Queen Mary of Denmark surprised attendees at Realdania’s conference “Our Quality of Life” in Copenhagen on Thursday with an unexpected speech about parenthood.
The Danish royal, elegant in a sixties-inspired Prada dress, shared candid reflections on being a mother of four.
She told the audience: “Studies show – to my great surprise – that new parents’ happiness in life drops quite significantly and only levels out when the children move away from home,” she told the audience.
She added: “Having children is a good example of how meaning in life does not always coincide with the greatest possible joy in life.”
Queen Mary of Denmark surprised attendees at Realdania’s conference “Our Quality of Life” in Copenhagen on Thursday with an unexpected speech about parenthood
Getty
The conference coincided with International Day of Happiness and featured a comprehensive study polling 122,000 Danes about factors affecting their wellbeing.
Queen Mary shares four teenage children with King Frederik – Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
The royal’s appearance at the conference marked a return to public duties after a period of illness forced her to cancel several engagements.
Queen Mary resumed her royal schedule on Monday with a visit to Pilehaveskolen in Vallensbaek.
The Danish royal shared candid reflections on being a mother of four
Getty
She was there to observe the School Force initiative through her Mary Foundation, which aims to improve student wellbeing.
The Danish monarch was warmly welcomed by pupils waving the national flag.
This school visit represented her first public engagement since March 5.
The Queen had previously missed the Heart Association’s annual awards ceremony on March 12.
Details about the nature of Queen Mary’s illness remain limited
Getty
She also cancelled a Mary Foundation event at the University of Copenhagen scheduled for March 14.
Her return to duties suggests recovery from the illness that briefly interrupted her royal calendar.
Details about the nature of Queen Mary’s illness remain limited, with the Danish Royal House offering minimal information.
A spokesperson simply stated: “Her Majesty the Queen, like many others right now, has become ill, and therefore unfortunately cannot participate in the Heart Association’s award ceremony.”
