New Year reception for the Armed Forces has been hosted by the Danish Queen

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

On January 4, 2024, Queen Margrethe hosted the 4th New Year reception of 2024 for the Armed Forces at Christiansborg Castle. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were also present at the traditional reception. Representatives from the Armed Forces, National Emergency Planning Agency, major organizations of Denmark and organizations under the patronage of the Royal Palace attended the 4th new year reception.

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore a black velvet short jacket, and beige ball skirt by Rachel Gilbert. Pearls necklace. Queen Margrethe

Crown Princess Mary wore Rachel Gilbert Ball Skirt
Rachel Gilbert Ball Skirt

75 Comments

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  1. Sorry Mary but this is a big no, the top is lovely but the skirt looks messy, the fabric looks stiff even on the model it looks awful …Queen looks stunning as always, we gone miss her

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4/1/24 15:13

      Agree !!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4/1/24 19:24

      I think if it was just "one piece" of clothe (so to speak) instead of it being several stitched together is would be fine - even lovely. But by it being pieced together like this it makes it look a little too "home made" and casual. It looks like something you'd make in a junior high school home economics class back-in-day.

      Delete
  2. Usually I admire Marys style very much, but I don't like this skirt. It is not elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous4/1/24 12:31

    Too much make up on Mary…really ages her a lot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4/1/24 18:09

      She isn't wearing too much much makeup. The amount of makeup worn varies on the time of day and event. Evening/formal events are always times when more makeup is worn.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5/1/24 00:30

      Too much makeup ages all of us. Evening makeup included.
      Marie

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5/1/24 02:10

      Her make up was just perfect for the previous New Year’s reception a day or so ago but this time it’s too heavy and garish. And no I’m not against Mary at all and she has done a fine job. It’s just interesting how her most ardent fans see any criticism of her fashion, however slight, as a personal attack against them.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5/1/24 16:08

      👑Mary will get a new make up artist and hairdresser after 23 years. Maybe she had to do it herself this morning . There has been a heavy snowstorm in Denmark and many people couldn't get to work on time. / Louise

      Delete
  4. Anonymous4/1/24 12:45

    Why everyone is against Mary lately?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not against Mary. I think she will be a wonderful Queen. It is only the skirt I don't like this time.

      Delete
    2. I wonder that too.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous4/1/24 17:00

      I’m not against Mary either but she is, in my opinion, wearing too much make up and it doesn’t look good. She usually gets it right but not all the time. You can like someone but still not like everything about them all the time.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5/1/24 00:30

      Where is the too much makeup!?

      Delete
  5. Ladyofthemanor4/1/24 12:51

    Great outfit on CP Mary. I love the combination of the velvet, rather severe jacket and the flimsier skirt. Beautiful! I do not recall having seen her wear that necklace before. Looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree with Ladyofthemanor.
      Great outfit for a future Queen.
      The designer, Rachel Gilbert, is an Australian fashion designer.
      There is a photo in Australian Vogue 2016 of Princess Mary wearing the skirt with a whiteish top.
      https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/739575570031002977/

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4/1/24 16:57

      I agree. I think the skirt is really beautiful in reality; it doesn't always photograph well. But overall a really nice and elegant outfit. Damsel Dragonfly

      Delete
    3. Mary has worn this brown velvet jacket from 2010 and the skirt since 2016. The ensemble was worn at the 2018 New Year’s reception. The pearl and aquamarine choker necklace was an engagement present from Frederik. The earth tones are very 'on trend' and I love the fun of the animal print shoes.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous4/1/24 14:23

    Mary needs a new stylist!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4/1/24 17:02

      She usually gets it right but not this time.

      Delete
    2. And stylists can often get it wrong.

      Delete
    3. P. the original5/1/24 10:27

      Hello , @Deadeggs and Happy New year to you!
      You know, it' s not my job to validate any of the Danish Queen' s decisions.
      I think she had good reasons to opt for the abdication.
      Just a thought: titles are stripped away - in the case of P.Joachim' s four children- and new titles- i.e. the very top of the ladder- are bestowed on the Crown Prince Couple.
      Sounds almost bizarre somehow.
      Fashion wise: this is not my favourite look on Mary, especially the lower part of the gown.
      I' m sure
      she will be shining and taking centre stage more than ever in the days ahead investiture and on that very same day, of course.
      Congratulations to the newly appointed King and Queen'!

      Delete
  7. Jolie veste en velours mais la légèreté de la jupe n'apporte pas d'élégance à son look !

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mary looks more and more like Ann Miller, a favourite from Hollywood’s golden age.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous4/1/24 15:05

    I like Mary's outfit. It's formal on top and relaxed from the waist down, but the overall look is still elegant and appropriate for an evening reception. My only other thought is that it would be better for warmer weather instead of winter. I love the skirt colours.
    - Anon 9:13

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous4/1/24 15:10

    Skirt quite extraordinary. It looks as if the seams are made intentionally messy, which gives imo a special effect

    ReplyDelete
  11. Although the style of the skirt is as meant by the designer, I would prefer it shorter. I also agree that the eye makeup is a bit excessive.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous4/1/24 15:46

    Love the skirt!
    //AA

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous4/1/24 15:47

    Is Queen Margrethe wearing the same outfit twice in two days? (the red one)
    //AA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4/1/24 18:37

      i think its her uniform, she did the same thing last year with same outfit

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4/1/24 20:40

      Not the first time. QM has a special dress for these events. This one she got in 2022 before that she had a blue one she used for 25 years. https://imgix.billedbladet.dk/2023-01-03/20200102_hjp8085-1.jpg?auto=format,compress&fit=min&crop=faces,entropy&w=900

      Delete
    3. Yes. This is a daytime event. They have two New Year's Receptions during the day that require what was previously known as "court dress" (a long dress, with little embellishments, no grand evening gown), and one reception in the evening which is a gala-dinner that asks for grander gowns, tiaras, and other full regalia. Queen Margrethe attends the two daytime reception always in the same dress, as it has some significance to her. She used to have that sort of dress in a dark blue colour, and for some years now she had a new one made in the same style but in this dark red colour instead. CP Mary wore the top to her very first New Year's levee (the daytime one) as CP of Denmark and now did so for her very last one as CP. So, it is of significance as well.

      Delete
  14. Anonymous4/1/24 16:34

    I donot see what is wrong with Mary ‘s combination, jus t love it, and think it is very elegant.
    Bye the way: a comment on someone’s clothing is not a comment on someone ‘s personality.
    Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous4/1/24 18:07

    I read that the jacket was first worn on her first NY gala for Armed Services,so it was poignant to wear it as her last as CP! The skirt though is not flattering at all. The hem is jaggard ,and look likes it’s been dragged along the ground.The design of the panels is unappealing.It’s rare Mary has a miss,but,this is one of those occasions.Though I applaud her rewearing clothes that she has had in her wardrobe for some time!
    My only other gripe,is the heavy eye make up.As we get older,less is definitely more.
    HM last event before the 14th! What an amazing Queen she has been.The mother of Denmark,has truly earned her retirement. Wishing her the very best! Bea

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous4/1/24 18:37

    No, no, no, Mary, this is just horrible! The skirt looks like a beige quilt, the 3/4 sleeves shorten her, the hairstyle is not becoming and the heavy makeup does not help.
    Love the colour of the Queen’s dress, but can’t see much of it under the fur coat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is generally quite unfair to miss nuances to such extent in a comment. If some general style rules exist, there is surely room for taking individual considerations into account : Mary is sufficiently tall to wear 3/4 sleeves if she feels like it. Personally I am not so fan of the heavy necklace which shortens her neck IMV, whatever nice it is.

      Delete
  17. Crown Princess Mary's outfit is lovely in its totality., the more formal elegance of the brown velvet top with the brownish bronze belt is lovely and to combine a silk skirt made in a more informal quilt like pattern is a winner. I am sure that Crown Prince Frederick knows that he has a Crown Jewel in Mary as his future Queen. Her approval with the Danish people is like at 80%. She will be an asset and Queen Margrethe knows that as well from what I have read!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous4/1/24 19:01

    Mary looks great, it's a dress with a fun twist, and it contrasts nicely with the darker jacket on top. It isn't too summery either (they have heated indoor spaces, even if HM:s fur coat would make you think otherwise :-) ). As for her makeup, I don't find it excessive at all, especially if you consider her naturally dark colouring, brown eyes etc. It must have been a bit nostalgic and sorrowful occasion, though, particularly for HM.
    -B.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous4/1/24 19:27

    It's a no for the skirt *and* the skirt on the model is slightly different and a bit better IMO.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous4/1/24 19:53

    These receptions take place in the morning/during the day. The ensembles The Queen and CPM are wearing are sort of 'uniforms'. The Queen has been using the same gowns for these receptions for decades. CPM's ensembles have also been repeated for some years now.

    I find CPM's ensemble quite nice. Chocolate velvet jacket, and a taupe satin maxi skirt with panels so it doesn't feel too dated.


    On another note,
    Being a Dane, living in Denmark, we Danes are fully informed with regard to the status of a 'queen regnant' and 'queen consort' respectively. My point is that 'Queen Consort' is not an official title in Denmark; as it was with Camilla in the UK for some time (first 'Camilla the Queen Consort', then 'Queen Camilla').

    Amy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5/1/24 16:53

      Grazie per la spiegazione.
      La regina può decidere se Mary sarà conosciuta "solo" come regina? Mi sembra di ricordare che Elisabetta lo decise per Camilla che all'inizio doveva essere "principessa consorte".
      Rossella

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7/1/24 16:24

      The same in Norway. Queen Sonjas has never been a Queen consort, but Queen from day one. It's also the same in Sweden.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7/1/24 16:25

      We have also never heard consort being used for Maxima, Mathilde or Letizia either. So obviously only in England.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous4/1/24 20:01

    I like Mary’s outfit - the color and fabric of the top looks luxurious with the color and fabric of the skirt. I would like the skirt more and it would look more elegant without the horizontal seams.
    -Royal Watcher

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous4/1/24 20:06

    I do not like the skirt either. I do like the jacket. Maybe with another skirt it would have been a wonderful outfit. Her make-up is always done like that. It is a classic make-up and it does not make her older. There are other royal ladies whose make-up is much more overdone than hers.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Princess Mary’s 5 strand pearl choker instantly reminds me of England’s Queen Mary and her pearl chokers which she often wore with pearl necklaces added.
    I seem to remember (but could be wrong) that Queen Mary had an 11 strand pearl choker.
    I wonder if it is a new piece added to the Danish jewellery collection or a private gift to Mary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read that this particular choker was an engagement gift from CP Frederik.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous4/1/24 20:54

    I think Mary's outfit is okay, but the necklace is not suitable for this outfit, there could be a better choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7/1/24 16:30

      She used this necklace obviously to give the press the bird. This necklace was a love gift from Frederik when they got married.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous4/1/24 23:03

    Beautiful top and Jewelry, but the skirt is really nothing special. She always is very elegant and stylish, not this time sorry. css

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous5/1/24 02:22

    What were Princess Mary’s stylist thinking? It is the worst outfit she has ever worn. If it had been a lace skirt or black and white maybe and those pearls age her, the colour is wrong on her, she is a winter toning. Her makeup ages her beyond her years. Maybe she felt like that on the night. The night before no smiles to this . Get out Mary before the 14th. Save your heart and mental state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5/1/24 13:19

      Dear anonymous, I’m not sure what your reference is to Mary saving herself?! (Have you been spending time in gossip columns and terrible tabloids?!!!). I think she looks stunning. The skirt has a wonderful movement to it eg pic 6 and I think it must feel gorgeous to wear. The makeup is appropriate for the event. - AnneLise

      Delete
    2. Tabloids lie. I've seen no reliable indication that Mary is unhappy, and many indications that she is very happy. I also think she looked great, relaxed, and indeed glowing at this event.

      Delete
  27. The skirt looked wonderful Imo when worn with the shirt previously. Regardless she looks lovely. The shoes are gorgeous. I love the pearl choker.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P. the original5/1/24 18:06

      Dear @ Ava, Happy New Year!
      Hugs for you x

      Delete
    2. Hi, P. the original. Aw thank you so much. Happy and Healthy safe New Year to you as well. Hugs x

      Delete
    3. P. the original6/1/24 07:44

      Hi, Ava and thank you so much!

      Delete
  28. Re the pearl choker.
    @Wattle 08:59 said that the pearl choker was an engagement gift from Prince Frederik.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. deadeggs 12.06 yes, I just saw her remark. Its beautiful, it sits well, the aqua stone is the perfect size. The border of tiny Sapphires encasing the stone is a clever addition. I just love the choker. Happy New Year to you.

      Delete
  29. The subject of heavy eye makeup has been discussed before on this forum. The same comments have been made about the Princess of Wales (Kate)
    She has received a lot of criticism on this point.
    If my memory is working well, it has been explained to us that for evening, indoor galas and the likes, which are subject to endless flashlights, heavy makeup is used to counterbalance the washed out, pale look if these young ladies just used their regular makeup.
    I think Princess Mary is being wise and working ahead of the “popular” press critics who would love to fabricate a story that she is looking pale and sick and is trying to run off before the coronation.
    It’s almost like a stage makeup that is being used.




    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P. the original5/1/24 17:22

      Hello, @ Deadeggs.
      Unfortunately, the worst critics are likely to be fabricated by no makeup users or by someone lacking even a modicum of knowledge about skincare and makeup techniques.
      Yes, the more the lights and flashlights indoors, the heaviest the makeup to be used to counterbalance the dreaded washout effect on pics and videos.
      A basic trick and tip : before applying any sort of makeup to one's face, a good yellowish
      glowing face primer is recommendable.
      It helps neutralize imperfections and dark circles boosting hydration and giving a bonne mine radiance to the the skin.
      Glowing serums , foundations and concealers may also be helpful.
      They all aim at creating a soft focus dewy look .
      All products, including highlighters, have to be used with utmost moderation or a woman would end up with an unpleasantly oily and unnatural skin tones mixture on her face.
      Generous pumps of a spray fixing lotion is another trick to set all the finished work and avoid the so called falling out ( products migration everywhere on the face).
      Makeup artists made and will be making an excellent work on Mary' s face and also decolletage if needed, I am sure.
      I noticed that Mary has begun to show some jewelry big gun, I mean that fabulous choker.
      Great!
      And the best is yet to come.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7/1/24 11:29

      The choker was a gift from Frederik many years ago. IMO Mary never really liked it which is why we have seen not seen her worn it much. But for this occasion it was taken out of the drawer. As for your assumptions about other critics you are very judgemental about people you have never seen or know nothing about. Why do your give all these make up tips? Do you think we are all unknowing in this regard?

      Delete
    3. P. the original7/1/24 15:57

      Yes, @ Anonymous11:29
      I am absolutely sure you know nothing at all about makeup otherwise you wouldn't be questioning the way and the reason why a particular sort of makeup is executed on royal ladies on some occasions.
      You wouldn't relentlessly insinuate their having work done either where it is so obvious that there is none to a trained eye (I mean the sharp eye of a woman which is a regular makeup user and knows how products have to be applied according to the different amount of light, be it indoors or outdoors).
      It is crystal clear that you do not have a clue about makeup techniques and tricks to create volumes visually.
      I write about makeup because it can be considered as a part of the fashion world ( this blog is about fashion, no?) and this is well known by runway workers in particular.
      Finally , I was simply replying to Deadeggs' reasonable considerations.

      Note:
      Of course , I do not know you but you yourself seem to take any chance to show all bloggers your lack of basic skincare and makeup knowledge throughout this platform.
      Just hilarious.
      The more you keep questioning royal ladies' undeniable beauty with or without makeup, the more it resonates like an admission of physical inferiority on your part.

      Delete
  30. Very unfortunate combination of top and skirt and weird looking execution of the skirt. Disharmonic outfit.

    ReplyDelete
  31. She looks beautiful, like she was "to the manor born"!! Really gorgeous!! The skirt is not my favorite, she previously wore this top with a pink tulle skirt and I LOVED that combo!! But really she looks GREAT!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous6/1/24 10:27

    I notice that Mary now has a big mouth and full lips. She used to have a very small mouth with very thin lips. Old photos confirm this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6/1/24 14:40

      It’s the wonders of cosmetic surgery! Mary seems to have indulged in it regularly. There’s nothing wrong with that but it’s a shame many women feel they have to fiddle with their faces in order to look young. And many times it just makes them look older!

      Delete
    2. P. the original6/1/24 19:06

      Anonymous 10:27+ 14:40

      May I give you a little bit of advice?
      Please, try for just one time in your life to get professional makeup
      ( I guess you lack expertise in doing your own makeup).
      You' ll see your lips becoming glossy and sensual .
      You may have a try at striking a pouty pose like a real bombshell, too
      Makeup may make wonders even on you.
      Then you should try to work out hard like Pss/ Queen Mary does everyday and get a dream body shape.
      Of course, you also need a good diet plan and a reasonable calories intake daily (no cakes with your afternoon tea).
      There's another bit of advice I would like to give you and it has to do with ...ehmmmm...another type of physical activity, if you know what I mean...
      But you can't do that alone😉
      No cosmetic surgery needed.
      Trust me.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6/1/24 19:20

      it does. And somehow they all look alike.

      Delete
    4. P. the original6/1/24 20:11

      Oh sorry, @ Anonymous at all times.
      You should also get professional skin care as your first step to enter the beauty world.
      The Korean skin care is highly recommendable.
      Have you ever heard of lips scrub, lip countouring (a makeup procedure) and professional face cleansing, for example?

      Delete
  33. Anonymous7/1/24 11:12

    to P. the original : Haha you must have a problem writing all this as response to my comment about the bigger lips. You have no idea how I look and for the record. I get compliments about my dream body and gorgeous skin. I no, I have never had plastic surgery. Nothing compares to natural beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P. the original7/1/24 14:35

      😂😂😂
      A true beautiful woman inside and out would never compete with other women and would never bring royal ladies down at all costs and for the tiniest reasons.
      You have a good deal of problems and you keep showing them up all the time, believe me.
      Good for you to be so blind to reality.

      Delete
    2. P. the original, you write many long comments that all sum up to one sentence: "I, P. the original, know everything and if other posters disagree I insult them". Stop that. Stop being so aggressive.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8/1/24 17:14

      @Coralie. Completely agree, insulting and attacking others. Sadly enough, critical comments about this unfair behaviour won't get published. I wonder why...... Rina

      Delete

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