On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Denmark marked a solemn yet proud moment in its history: the 80th anniversary of liberation from German occupation during World War II. To commemorate this milestone, Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark took part in a series of poignant events reflecting on the nation’s resilience and sacrifice.
The royal couple, accompanied by Queen Margrethe, Princess Benedikte, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester—representing the British royal family—attended a commemorative service held at Copenhagen’s Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, at 4:30 PM. The Duchess of Gloucester, notably of Danish birth, brought a symbolic closeness to the historic occasion.
Led by Bishop Peter Skov-Jakobsen, the service featured moving reflections, solemn prayers, and stirring music to honor the liberation of May 1945 and the countless lives impacted by the war. The congregation included high-ranking officials from the Danish government, military leaders, members of parliament, and foreign diplomats—united in remembrance and gratitude.
Later in the evening, the royal family traveled to Ryvangen Memorial Park in Hellerup, where King Frederik and Queen Mary laid a wreath at the national memorial dedicated to Danish resistance fighters. The gesture underscored the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives for freedom.
As twilight settled, Queen Mary and King Frederik returned to Amalienborg Palace, where they placed lit candles in the windows—a cherished Danish tradition observed every May 4th. The gesture harks back to 1945, when Danes, finally freed from blackout restrictions, filled their windows with candlelight to celebrate liberation.
Queen Mary of Denmark’s attire throughout the day was both respectful and elegant. She wore a structured wrap dress by Soeren Le Schmidt, paired with a veiled headband by Katrin Cecilia Jacobsen and python pumps by Gianvito Rossi. For the evening memorial, she transitioned to Gianvito Rossi boots and draped a long black cape over her ensemble—balancing grace with reverence for the occasion.
