In the narrative of two ordinary women catapulted into extraordinary lives, Kate Middleton and Mary of Denmark, both destined to become future queens, share a remarkable parallelism.
Originating from middle-class backgrounds, they met and fell in love with their respective princes during their youth, setting the stage for their captivating royal journeys.
As Crown Princess Mary prepares to ascend to the throne of Denmark, the bond she shares with the Princess of Wales comes into focus.
Experts suggest that Mary, a decade senior to Kate and celebrating the 20th anniversary of her marriage to Crown Prince Frederick, has served as an inspirational figure for the newer generation of royalty. The two women, who recently met during an official visit in 2022, not only exhibit undeniable physical similarities but also share traits of strength, intelligence, and capability.
Both Mary, aged 51, and Kate, approaching her 42nd birthday on January 9, hail from middle-class families and found love in everyday circumstances. Renowned for their dedication to royal duties and charitable endeavors, they have won the hearts of the public, positioning themselves as loyal wives and devoted mothers who prioritize their families.
Danish writer Trine Villemann notes, "Mary is truly the power behind the throne and will be for decades to come." Drawing parallels between the two princesses, Trine suggests that Kate may have learned from Mary and found inspiration in her, while Mary, in turn, views Kate as a soulmate. Both women have faced similar life trajectories to be with the men they love and achieve their current positions.
Trine highlights Mary's early establishment of the Mary Foundation, reflecting her proactive engagement in philanthropy, a path that Kate seems to follow. Exploring topics such as children's issues and combating challenges like bullying and loneliness, Mary has been a trailblazer in these areas for a decade or more.
Royal editor Emily Nash, who met both princesses in February 2022, notes their commonalities in motherhood, life outside the royal family, spotlight living, and shared interests in sports and mental health. Describing their interaction at a Copenhagen center for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, Nash emphasizes their tall, elegant stature and their ease in connecting with small children.
The stories of these princesses diverge in their origins: Kate, the daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton, with a background in aviation and a party supplies business; and Mary, born in Hobart, Tasmania, to mathematics teacher John Donaldson and university secretary Henrietta.
Mary, a law graduate working as a real estate agent in Sydney, experienced a chance encounter at a pub during the 2000 Olympic Games that altered the course of her life. Reflecting on that moment, Mary recalls, "The first time we met, we shook hands, and I didn't know he was the crown prince of Denmark." This serendipitous meeting laid the foundation for a captivating journey that aligns with the fairy-tale destinies of both princesses.
