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The Danish royal family has come together for a deeply meaningful milestone.
Queen Mary and King Frederik’s twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, were confirmed at Fredensborg Palace Church on April 18.
The joyful occasion arrived during a bittersweet time for the Australian-born Queen, coming just one week after she announced the death of her father.
A major milestone for the Danish royal twins
Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine received the sacrament in a ceremony led by Royal Confessor Bishop Henrik Wigh-Poulsen.
The ceremony involved the 15-year-old twins “confirming” the vows made at their baptism.
However, in Denmark, it is far more than a religious ritual, and also marks a cultural coming‑of‑age moment.
Their confirmation is seen as a symbolic transition from childhood to young adulthood.
Queen Mary and King Frederik watched proudly from the front pews, joined by their eldest children, Crown Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, who were beaming as their younger siblings reached this important moment.
Princess Josephine looked elegant in a long‑sleeved ivory gown by Australian favourite Zimmermann, a label long embraced by Queen Mary.
Prince Vincent opted for a classic navy suit, looking every bit the poised young royal.
Queen Mary wore a tailored navy suit by British designer Claire Mischevani, paired with a matching headpiece. The modern pantsuit reflected both the solemnity and celebration of the day.
Extended members of the royal family, including Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, were in attendance. Spain’s King Felipe was also among the distinguished guests.
Several of Mary’s Australian relatives also made the journey, including Jane Stephens, Patricia Bailey and John Stuart Donaldson.
A look back at the twins’ journey
Ahead of the ceremony, the palace released a touching carousel of images featuring moments from Vincent and Josephine’s childhood.
“On the occasion of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine’s confirmation on Saturday, PAril 18, we bring you a digital photo album,” the palace captioned the images.
Queen Mary gave birth to her twins on January 8, 2011.
Prince Vincent arrived first, making him the current third in line to the Danish throne, while Princess Josephine is fourth in the line of succession.
“It’s a happy occasion to announce that Crown Princess Mary has given birth to perfectly healthy babies,” Frederik told reporters shortly afterwards.
“A boy and then a girl right after. She [Mary] handled it beautifully. Both mother and children are doing well and we are very happy.”
Josephine and Vincent made their first visit to Australia in 2011, where locals and their Donaldson relatives were smitten with the royal couple’s newest additions. They have frequently made private trips since.
Princess Josephine attends Spir Efterskole, a boarding school in Jutland about three hours away from Copenhagen.
It is known for its strong arts program, including dance and theatre. Josephine made her TV acting debut in December 2024 appearing on a Channel DR in a Christmas series called Time Travel.
“It’s been a really cool experience,” Princess Josephine told the media in an interview after the confirmation of moving away for school. “I’ve learned a lot of new things and met new people. And I think I’ve developed a lot.”
Prince Vincent is enrolled at Tranegårdsskolen, where both the twins previously attended.
Josephine is expected to move back to Copenhagen in the coming months as the twins will attend Ingrid Jespersen’s Gymnasieskole when they start ninth grade mid-year.
“I’m really looking forward to having her back in the house so it doesn’t feel so empty,” Vincent said during the interview.
Given Denmark’s recent moves to slim down the monarchy, it is not known whether they will take on official royal roles as adults.
Queen Mary’s brave face
While Mary appeared composed and proud throughout the ceremony, the Queen is expected to return to Australia shortly for the private funeral of her father.
Professor John Donaldson passed away in Hobart on April 11 at age 84.
There is also a possibility that a memorial may be held in his native Scotland, where Mary’s mother, Henrietta Donaldson, is buried.
This seems likely as her siblings were in Denmark for the twins’ confirmation ceremony.
Following her father’s passing, the Queen released a heartfelt message:
“My heartfelt thanks to the overwhelming number of messages, flowers and the warm thoughts regarding my father’s death. The enormous amount of empathy has touched us deeply and means more than words can say.”
Mary was able to spend precious time with her father during her State Visit to Australia in March — a trip that now carries even deeper significance.
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