Danish Royals Begin State Visit to Australia, Eyeing Trade and Clean Energy

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark are undertaking a state visit to Australia from March 14 to 19, marking their first official trip to the country as monarchs. Accompanied by a delegation of over 55 Danish business leaders, the visit aims to enhance bilateral relations, expand trade, and foster cooperation in areas such as defence and clean energy.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations, expand trade, and foster cooperation in areas such as defence and clean energy.

The itinerary includes official engagements in Uluru, Melbourne, and Canberra, alongside private engagements for Queen Mary in Tasmania.

First Official Trip as Monarchs

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark began their state visit to Australia on March 14, with engagements scheduled until March 19. This marks their initial state visit to Australia since their ascension to the throne in January 2024, following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II.

Queen Mary, an Australian native, is returning to her home country in her capacity as Queen.

The royal couple is accompanied by a delegation comprising more than 55 Danish business leaders, with a notable presence from companies operating in the clean energy sector.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Trade

The primary objectives of the visit are to strengthen bilateral ties, expand annual trade, which currently exceeds $2 billion in goods and services, and enhance cooperation in defence and clean energy. Denmark has also expressed its support for a free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union, an agreement which has faced objections from certain European farming sectors.

Annual trade between Denmark and Australia currently exceeds $2 billion in goods and services.

Focus on Clean Energy and Innovation

Discussions during the visit are anticipated to concentrate on Danish wind turbine exports and increasing Danish investment in Australian renewable energy projects, particularly within the offshore wind sector. The visit additionally highlights Australian exports, including three 100% battery-electric ferries being constructed by Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat for use in Denmark's internal waterways. These vessels are scheduled for completion in 2027 and 2028.

Australian shipbuilder Incat is constructing three 100% battery-electric ferries for use in Denmark's internal waterways.

Itinerary and Engagements Across Australia

The royal couple's itinerary includes an initial visit to Uluru, intended to acknowledge Indigenous Australians. Subsequent engagements are planned in Melbourne and Canberra.

A state banquet, hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is scheduled to take place in Canberra, with a reception also planned for Melbourne. Queen Mary is also expected to dedicate time to private engagements with family and friends in Tasmania.

The itinerary includes an initial visit to Uluru, intended to acknowledge Indigenous Australians.

Diplomatic Context and Significance

The state visit is proceeding despite its overlap with Denmark's national parliamentary election campaign, which is set to commence on March 24. This scheduling overlap may influence the attendance of some senior Danish government ministers at various events.

While King Frederik and Queen Mary have visited Australia previously, this marks their first visit as monarchs. By diplomatic convention, heads of state typically undertake only one state visit to a particular country. The last Danish state visit to Australia occurred in 1987, conducted by Queen Margrethe.

The last Danish state visit to Australia occurred in 1987, conducted by Queen Margrethe.