If there is one royal who has redefined manicure trends within the monarchy, it is Queen Mary of Denmark.
Far from traditional nude or pale pink shades, the wife of King Frederik X has distinguished herself through bold, vibrant nail choices that stand out in the royal world. From electric blue to salmon, gold-accented nail art, and vivid fuchsia, each manicure feels intentional, almost like a statement. With the help of two experts, we analyze what these choices may represent.
“It immediately draws our attention to the personal focus Queen Mary projects through her nails,” explain experts from Voilá Nails & Beauty.
“Her style clearly moves away from the classic royal standard, where neutral tones usually dominate. Instead, she embraces contemporary shades such as deep plum, coral, vibrant pinks, soft mauves, and even electric blue, colors rarely seen at official engagements. She also incorporates subtle nail art in a balanced way. These decisions reflect modernity, confidence, and a refined sense of aesthetic awareness.”
According to nail exper, hands can communicate style, emotion, and identity, and Queen Mary’s manicures do exactly that. “They never feel excessive or attention-seeking. On the contrary, they are always elegant and thoughtfully coordinated with her overall look,” they note. “Her nail colors and finishes are consistently in harmony with her jewelry, outfits, and the nature of each event, demonstrating a clearly defined aesthetic criterion.”
“What Queen Mary communicates is that she understands manicure as a true fashion accessory, just as important as a handbag or a piece of jewelry,” the nail expert added.
Within royal circles, this represents a subtle break from tradition. She introduces color, creativity, and contemporary elements without losing the sophistication required by her public role. We would define her style as elegance with character, a concept that perfectly aligns with our philosophy: well-groomed shapes, impeccable finishes, and a color palette that adds personality without sacrificing subtlety.”
To further analyze Queen Mary’s case, we also spoke with Jordi Reche, a specialist in non-verbal communication, who offered additional insight. “Through her public appearances, Queen Mary has shown aesthetic details that clearly set her apart from other royal women,” Reche explains. “Her manicures, in particular, stand out when compared to the rest of European royalty.”
Reche recalls a defining moment early in her reign. “There was a clear turning point in February 2024, during her first appearances as queen, when she attended the Elite Research Awards wearing a bold blush-toned manicure. After that, we began to see a consistent palette, orange, chocolate brown, gold, fuchsia, coral, and burgundy, colors she has continued to wear throughout nearly two years as queen.”
With over 20 years of experience as a trainer, consultant, and writer specializing in non-verbal language, Reche notes that Queen Mary has never publicly explained her decision to move away from traditional royal aesthetics. “Historically, queens have favored discreet, neutral nail colors to maintain a conservative visual image. Queen Mary’s approach clearly breaks with that norm.”
After analyzing her visual language, Reche identifies three possible reasons behind this bold manicure strategy:
- Modernizing the image of the monarchy: “Brighter, trend-forward colors subconsciously project modernity. This creates a sense of closeness and relatability between Queen Mary and the public, something highly positive for the monarchy.”
- Enhancing her personal image: “The colors she chooses are easily associated with a fresh, dynamic personality. They suggest confidence, independence, and coherence between her values and actions.”
- Strengthening her personal brand: “A strong personal brand is defined by elements that differentiate someone from the rest. In this sense, Queen Mary clearly stands out among European royals, using color and style as part of her unique identity.”
Queen Mary’s manicure choices are far more than a beauty detail, they are a subtle, modern form of expression that blends tradition with individuality, reinforcing her image as a contemporary queen with unmistakable character.