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Princess Mary proves Meghan Markle wrong
In a bold move in late February 2018, Meghan Markle, then a royal fiancée and former Toronto resident, championed feminism on a London stage. Declaring that women already possess a voice, she emphasized the need for empowerment and active listening.
Fast forward to January 2020, Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, departed the royal scene amid thwarted ambitions and lingering resentment. A perceived takeaway: the notion that feminism clashed with monarchy. Meghan’s advocacy for empowerment and modern ideals seemingly challenged the traditional confines of an institution with a Warden of the Swans still on the books.
The argument may seem sound until you cast your gaze across the North Sea and spot Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Australia’s proudest Scandinavian export and soon-to-be Queen. Over the years, Mary has actively contradicted Meghan’s thesis.
This week, Queen Margrethe’s announcement of her imminent abdication to pave the way for Crown Prince Frederik has stirred renewed interest in the couple. Much attention is focused on Fred’s recent eyebrow-raising Madrid escapade.
We’re all familiar with the key plot points of Mary’s remarkable journey, from a serendipitous encounter in a Sydney pub to the emotional climax inside Copenhagen Cathedral. The entire narrative compels writers to employ the term ‘fairytale’ at least once, a legal requirement for storytelling of this caliber.
Yet, the majority remains unaware of Mary’s substantial contributions over the past two decades—revealing a truly eye-opening and remarkable journey.
For instance, significant sums were donated to the couple instead of traditional wedding gifts. Crown Princess Mary utilized this funding to establish the Mary Foundation, with a primary focus on combating domestic violence. In a 2009 interview, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence in Denmark.
Moreover, Mary’s impact extends globally; she has been appointed the patron of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund, advocating for maternal health and safer motherhood in developing nations. Her reputation is such that she was a keynote speaker at the 2022 OECD Global Forum