Tasmania will mark Crown Princess Mary’s coronation by lighting up the Tasman Bridge, the Launceston Town Hall, Devonport’s paranaple convention centre and other public buildings in the colours of the Danish flag.
Acting Premier Michael Ferguson said Crown Princess Mary’s coronation is an exciting day for Tasmania.
“In honour of the Crown Princess’ international patronage, I am proud to announce Tasmania will donate $10,000 to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation,” Acting Premier Ferguson said.
“Born and raised in Hobart, Crown Princess Mary epitomises what it means to be Tasmanian: humble, hard-working and quietly pursuing the extraordinary.
“A Taroona High, Hobart College, and University of Tasmania graduate, Crown Princess Mary is one of the most accomplished women in the world.
“As Tasmanians would expect, someone knows someone who sat next to Princess Mary on an economy flight to Hobart, where she often comes to visit family and friends.”
Through her charity work and patronages, Princess Mary looks out for those who have faced enormous obstacles and discrimination.
For example, the Mary Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of those who are socially isolated or excluded by matters outside their control.
“Princess Mary is passionate about belonging, another Tasmanian value. We always hope our young people take their Tasmanian-ness with them whatever they do in life, whether they build their lives in this special place or they go off and win a Nobel Prize or become the Queen of Denmark,” Acting Premier Ferguson said.
“Princess Mary is a natural ambassador for Tasmania: our natural places, our clean air, our perfect climate, and all we do and make, from wave-piercing catamarans to wine and whisky.
“Tasmania will also send the future King and Queen of Demark a hand-made Huon Pine occasional table from renown Tasmanian furniture maker Rex Heathcote.
“We are sure Denmark and the rest of the world will embrace Crown Princess Mary as Queen. And we will join them, celebrating the coronation in our own Tasmanian way – with a glass of local sparkling and a Danish pastry.”
Tasmanians can send a personal message to the Royal Couple via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s ‘Online Book of Congratulations’.