talking to the media he also said hopefully Mary "with her big family" will visit Australia around next Christmas. He said " Mary is great and looks radiant. She bubbles with happiness," says John Donaldson, who has cared for Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, while the Crown Prince has been at Rigshopitalet.

• B.T.

Proud Queen sees new grandchildren
The Queen: Mary looks brilliant
SUSANNE JOHANSSON | KRISTINE BUGBEE | BERIT HARTUNG
-Saturday the 8. January 2011, 15: 02
The Queen had a gift for Mary!
"Of course, I had a gift with me. What it was I do not say," sounds a delighted Queen Margrethe, who had just been visiting her daughter-in-law Mary and visited her new grandchildren, Denmark's royal twins.
"My daughter-in-law looks brilliant" and Fredrik also welcomed the happy Grandma on the visit, while she tried to leave the University Hospital.
But the questions fell into a steady stream, and she managed to say that it is a Danish tradition that naming the baby first takes place at the baptism, before she returned to Amalienborg.

• TV2 article - play clips on this page

Mary's routine check-up triggers false alarm & second time this week media gets it wrong

Photo © Hanne Juul/Billed Bladet

So where are we at? Mary has had a check up at the hospital but is not in labour and the court has confirmed that Crown Prince Frederik has cleared his calendar of an event for January 13. Since the twins have not yet appeared he is bound to be on extra Daddy-duty in the near future. The photos of Frederik's arrival perhaps look a little more dramatic than what was actually happening. It appears that since the media is watching at the front of the hospital, Frederik might have driven Mary to a side entrance to drop her off before parking the car and going upstairs with Professor Peter Damm, a member of the birth team. The media has got it wrong twice this week. It is 1-1 between Denmark and Australia. B.T. got it wrong earlier in the week and today News.com.au (and all its mastheads, The Daily Telegraph etc.) got it wrong.


For the past few days while Frederik has been busy with official duties during the New Year Courts, Mary has been both at home and also out and about. What is new for royal watchers is seeing the Crown Prince Couple and the children in Copenhagen during this time - there is a whole new way of city living going on since they moved into Frederik VIII's palace. Mary has been seen walking with her father along the harbour-side near the palace (a blog exclusive, thanks Adelaide), going out to some New Year sales, picking up Christian and Isabella from across the square at Amalienborg (with Ziggy), seen indoors at the palace and most recently she has been to Rigshospitalet for a routine pre-natal check up. As for Mary's trip across the square to pick up Christian and Isabella at Christian VIII's Palace, we don't know why they were there, Ekstra Bladet has assumed it was to visit Prince Joachim's apartment for a visit. The palace houses a museum, apartments for Joachim and his family, for Princess Benedikte, a part of the Queen's Library and meeting rooms. Also Mary and Christian were photographed looking out onto the square to see Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik departing for Christiansborg Palace in the golden coach on January 5.

As you can see below the media stories, especially in English language publications, continued to publish that Mary was having her babies three days ago, despite Communications Chief Lene Balleby saying January is the due date and Mary is anticipating doing things naturally. A low moment in the Danish tabloid press was Ekstra Bladet offering 5,000DKK for anyone who took photos of Mary in labour on her way to hospital. It was greeted by all-round criticism and EB withdrew the piece and then reduced the amount on offer to 1,000DKK, now all removed from online. Babies, as we all know, have their own timetable - and that is the timetable we are running on in this virtual maternity waiting room. So here is some stuff to read, as you do while waiting...

Frederik with Isabella the evening before Mary's admission to hospital Photo © Billed Bladet/Jacob Ljørring

Berlingske Tidende The Crown Prince Couple have been to Rigshospitalet tonight for a last check up before the imminent twins birth.

By Helle Lho Hansen

Thursday the 6. January 2011, 21: 41

On Thursday evening around 7 p.m. Crown Prince Frederik arrived at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Alone in the Crown Prince Couple's red Saab Frederik parked at a side entrance, reports B.T.dk.

Here he was and his two bodyguards were welcomed by Professor Peter Damm, who is a part of the team of expert physicians who are helping Mary with the twins birth. Still, however, there is no report of baby joy from the Royal family.

Lene Balleby press coordinator for the Royal family says the Crown Prince Couple were at Rigshospitalet for one of the final check ups before the twin birth.

"They have been for a check up at Rigshospitalet. But they are probably already back at home again," she said to B.T.

"There is no set time laid down for the birth. This will happen in the course of January, as planned. There is not so much else to say. It will happen when it happens," she says.

Billed Bladet Mary and Frederik to Rigshospitalet - and home again

On Thursday evening the Crown Prince Couple made a trip to the Kingdom (colloquial name for Rigshospitalet) to make a probable final routine check-up .They are at home at Amalienborg again... B.T. reports that the Crown Prince Couple were received at Rigshospitalet by Porofessor Peter Damm, who is one of the experts in the team to assist at birth.

The Crown Prince Couple, who were flanked by two P.E.T. security officers, is now back in their home at Amalienborg, and Crown Princess Mary is therefore, according to Lene Ballaby, not yet ready to give birth.

Ekstra Bladet once again EB quotes B.T. - it was a check up
Ekstra Bladet

The expectant mother was with the twins' father, Crown Prince Frederik, on a visit to University Hospital late Thursday evening to undergo one of the last checks before delivery.According to the court's information officer Lene Balleby the expectant parents were back in their new home at Amalienborg later Thursday evening.

Cleared calendar

But after consultation with the royal birth team, Crown Prince Frederik has chosen to clear his official calendar.

Therefore his planned participation in the 250th anniversary dinner for Købstædernes Insurance at the National Gallery of Art on Thursday January 13 has been removed from the Crown Prince Couple's official calendar.

The court's communications chief Lene Balleby said last night that there is no set time for the birth.

Up until now the court has stated that Mary will give birth in the most natural way - which means that she has not planned to have the birth induced nor planned a caesarean section.

According to statistics, 60 percent of all twin births in Denmark are via caesarean section.

B.T.
The latest news about the royal pregnancy

Frederik and Mary at the Kingdom (colloquial name for Rigshospitalet)

HELLE LHO HANSEN | MORTEN MÆRSK-Thursday, 6. January 2011, 21: 32

On Thursday evening around 7 p.m. Crown Prince Frederik arrived at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Alone in the Crown Prince Couple's red Saab, he parked at a side entrance to the maternity wing.

He was, together with two bodyguards, welcomed by professor Peter Damm, which is a part of the team of expert physicians helping Mary with the twins' birth. But there are still no reports of baby joy from the Royal family.

As a consequence, Lene Balleby press chief for the Royal family, the Crown Prince Couple were at Rigshospitalet for one of the last check ups before the twins' births.

"They have been for a check up at Rigshospitalet. But they are no doubt back at their new home again," she said.

It remains that there is no time set down for the births.

"This will happen in the course of January as planned. There is not much else to say. This will happen when it happens," she says.

According to Ekstra Bladet the Court has confirmed that after the visit on Thursday, an arrangement in the Crown Prince's calendar was removed. He was to have taken part in the 250th anniversary dinner for Købstædernes Insurance at the National Gallery of Art on January 13, but it is now apparently cancelled.

TV2 Crown Prince Couple in visit to Rigit
Ekstra Bladet 5-1-2011 - Heavily pregnant Mary took the car 100 meters

The heavily pregnant Crown Princess Mary drove around on the palace square at Amalienborg Palace along with her two children and the dog Ziggy.

With two children in the tummy 100 metres can feel a very long distance. Crown Princess Mary this afternoon took the red station wagon and drove from the newly renovated Frederik VIII's Palace to the Amalienborg palace where Prince Joachim has his apartment.

Twenty minutes later Mary returned, cramped behind the wheel because of her large stomach and with her two small children in the back seat, as well as the dog Ziggy in the luggage compartment. Border collie Ziggy watchfully looked out of a side window, as if she was looking out for the whole Royal family.

Mary appeared completely calm and not at all like a woman who is very soon to give birth to twins. So I wonder if a few days or more will pass before the birth will begin.

Meanwhile, the canons at Kronborg in Helsingør are being prepared for the salute when the twins are born. There is normally a 21 gun salute when a royal child is born and so on this occasion there will be two salutes with a total of 42 shots:
TV2 clip (1:48)

News.com.au Maternity dash triggers false alarm: Princess Mary not in labour and still waiting
News.com.au Reports of Princess Mary in labour premature, twins not
The Daily Telegraph Heir of expectation
The Herald Sun Princess Mary labour mystery, Prince Frederik rushes to hospital
The Mercury False alarm on Mary's labour
The Courier Mail Princess Mary a busy mum-to-be
Kid Solo.com

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
Previous days' reports. I include these because you can't believe everything you read in newspapers, and also, some of the headlines are pretty funny, this is only a selection of the many published stories reporting the imminent birth :

News.com.au Princess Mary's waiting game continues as royal twins fail to show up
The Sydney Morning Herald Crown Princess Mary 'ready for early arrival of twins'
The Adelaide Advertiser Princess Mary's twins 'will be born today', says Danish media
The Mercury (Hobart) Oz names tip for Mary's twins
The Herald Sun (Melbourne) Princess Mary's waiting game continues as royal twins fail to show up
VG Nett no (Norway) - the royal house rejects rumours of birth in Denmark
Ekstra Bladet - Very pregnant Mary drew fresh air

Mary still has the energy to go outside of Amalienborg. According to one newspaper was Crown Princess Mary's birth was to be induced yesterday. [dig at competitor tabloid B.T.] She has not appeared in public for a while and no longer participate in official royal events. But despite two babies in the stomach, she can still find the energy to leave the Royal Palace and get some fresh air.

"She's at home at Amalienborg and well. Everything is as it should be. Today she has been out," says Royal Family Communications chief Lene Balleby to ekstrabladet.dk.

According to the court no one knows when the babies will come and it also denies that there is a definite timetable for it. "She has given birth to her previous children naturally. There is no timetable for it," continues Balleby.

Rumors have circlulated elsewhere the Crown Princess will this time give birth by a Caesarean section. If it proves nevertheless to be a planned caesarean section, the gamblers might not put their money on the twin birth being tomorrow.

"Crown Prince must be at the New Year Court tomorrow, and as it appears now, he intends to meet his obligations," says Lene Balleby.

It remains only to wait in breathless excitement.

The Courier Mail (Brisbane) - Fair dinkum Australian names predicted for Danish royal twins but public will have to wait
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Crown Princess Mary ready to give birth
News Wooeb (Atlanta) Denmark's Princess Mary is due to give birth today
Male Extra (UK, brother to Female First ;) ) Crown Princess Mary to give birth today?
The Herald Sun Secrecy on Mary's twins

The Herald Sun photo gallery

Nine Network Today show clip (2:56)
TV2 clip (4:23) - interview with BB editor-in-chief Annemette Krakau and journalist Anna Johannesen (the Danish journalist who 'discovered' Mary in Sydney). They say Billed Bladet is ready for the twins' arrival!

7 News clip (1:49)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update:

• Seven News clip (1:54) 11am bulletin

• Seven News in Sydney (6pm bulletin) had an interesting twist on today's events: they reported that Mary stayed at home while Frederik rushed to the maternity wing at Righospitalet for a visit! Bet they don't put that news clip up on the net :D

• Billed Bladet Frederik has cleared his calendar and is ready for all his paternal duties

• The Copenhagen Post

Thanks gudinde, and Adelaide :))

Mary in the media

Photos © Marc Høm / Vogue.de

Anticipation for the birth of Crown Princess Mary's twins is building among royal watchers in Denmark, Australia and a world wide sprinkling too* and in the Danish and Australian media. The Crown Prince Family has spent its first Christmas and New Year at the recently renovated Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg with their first night at their new home on December 17. The Crown Prince's standard was raised and Royal Guards were stationed outside. German Vogue has featured Frederik, Mary and the children and the new art works in the renovated Rococo Frederik VIII's Palace in its January 2011 issue. Even the twins make an 'appearance' wrapped in Danish red. The photographer is Marc Høm, who is married to Caroline Heering's sister and whose wedding was attended by Frederik and Mary.

According to Vogue.de's publication preview, the photo of the family together in the Knight's Hall is a reference to a Velázquez court painting. Frederik said: "Being a modern couple, we have modern interests, so we try to reconcile this with the traditional. About the renovation, we have decided to include contemporary art." The article centre's on the Crown Prince Couple's royal style in an old palace revived with modern art.

For six years Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg, built in the elegant style of the European Rococo, was modernised for about €30 million. Since 1828 Frederik VIII's Palace has been in royal use and is home to the Danish Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary, their children Prince Christian (5) and Princess Isabella (3). In January, the royal couple is expecting twins.

"The interesting thing about modern art is that it provokes dialogue. The refurbished rooms combine respectfully restored antiques with contemporary design and historical works by Danish artists with modern art", said Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.

Vogue.de 15 December 2010



...and three of the artists with their works in the palace:


Vogue.de photo gallery of the art and decoration in the palace interior

Photos © Marc Høm / Vogue.de

If you don't have access to the magazine and are interested in purchasing it, try emailing in English to Vogue.de at vogue@burdadirect.de.

Mary's gold dress is by Talbot Runhof

Sky News clip - Australia

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Meanwhile, don't know what News Ltd's journalist Damien Brown usually reports on, but a royal reporter he is not, at least on the evidence of his handiwork in the last few days. Where to start? Every paragraph has errors. Okay, let's just work through it one by one:

• "...the recent cancellation of several traditional Christmas and upcoming New Year events..." - Crown Princess Mary has taken 'maternity leave' for each of her pregnancies. Mary's last event before Christian was born was 13 September 2005, although paparazzi photos were taken of her walking in the palace park around Chancellory House, including the day before Christian was born, 15 October 2005 . We saw a little more of Mary before Isabella's birth on 21 April 2007 because of the balcony appearance for the Queen's birthday on 16 April 2007 and Christian beginning nursery school on 27 March 2007, otherwise her last official event was 20 March 2007. This time around Mary's last official event was at the Queen's neighbourhood reception for Fredensborg at Fredensborg Palace on 23 November 2010
• missing the New Year royal courts is hardly surprising since Mary will either be in advanced pregnancy with twins or giving birth to them or at home with them and breastfeeding (Mary encourages this in her patronages for maternal and baby health for the UN and breastfed Christian and Isabella). Mary was simply not included in the royal guest list for the New Year courts this year because she is on maternity leave and Billed Bladet reported that she sent her apologies in advance long ago. Mary would otherwise normally attend court events on January 1, 4 and 5 and then a reception later in January for her own 25 patronages. The spokeswoman for the royal family made no special confirmation that Mary would not take part - she was just not included in the regular calendar postings of events on the royal family's website Kongehuset.dk
• "[Mary and Frederik] cancelled the annual trip to Schackenborg Manor..." - Schackenborg is not the traditional place for a Danish royal Christmas, so there was nothing cancelled. The royal Christmas is normally at Marselisborg near Aarhus. Christmas 2010 was an exception because of Mary's unusual pregnancy and the Crown Prince family have just moved into Frederik VIII's palace in Copenhagen. The Queen and Prince Henrik were in the unusual position of being able to do an unusual Christmas which included Nikolai and Felix because it was Prince Joachim's turn to have them. It was the first time the Queen and Prince Henrik had Christmassed at Schackenborg. In short, all was very unusual combined with the unpredictability of a harsh northern winter.
• Mary "increasingly troubled as her stomach grows and grows"? There is no evidence Mary is at all troubled. Mary has looked happy and comfortable during all her appearances and there has been nothing to indicate otherwise. Frederik has been asked how Mary is during all his recent events and has replied she is very well and strong every time. Might Mary be tired? Quite likely, she is pregnant with twins.
• We don't know that Mary is due to give birth in 'mid-January', there has only ever been one statement - the official press release which says "January". A natural birth always includes unpredictability and wishing an end doesn't have any effect on what is a physiological process. There is no planned Cesarean unless it turns out to be medically indicated. We know a lot about the birth team since we have met most of them all before for the births of Christian and Isabella and this time round Frederik will be considered part of the birth team according to Billed Bladet. With his experience he is expected to offer more than moral support to Mary by cutting the umbilical cord of twin A and holding him or her while midwife Birgitte Hillerup helps deliver twin B.
  
• "A bonus was the surprise arrival of Professor Donaldson and his wife Susan Moody on Christmas Eve." - No, it must have been a planned visit since John Donaldson and his wife Susan now live in France and the Billed Bladet article last August says they will visit Denmark later in the year, ie: now. Christian and Isabella are accustomed to John and Susan looking after them when Frederik and Mary have been away (eg: their trip to the US) so it is a treat for the children while Frederik and Mary are busy delivering the twins. John and Susan used to live in Denmark but have been in France most of 2010 - see Billed Bladet's photo gallery of John and Susan at their farmhouse.
• "The couple's new home at Amalienborg, to which they moved in July" - No, The Crown Prince Family officially took up residence on December 17, 2010. Mary has been very occupied with management of the move according to Billed Bladet which also confirmed in this article on December 12 that "The pregnancy goes as planned and the Crown Princess is very busy with the move," says head of DRF communications Lene Balleby.
  

Lucy Carne of The Advertiser/Adelaide Now got it pretty right though - so it can be done!

News.com.au - Denmark's Princess Mary prepares for early birth of her twins
The Mercury (Hobart) - Mary due any day soon
The Courier Mail (Brisbane) - Princess Mary's baby due soon
Perth Now (Western Australia) - Denmark's Princess Mary prepares for early birth of her twins
The Advertiser/Adelaide Now (South Australia) - Princess Mary ready for early birth of twins : by Lucy Carne, who at least got the facts right. Good on you Lucy!
Female First repeated all the rubbish with 'Princess Mary to give birth early?'
Examiner.com - Crown Princess Mary of Denmark ready to deliver twins any minute

* evidence is based on the blog visitors, among other things.
Thanks gudinde, kimberley, Tamriko and Ayvee :))

DR's annual royal review TV programs

Photo © Hello! Frederik, Mary, Christian and Isabella attend the Queen's handiwork as scenographer and costume designer for a children's ballet, December 14, 2010.

DR broadcast its annual royal review for 2010 on December 27 and December 28. The first part chronicles the year for Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik. The second part covers Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, Christian and Isabella and Prince Joachim and Princess Marie.

DR.dk Kongehuset 2010 - part 1 (28:09)

DR.dk Kongehuset 2010 - part 2 (28:09)

Photo © Benjamin Kürstein/EB, royal gathering last April for Queen Margrethe's 70th birthday

After the twins announcement...

Photo © Uffe Weng/B.T.

On the day the official announcement of Mary's twin pregnancy, Frederik was sailing in Marstrand in Sweden in the Dragon Gold Cup 2010 and told Ekstra Bladet that "It is a double miracle". From B.T. Frederik was reported saying it will be quite a handful having twins. He said he didn't know how it would be to be a father of four, he supposed he will find out in six months. Frederik also said he and Mary had never thought they would 'make two babies', confirming what the Danish Court spokesperson Lene Balleby had already stated to the media, that the twins were conceived naturally. Prince Henrik, also at the Dragon Cup, had happily told Billed Bladet that even triplets would also be welcome. B.T. also wanted to know if it will be the end of baby-making after January. Frederik laughed, said that was funny, didn't answer the question, but said they would take it quietly, one day at a time.



Photos © Uffe Weng/B.T.

The Monday after the announcement Mary took Christian and Isabella for their first day of the school year. They are still attending nursery school but joined their schoolmates in celebrating the first day of pre-school for their former school chums (school begins at age 7 in Denmark). Since Christian was born at the end of the year Frederik and Mary have decided to keep him with his peers, although some of the older children in his group started pre-school on the day.

Billed Bladet (No.32, 2010) Mary i skole med Christian og Isabella - Mary to school with Christian and Isabella
Week 32 is the start of the new school year for many children in Denmark. That also included those attending Dronning Louise's Børnehus (= kindergarten/nursery school) in Fredensborg, which Christian and Bella attend. The kindergarten re-opened Monday August 9th after the summer holidays and Mary drove her children there.
On the way they stopped to see the big children who were starting in school at the nearby public school. Other children and parents from the kindergarten had also shown up with flags in the school yard, including some mates of Christian and Isabella.
Christian is a big boy, almost five, and he could start in pre-school this year but Frederik and Mary have opted to wait another year. But some of his mates from kindergarten started this week. Christian was left with his mates and Mary and Isabella went over to some of her mates and from here they saw the pupils on the way to school. It's hardly a secret that Mary is pregnant and many wished her well or gave her a thumbs up. Then it was on to the kindergarten. Bella had to get used to the idea that summer holiday was over and it was time for a new year in the kindergarten. (by Ulrik Ulriksen)

Photos © Billed Bladet/Ole Bjørk 9 Aug 2010

Princess Marie hasn't escaped the festival of babies. The day after the official announcement of Mary's twin pregnancy she was asked about the matter when she christened a rose named for her at a rose festival in Bogense. Billed Bladet's Ken Richter writes the weather was great and so was the turnout when Princess Marie visited Bogense. The news about twins had just broken so Marie was naturally also asked about her plans, "I hope I'll have more children - but not right now". As for Mary's news she said, "It's so lovely and I'm really happy for them. They are really fortunate." As with Joachim, she was also told when the family was gathered at Gråsten at the end the end of the summer holidays. Marie christened the Princess Marie rose in the crowded town square. Beforehand Marie had been taken for a tour through the town, including an exhibition of christening gowns, and just in case she should have missed the point, cardboard storks had also been planted here and there.
And in case she still didn't get it, her father-in-law Prince Henrik had expressed his delight at soon becoming a grandfather of seven and added that he wouldn't mind at all if even more grandchildren came along. There is a Billed Bladet photo gallery here of Marie's visit to the rose festival in Bogense.

Princes Nikolai and Felix had their first day at school on August 9 too. According to a B.T. report Nikolai is beginning fifth grade and Felix is starting second grade at Krebs School, the alma mater of their father and Crown Prince Frederik. Their first day arrival, together with Countess Alexandra and Prince Joachim, can be seen in this gallery. The suntanned princes can be seen with Countess Alexandra and Martin Jørgensen arriving at school here.

Kristeligt Dagbladet photo gallery - a 'family album' series
TV2 clip - Frederik: "This is a miracle"
Photo gallery - pics of both Frederik and Henrik

Thanks Muhler!

Happy 75th for Prince Henrik

Today Prince Henrik celebrates his 75th birthday. Born in France, he has lived in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Paris, London and, of course, Denmark. Henrik is a most interesting consort, who speaks multiple languages and has talents including author, poet, sculptor, pianist, cook, sailor, tennis player and winemaker. By his own admission, Henrik was a strict father, but appears to be a very attentive and fondly loving grandfather to his now five grandchildren Nikolai, Felix, Christian, Isabella and the yet-to-be-named newborn prince of Joachim and Marie. Henrik doesn't come out top in royal family popularity surveys among Danes (maybe it is his imperfect Danish accent? although his knowledge of the language is said to be superior, or, his 'Frenchness'?), but he has been a loving and supportive husband to Queen Margrethe and dutiful as her consort for 42 years. The Regent couple celebrated their 42nd anniversary yesterday. He is popular among journalists who cover the royals and see him regularly up close for his good humour and ability to put people at their ease. But some recent opinion polls have not been so kind (...more to come). This morning there was the traditional birthday morning greeting to Prince Henrik from family, members of the court and friends at Fredensborg Palace and it was followed later by a parade by Royal Guards and the Music Corps.



Photos © Hanne Juul/Billed Bladet, Jesper Sunesen/Billed Bladet, Lars Laursen/Billed Bladet, Martin Høien/Billed Bladet, Keld Navntof/Berlingske Tidende, Thomas Lekfeldt/EB

More to come, including on opinion polls, Henrik's dogs and more on his birthday