King Frederik and Queen Mary are on a state visit to Latvia, the first of three Baltic countries they’ll tour to strengthen and highlight the historic and diplomatic ties that began in 1921. Denmark never recognized the Soviet annexation of these nations, and in August 1991 it was among the first countries to reestablish relations.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe historic visit began this Tuesday with an official reception and welcome ceremony at Riga Castle, a historic fortress on the banks of the Daugava River in the center of the Latvian capital, built in 1330 by the Order of the Sword. For this first appearance, Queen Mary chose a dark blue long-sleeved dress with a V-neckline and a fitted waist. She completed her look with a netted tiara-style headpiece and historic jewelry over 200 years old.
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© AFP via Getty ImagesThey are earrings and a brooch from the Perle-poire set, which belongs to the Danish royal family’s trust. The set includes a tiara, necklace, earrings, and two brooches—one large and one small—featuring stunning pearls. The brooch that Mary wore on this occasion was made in 1820 for the wedding of Princess Louise of Prussia and Prince Frederick of the Netherlands in 1825. The white gold earrings were crafted from two of the five original pendants from the necklace, each featuring a large pearl framed by a diamond garland and a hanging pearl set with diamonds.
© AFP via Getty ImagesDuring this first meeting, King Frederik X was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Recognition, Latvia’s most prestigious military honor, while Queen Mary received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Three Stars, which the King had previously received in 1997. In turn, the Danish monarch appointed Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs as a Knight of the Order of the Elephant.
© AFP via Getty ImagesShortly after, King Frederik and Queen Mary visited the Freedom Monument, where they laid a wreath and appeared visibly moved. From there, they went to the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima, where they also had lunch. These first engagements gave the monarch and his wife a chance to connect with the public, as many people gathered to greet them and offer Queen Mary bouquets of flowers.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAfter touring the parliament, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa welcomed the royal couple at the Cabinet of Ministers building, where her office and meeting rooms are located. Next on their agenda is a visit to the Museum of the Occupation, located in the heart of Riga, which tells the story of Latvia under Soviet and German rule between 1940 and 1991. The day will continue with a visit to the Latvian Academy of Culture and a walk through Riga’s Art Nouveau district, leading up to a state banquet at Riga Castle at seven in the evening.
