This year was a particularly memorable one for Queen Mary of Denmark. Her Majesty reflected on 2024 in a message shared by the Mary Foundation on Dec. 20.
"All years are special. They contain their own impacts, events and memories. But 2024 in particular will leave a clear mark on my memory," the Danish Queen began her message (translated to English). "This year, the Mary Foundation changed its name to the Mary Foundation – H.M. Queen Mary’s Foundation. But our work continued unchanged, and we are still fighting for the same purpose through our three areas of focus: Bullying & Well-being, Loneliness and Violence in the Family."
"At the Mary Foundation, we always strive for more knowledge, effective efforts and new ways to make a difference for those who are outside the community. In 2024, this has meant, among other things, that we have practiced even more at involving young people in our work. Every time we do so, it has given us invaluable value and perspective," she continued.
Mary went on to write about the foundation's youth panel that was established in 2022, as well as the AFTRYK initiative and the Together Without Violence initiative. She also noted "our ambition is to better equip the adults around children and young people so that their understanding of and insight into digital bullying gives them a better opportunity to help children and young people. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go before healthy and trusting communities are a natural part of everyone's everyday life. So we continue to fight. But fortunately, we are not fighting alone. Because we could not have acquired that knowledge, achieved those results, or developed those models without our many partners."
"That is why I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who works with us to ensure that more people have a place in the community and experience belonging. It is precisely in partnerships and collaboration that we use each other best and can make the biggest difference for all those who deserve it," the Queen added. "Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year!"
Mary and her husband, King Frederik, are set to celebrate their first Christmas as the King and Queen of Denmark at Marselisborg Castle this year with their four kids—Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine—and His Majesty's mother, Queen Margrethe.
This past year was also a special one for Their Majesties' eldest child, Crown Prince Christian, who graduated from high school and traveled to East Africa for an extended stay. The 19 year old announced late last month that in February 2025 he "will start as conscript at the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse," Denmark.