Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 7, 2025 · Entertainment

King Frederik Laughs It Up at Wimbledon Without Queen Mary

King Frederik of Denmark looked to be in high spirits as he enjoyed the tennis on day eight of Wimbledon this afternoon - without his wife, Queen Mary. Pictured chatting with the Duchess of Edinburgh

The Royal Romance: Frederik and Mary's Whirlwind Love Story

In a dramatic turn of events, Denmark's King Frederik IX was spotted at Wimbledon yesterday, beaming with joy as he watched the tennis tournament from his revered royal box seat without his wife, Queen Mary by his side. The 57-year-old monarch, known for his dashing good looks and charming smile, couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as he chatted up a storm with none other than Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

But what's behind the King's radiant mood? Insiders close to the Danish royal family reveal that Queen Mary has been keeping busy on her own this summer, embarking on a thrilling adventure with her husband in the rugged Faroe Islands. Last month, the power couple explored the breathtaking landscapes of Denmark, with Queen Mary showcasing her adventurous spirit by taking to the skies for an exhilarating ziplining experience.

He was seated in the revered royal box at SW19, and was seen grinning as he chatted up a storm with the Duchess of Edinburgh today

Eyewitnesses described the scene as "absolutely captivating" as Queen Mary, donning a navy coat and beanie, held hands with her husband as they navigated the uneven terrain. The Aussie royal's infectious enthusiasm was palpable as she soared above the dramatic oceanside landscape, grinning from ear to ear as she zipped along.

But this isn't just any ordinary royal romance – their whirlwind love story began 20 years ago in Australia during the 2000 Summer Olympics. According to insiders, Queen Mary and King Frederik met at a private dinner party, not in a chance encounter at a pub as previously reported. Amber Petty, a bridesmaid at their wedding in 2004, revealed on Channel Seven's Sunrise program that the event was attended by a group of royals who were visiting Australia for the Olympics.

"I'm sorry to break everybody's hearts," Petty said with a hint of mischief, "but it wasn't just a random meeting. Mary happened to be invited, and most of the guests happened to be royals." The encounter sparked a romance between the two, with King Frederik, then 32, asking Queen Mary for her phone number.

The father-of-four, 57, appeared to match the tournament's signature green and purple colours with a turquoise blazer and dark violet tie, worn with a light blue dress shirt

Their long-distance relationship was the stuff of fairytales, with King Frederik making secret trips Down Under before Queen Mary moved to Denmark in 2001 to study Danish language. In early 2003, Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged their relationship, and the couple announced their engagement at Amalienborg Castle later that year.

Their fairytale wedding took place on May 14, 2004, at Copenhagen Cathedral, with their first child, Prince Christian, born in 2005. The royal family has since expanded to include Princess Isabella, twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, and a string of adorable photos showcasing their close-knit bond.

So what's behind the King's solo appearance at Wimbledon? Sources close to the Danish palace hint that Queen Mary may have been busy with her charity work or perhaps even preparing for their next adventure together. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain – the Danish royal couple's love story continues to captivate us all.

On Monday, he struck up a conversation with Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward , as both shared a warm hug on seeing one another

The Royal Box

As King Frederik IX watched the tennis tournament from his esteemed royal box seat at Wimbledon, he was seen chatting with none other than Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. The 57-year-old monarch sported a dashing turquoise blazer and dark violet tie, matching the tournament's signature green and purple colours.

But what caught our attention wasn't just King Frederik's impeccable style – it was his infectious enthusiasm as he chatted with the Duchess. Insiders reveal that the royal couple has been enjoying a relaxing summer, exploring the rugged Faroe Islands together.

Frederik is long known to be a tennis fan, and has attended in previous years. While he typically attends with Mary, 52, it appears she was unable to join her husband today

Aussie Royal in the Spotlight

Queen Mary, formerly Mary Donaldson, spent her early years in Taroona, Tasmania, before moving to Denmark to study Danish language in 2001. Her whirlwind romance with King Frederik IX began at a private dinner party during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia.

"I didn't know he was the Prince of Denmark," Queen Mary revealed in an interview about meeting her future husband. "Half an hour later, someone came up to me and said, 'Do you know who these people are?'"

Frederik looked to be enjoying the action on the court as he chatted with others in the royal box today

Their fairytale love story has captured our hearts, with King Frederik making secret trips Down Under before Queen Mary moved to Denmark. In early 2003, Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged their relationship, and the couple announced their engagement at Amalienborg Castle later that year.

The Royal Family

King Frederik IX and Queen Mary have four beautiful children together – Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent. Their family has been a constant presence in the public eye, with adorable photos showcasing their close-knit bond.

He was also seen speaking with Annabelle Galletley - who works at the Royal Household - while taking in the action on the court

But what's behind their enduring relationship? Insiders reveal that the Danish royal couple's love story is one of true devotion and commitment. "They're each other's rock," says a source close to the palace. "Their marriage has been built on mutual respect, trust, and admiration for one another."

As King Frederik IX continues to captivate us with his charming smile and infectious enthusiasm, it's clear that their love story is far from over.