King Frederik, Queen Mary in Australia to Push Closer Economic, Climate Cooperation

Royal couple meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the governor-general as part of a six day tour.

Denmark's King Frederik X (L) and Queen Mary (R) are escorted park rangers to view Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, in the Australian outback on March 14, 2026. David Gray/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Denmark’s King Frederik signalled closer climate and economic cooperation with Australia as he launched a six-day visit with the Australian-born Queen Mary and a delegation of Danish businesses on March 16.

“We are proud to be here, feel at home in both countries, particularly your country here,” the Danish monarch said as the visit got underway.

He said the purpose of the trip was captured in its official theme.

“The official, text for this visit is, we call it, ‘Partnering For A Green, Secure and Sustainable Tomorrow.’”

The King said the delegation included representatives from a wide range of Danish industries looking to strengthen commercial links with Australian partners.

“So, we have a wide range of representative businesses that are here to exchange and renew, but also found, hopefully, new ties in deals with Australian partners and we have a lot to offer,” he told reporters.

King Frederik and Queen Mary were formally received in the national capital following a state dinner at Government House on March 15 hosted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

The couple were welcomed with a 21-gun salute and guard of honour before meeting with Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

Albanese said Australians felt a strong connection to both the Danish royal family and Denmark more broadly.

“Australians have a great affection for both of you, and we also have a great affection for Denmark. Many of us have travelled there. We understand each other, our countries share very similar values about human rights and democracy,” Albanese said.

Economic ties between Australia and Denmark have strengthened in recent years, with two-way trade surpassing $3 billion in 2024, while Australia held more than $9 billion in investment in Denmark, and Danish investment in Australia reached $4.66 billion during the same year.

Royal Homecoming for Queen Mary

The visit has attracted particular attention in Australia because Queen Mary was born in Tasmania and first met the future Danish king in a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympic Games.

The royal couple married in 2004 and were formally inaugurated as Denmark’s monarch and queen in 2024.

Earlier in the visit, the king and queen travelled to the Northern Territory where they toured Uluru and walked with traditional owners to the Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Their Australian itinerary also includes stops in Melbourne and Hobart, the Queen’s hometown, where they are expected to meet local communities and attend a series of cultural and business engagements.