Did Queen Mary of Denmark Skip a Tiara at Glam Banquet in France Due to Protocol… See more

Did Queen Mary of Denmark Skip a Tiara at Glam Banquet in France Due to Protocol?
Like Queen Camilla in 2023, Queen Mary went without royal headwear during a state visit with the French president and first lady.

Queen Mary of Denmark arrive for a state diner at the Elysee Palace on March 31, 2025 in Paris, France. French President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron are hosting King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, during the first state visit by a Danish sovereign since 1978.

Queen Mary of Denmark at a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris France on March 31, 2025. Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty
Queen Mary of Denmark is saying “bonjour” to a busy state visit in France, but she didn’t bring a tiara for the trip.

On March 31, Queen Mary and her husband, King Frederik, arrived in Paris for a three-day state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The couple was welcomed to the country by the president and his wife, Birgitte Macron, in an official ceremony at Les Invalides, and the first day of their stay was capped with a state dinner.

While the Danish Queen, 53, sported a classic black headband with a cream skirt suit for the welcome ceremony and changed into something more formal for the diplomatic dinner, her second outfit didn’t include a tiara — likely to respect protocol.

First Lady of France Brigitte Macron and President of France Emmanuel Macron welcome Queen Mary of Denmark and King Frederik X of Denmark on day one of their State visit to France at Elysee Palace on March 31, 2025 in Paris, France.
First lady of France Brigitte Macron, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Queen Mary of Denmark and King Frederik of Denmark in Paris, France on March 31, 2025.

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Though Mary became Queen upon his husband Frederik’s accession in January 2024, she is technically a consort, not a reigning sovereign. According to The Court Jeweller, no queen consort has worn a tiara during an official visit to France since 2000, as white-tie dress codes for incoming state visits were phased out around then.

France is also a semi-presidential republic without a symbolic monarchy, meaning that Birgitte’s first lady role doesn’t come with a tiara or crown jewels.

Queen Camilla similarly skipped a tiara for the lavish state banquet held at the Palace of Versailles during her state visit to France with King Charles in September 2023. Instead, she brought the sparkle by wearing jewels from the King George VI Sapphire Suite, a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Mary and the First Lady of France dressed alike for the state dinner at Élysée Palace on March 31, where they both pulled their hair back in low chignons and wore outfits with long sleeves. Cameras caught a moment where the women warmly greeted one another and held hands.

A more relaxed attitude was evident in the menswear as well, as both King Frederik, 56, and President Macron, 47, sported dark suits — rather than tailcoats or tuxedos — reflecting a more modern dress code for the state dinner.

According to the court, the King of Denmark shared warm words for his hosts at the state dinner when he gave a speech.

“Long live the French Republic, long live the Kingdom of Denmark, long live the friendship between Denmark and France,” King Frederik said in the address.

The Danish royal couple’s visit continued with a full schedule on April 1, where Queen Mary and Birgitte (a former teacher) stepped out together to visit a school served by an anti-bullying program from the Queen’s namesake The Mary Foundation.