The driver of the mobility scooter who ran over Queen Mary during an engagement in Greenland earlier this month is an elderly man who wanted to shake the royal’s hand.
Videos of the incident have recently resurfaced, sparking a new wave of concern and prompting some Danes to call for extra security for the Royal Family.
A short video, obtained by Danish news agency Ekstra Bladet, shows the 52-year-old being thrown nearly to the ground as he waved to fans.
The elderly scooter driver, who appeared more shaken than the Queen after the incident, said he “didn’t know what happened”.
He added that his intention had been to extend his arm to the royal, hoping she would take it.
Queen Mary was waving to supporters during an event in Greenland last month (pictured, left) before she was hit by a motorised scooter, prompting her security team to intervene and prevent the vehicle from moving further (pictured, right).
The royal (pictured) reportedly did not fall after being hit by the scooter, but was pushed forward and lost her balance.
But instead, he says he accidentally stepped on the accelerator, hitting the Queen and causing her to scream as she was pushed forward and lost her balance, but did not fall.
In the clip, horrified onlookers can be seen crowding around as the mother-of-four’s security guards quickly spring into action and stop the scooter from moving any further.
Fortunately, the wife of King Frederick X of Denmark quickly recovered and kept her composure.
However, while the accident did not cause any serious harm to the Queen, the situation has raised questions about why a member of the Danish monarchy found herself in a situation where she could have been harmed in this way.
Kim Bach, Extra sheetThe royal commentator said that Denmark’s national security and intelligence service (PET) is to blame.
“They let a vehicle get too close,” they added.It’s strange that they’re not more careful, just because they’re in Greenland… It’s strange when it comes to a vehicle. I know it’s not a Ferrari or a Bentley, but still.
MailOnline has contacted PET for comment.
Meanwhile, royal expert Kenth G. Madsen called for a strengthening of security measures at public appearances of monarchs and politicians, citing another recent incident where Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was recently attacked by a drunken man in Copenhagen.
Resurfaced images of the accident involving Queen Mary (pictured) have raised questions about why the scooter was able to get so close to the royal.
He told FEMAIL: “First and foremost, threat assessments must be updated regularly to reflect the current security situation,” he said.
‘This includes increased surveillance and intelligence, as well as closer cooperation with local and international authorities.
‘In addition, the number of bodyguards and security personnel should be increased and safe zones should be established around public events.
‘Crisis response plans must also be updated and practiced regularly to ensure rapid and effective management of unforeseen events. At the same time, clear lines of communication must exist between all units involved to ensure a coordinated effort.’
Both palace security and police were satisfied with the old man’s explanation and ruled the incident an innocent mistake.
However, some royal watchers have raised concerns about his safety, particularly because he likes to get close to the public during his walks.
The incident took place while the royal family was on an official visit to Greenland (pictured, arriving in Sisimiut on July 2).
While fans applaud the 52-year-old for interacting so closely with the public, they are also concerned.
The images of the accident were reposted by the Instagram account. @denmarksqueenmaryprompting some to share their thoughts on the situation.
In the comments section of the post, one asked: “Why was someone allowed to get so close on a motorized scooter?”
Another added: “Security is very poor. Luckily this just seemed like a freak incident. Hopefully the security team will take more sensible measures.”
And a third wrote: “I know you all want to be close to her… but some common sense please.”
Meanwhile, other royal fans were concerned that she had suffered an injury after the collision, but kept their grief private.
One speculated: “If I hadn’t been in pain, I would have been the next day.”
Another said: “She’s doing great right now, if everything is wonderful, that’s her job.”
However, some commentators sympathised with the scooter user, including one who wrote: ‘AIt actually looks like an electric scooter, not a recreational one. So the disabled person was there, like everyone else, nearby, as part of the gathered crowd.
Mary’s younger children (pictured), Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just metres away when the monarch was knocked down.
A spectator talking to The Australian revealed how the crowd was left in shock after the incident.
“I could see how much pain she was in, her eyes immediately filled with tears. It must hurt to have been hit at that speed. The police immediately set up a barricade and removed her from the scene,” they said.
Mary was reportedly visibly shaken after the incident. Her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were just a few metres away when the monarch was knocked down.
Frederik was also waving to fans nearby when the dark grey scooter hit his wife, causing her to lose her balance.
But the Palace media team confirmed that Mary was not injured during the incident and was able to continue with her planned schedule of events.
