Queen Mary took a leaf out of the Princess of Wales's book as she celebrated the official opening of Nature Week at a park in Copenhagen. The Danish royal, 53, rolled up her sleeves for bug hunting as she joined students from Kildevældsskolen and the Danish Nature Conservation Association.
Mary sported a casual look for her outing, teaming a denim shirt over a khaki top, hiking trousers and walking boots. It comes just days after she and her husband, King Frederik, 57, concluded their summer tour of the Danish municipalities aboard the Royal Ship Dannebrog.
Nature Week, previously called Nature Day, is a nationwide event organised by the Danish Nature Conservation Association, with the aim to get more children and families out into nature – an ethos that aligns with the Princess of Wales's values. Kate has long spoken about her love of the great outdoors and the importance of young children getting out in nature as part of her early years work.
© GettyThe Princess, who is often compared to Queen Mary, launched a series of social media videos to celebrate the seasons in May, urging society to "reconnect to nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts". Although Kate only appeared in the video to mark spring, she has narrated videos for spring and summer, with further ones to come for autumn and winter. In the caption to celebrate summer, she wrote: "Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here's to Summer."
Meanwhile, Mary established Mary Foundation in 2007 to improve the lives of vulnerable women and children, and she carries out engagements in connection with the work of her organisation. See the best photos from her outing...
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© Getty ImagesMary looked effortlessly cool in denim
Queen Mary arrives
Queen Mary was all smiles as she arrived to greet the children at Ryvangen Nature Park in in Østerbro in Copenhagen.
The royal was dressed appropriately for the activities in store as she sported a denim shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren, with a pair of green Mountain Warehouse trousers.
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© Getty ImagesMary wasn't afraid of getting her hands dirty
Bug hunting
First on the agenda was a spot of bug hunting as Mary and the youngsters looked among the trees and soil with their magnified finders.
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© GettyMary releases the bugs from her collection pot
Insect race
After inspecting the insects in the bug finders, it was time for the group to release the creatures for a "race" on a circular piece of paper.
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© Getty ImagesQueen Mary and the children kneeled on mats as they lit their campfires
Building a bonfire
Then it was time for Mary and the children to try their hand at lighting a bonfire, with the queen assisting one young boy.
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© Getty ImagesThe royal and her young guests enjoyed a dry, sunny day in the park
Standing around the campfire
With the campfires successfully lit, Mary chatted to the children, who later presented her with a big bouquet of flowers.
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© GettyMary and the children were seated on a log by the campfire
Picture time
Queen Mary happily posed for a group photo with the schoolchildren to mark her fun day out.
