It is a relationship which is lived out on the public stage. But sharing an affectionate embrace on a crisp winter's day, Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Mary, show that theirs is also a passionate, loving marriage in private.
Having hosted the cream of European royalty at the emotional christening of their first-born son Christian, the royal couple obviously felt entitled to quality time together and some fun in the snow.
Joining them as they tramped through woodland was the family pooch, Ziggy. They were also accompanied by Mary's older sisters, Patricia Bailey, 37, and 40-year-old Jane Stephens, one of eight friends and relatives who are godparents to the future King.
There was no sign of their "wee bairn" as he is known by his Australian relatives, however. Denmark has been experiencing a cold spell with temperatures dipping below zero on recent occasions and it may have been thought too cold for the little one.
With the excitement and tension surrounding Saturday's ceremony behind them his mother was, nevertheless, in high spirits. The success of an event that had been several months in the planning and thoughts of her 34th birthday, which is just over ten days away, was clearly enough to have the princess larking about and skipping as she made her way inside to the warmth.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
