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Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary's love story: From the Olympics to the Palace

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Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson's love story began at the 2000 Olympics. The then 32-year-old Prince met Tasmanian born Mary while attending the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia.The pair, who met at the Slip Inn in Sydney, instantly hit it off and began to date despite the long distance between Australia and Denmark.Photo: Getty Images
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Going public with their relationship, the couple enjoyed the day together at the Tasmania Yacht Club before the first race of the Dragon Boat World Championship.Photo: Getty Images
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After months of letters and long distance phone calls, Mary decided to move from Australia to Denmark to be with her love in December 2001.On September 24, 2003, the Danish court announced that Queen Margrethe intended to give her consent to the marriage at an upcoming State Council meeting.Photo: Getty Images
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On October 8, 2003 the couple became officially engaged. Frederik presented Mary with a stunning engagement ring featuring a large emerald-cut diamond and two emerald-cut rubies, a nod to Denmark's national flag.Following her acceptance of the proposal, the happy pair announced the news to the world's media during a press conference at Amalienborg palace.Photo: Getty Images
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Pomp, royalty and very human emotion mingled on their wedding day in Copenhagen's cathedral on May 14, 2004. Even before his bride arrived, Frederik was seen wiping away a tear.Photo: Getty Images
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On the way down the aisle, the newlyweds spontaneously paused to kiss - a gesture they repeated on the Palace balcony, with his delighted mother the Queen looking on.Photo: Getty Images
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The couple shared a special moment at a gala in March 2005 in her home state of Tasmania.It was Mary's first visit to Australia as a crown princess.Photo: Getty Images
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Their joy grew as they became parents to Christian- who was born October 15, 2005 – and Isabella, born 21 April 2007.Photo: Getty Images
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As well as being a devoted mother, Princess Mary has a range of public duties. She supports anti-bullying programmes and charities for refugees and immigrants through her Mary Foundation, established in 2007.Photo: Getty Images
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Frederik has watched with pride as his down-to-earth Tasmania girl has grown in confidence and popularity over years.Photo: Getty Images
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In January 2011, the couple added to their family with the birth of twins Vincent and Josephine.Photo: Getty Images
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The prince described their arrival as a 'miracle times two'.Photo: Getty Images
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Each year the family enjoys a ski trip to the restort of Verbier in Switzerland.Photo: Getty Images
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The royals love playing with their children. Giving an insight into family life a few years ago, Mary revealed they have no help with bedtime, dealing with the little ones in the night or getting them off to school in the mornings.Photo: Getty Images
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Mary's glamorous dress sense, shown off here on a visit to her native Australia, has made her a fashion icon around the world.Photo: Getty Images
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During a trip to New York, the Crown Prince was more than happy to share a dance with his beloved wife.Photo: Getty Images
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Mary also adores Frederik, saying just before they married: "He has a warm, warm heart, he is loyal and honest." Photo: Getty Images
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The couple love to have fun and spend quality time with their family during their summer holidays at Grasten Palace.Photo: Getty Images
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To this day, they are known as one of the most loved-up royal couples in the world.Photo: Getty Images

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