Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark have come under fire from critics as they end their “hypocritical” summer tour.
Many claim that the popular royal couple seems to be backtracking on their “royal promise” to focus on environmental sustainability at all times.
The problem lies with the couple’s royal yacht, the Dannebrog, a 92-year-old vessel that experts say is “far from environmentally friendly.”
King Frederick, 56, and Queen Mary, 52, spent much of the summer on the ship, sailing from port to port while visiting other countries.
They called it ‘a summer to remember’ and thanked their fans for lining the streets and coming to greet them along the way.
But royal commentator Thomas Larsen told Danish tabloid BT’s royal podcast that the extended voyage on the old ship was at odds with its promise of a clean future.
“This can quickly become a boomerang problem that can affect them,” he said of regular boat trips.
The commentator admitted, however, that for now most Danes do not seem to be bothered by the hypocrisy.
Queen Mary and King Frederick looked carefree on the 92-year-old ship during their 20th wedding anniversary
Queen Mary leaves the royal yacht Dannebrog to attend a state banquet at the royal palace in Stockholm, on the first day of the Danish royals’ first state visit to Sweden in May.
This is because the ship acts as a stage for royalty and represents the family’s long history.
“I think most people are happy and you see them standing and smiling when the ship comes into the port,” he said.
But he noted that the mood could change, and quickly.
Following the conclusion of her royal tour, Queen Mary officially returned to focusing on the environment.
The palace released a photo of the elegant mother of four smiling at a desk during a meeting with the University of Copenhagen.
“Her Majesty The Queen today hosted a meeting with the Centre’s Advisory Committee, which advises the Queen Mary Centre on partnership and development opportunities,” they said.
The royal couple arrive aboard the royal yacht Dannebrog in Roenne for their visit to the regional municipality of Bornholm on the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea on August 19.
‘The theme of the meeting was green solutions and on the agenda was, among other things, a new initiative that brings scientists and students out of laboratories and lecture halls, so that they can work closely with professionals on the green transition.’
Last year, during the family’s trip to New Zealand and Australia, they were criticized for excessive use of private jets.
Many complained that the family is a staunch environmentalist in front of the camera, but they are happy to fly around the world on vacation.
The royal yacht Dannebrog on the day of the couple’s visit to the municipality of Assens
Queen Mary greets children on her visit to the Peter Willemoes school in Assens. People queued to greet the royals at every stop
During the last tour, the couple were criticised online after the city of Vejle organised a fireworks display as they left the port.
“You don’t care about CO2?” one person asked.