Queen Mary of Denmark brought fairytale glamour to a summer wedding as she joined King Frederik X for the nuptials of his godson, Count Gregers Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, and Cecilie Juhl.
The Danish queen stepped out in a romantic blush pink ensemble for the August 22 celebration on the island of Funen, where the couple exchanged vows at Kværndrup Church before continuing the festivities at the historic Egeskov Castle.
© Patrick van KatwijkWhile Mary's flowing dress made an elegant statement of its own, it was what she wore in her hair that gave the look its unmistakably royal finishing touch.
A romantic pink look for the summer wedding:
For the occasion, Mary turned to a familiar piece from her wardrobe, wearing a pink floral dress by New York designer Mikael Aghal. The floor-skimming design featured delicate floral detailing across the bodice and sleeves, a fitted waist and a softly pleated skirt.
© KongehusetThe long sleeves added another romantic element, finishing with dramatic flared cuffs that moved as the queen walked alongside her husband.
Mary completed the tonal look with coordinating pink accessories, including a pleated Prada clutch and Gianvito Rossi heels. Her soft color palette stood in contrast to Frederik's traditional white-tie attire, making the couple an especially polished pair as they arrived for the celebration.
Mary's sparkling tiara has a surprising history:
The standout accessory was Mary's Edwardian Diamond Necklace Tiara, one of the more unusual pieces in her jewelry collection because she acquired it herself rather than receiving it through the Danish royal family.
© Patrick van KatwijkMary purchased the antique jewelry set at a Bruun Rasmussen auction in Copenhagen in 2012 for approximately $9,600. Dating from around 1900 to 1910, the piece features rose and old mine-cut diamonds alongside rubies and spinels set in gold and silver.
Its clever construction also gives Mary two very different ways to wear it. The jeweled section can be removed from its frame and transformed into a necklace, making it one of the most versatile pieces in her collection.
© AFPAfter restoration and the addition of a tiara frame, Mary began wearing the antique piece publicly, and it has since accompanied her to a number of glittering royal occasions. Unlike many of the historic jewels available to the Danish queen, the Edwardian piece is Mary's private property.
A beauty look made for a tiara:
Mary kept her beauty look equally romantic, allowing the antique headpiece to take center stage.
Her brunette hair was swept away from her face into an elegant updo, creating the perfect base for the delicate tiara. A center part gave the hairstyle a contemporary touch while keeping the overall effect polished and formal.
The queen opted for soft, luminous makeup that complemented the pale pink tones of her dress. Defined eyes, rosy cheeks and a natural pink lip created a fresh finish for the daytime ceremony without competing with the sparkle of her jewelry.
Rather than piling on accessories, the combination of the intricate tiara, refined updo and feminine makeup gave Mary's look a balance between regal formality and romantic summer style.
A royal gathering on Funen:
Mary and Frederik weren't the only familiar royal faces celebrating the newlyweds. Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Count Nikolai of Monpezat were among the guests at the ceremony. Nikolai attended with his girlfriend, Benedikte Thoustrup.
© Jacopo RauleThe groom has particularly close ties to the Danish royal family. Gregers is King Frederik's godson and the eldest son of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, owner of Egeskov Castle. Following the church ceremony, guests made their way to the family's historic castle for the wedding reception.
For Mary, the celebration offered a rare opportunity to combine several signatures of her royal style. A romantic recycled dress, carefully coordinated accessories and a sparkling piece of jewelry with a personal story all its own.
