Royals

Mary: From commoner to crown princess

Princess Mary will celebrate her 41st birthday on February 5 – and what a life she has had so far.

When Mary met Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik in a Sydney bar in 2000, she was a pretty but otherwise unremarkable commoner.

Twelve years later Mary is a bona-fide princess with four beautiful children and a devoted husband who just happens to be the next Danish king.

These photos chart her journey from girl-next-door to royalty and future leader of Denmark.

Princess Mary in October 2012.

Mary and Frederik at the beginning of their romance.

Mary and Frederik in Hobart in 2001.

Mary and Frederik shopping in Hobart in 2001.

Mary and Frederik announce their engagement in October 2003.

Mary with her father in a still from a Danish documentary about her life.

Mary and Frederik kick off their three-day wedding celebrations in 2004.

Mary on her wedding day in May 2004.

Mary and Frederik at their wedding in May 2004.

Mary and Frederik leave hospital with baby Christian.

Mary at Christian’s christening in January 2006.

Mary leaving hospital after giving birth to baby Isabella.

A family portrait from Isabella’s christening in July 2007.

The family pose in Sydney in September 2008.

Mary, Frederik and Christian at the wedding of Sweden’s Princess Victoria.

Mary and Frederik leave hospital with their newborn twins.

The family at the twins’ christening in April 2011.

Prince Christian’s first day of school in 2011.

Mary, Frederik, Isabella and the twins at a photocall in 2011.

Mary with Kate Middleton in November 2011.

A family portrait released in November 2011.

Mary and Frederik introduce their twins to Australia in November 2011.

Vincent and Josephine celebrating their first birthdays in January 2012.

The couple celebrating Queen Margrethe’s 40th year on the throne.

Mary with her daughter Josephine skiing in February 2012.

Mary in the UK in March 2012.

Mary, Frederik, Christian and Isabella in May 2012.

Mary and Frederik with Vincent in July 2012.

Mary looking lovely in orange in August 2012.

Mary in China in December 2012.

Mary at a ball last month.

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