Queen Margrethe Corrects Queen Mary Over Dog Petting

Queen Margrethe, King Frederik, Queen Mary, and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece gathered at Fredensborg Castle for a concert celebrating Queen Margrethe's 86th birthday on April 16. The event saw a lighthearted moment when Queen Margrethe's dachshund, Tilia, approached the royals. While Queen Mary began to pet the dog, Queen Margrethe intervened, stating, "I don't think this is the right time for that." Tilia then followed the family back inside the castle.

This incident occurred just days after Queen Mary's father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, died at the age of 84 in Australia. The Danish Royal House had announced his passing on April 12, noting his declining health. Queen Mary's choice of attire for the birthday celebration—a navy blue blouse and suit—avoided the traditional black associated with mourning, potentially serving as a respectful nod to both her father's death and Queen Margrethe's birthday.