Queen Mary dazzles in new portraits as she debuts crown jewels - but not everyone approves

Queen Mary wore the crown jewels for the firs time (Image: Steen Evald/Kongehuset)

Queen Mary of Denmark looked every inch the royal she is as she debuted the country's crown jewels in the first official portraits alongside her husband, King Frederik X.

The stunning pictures - taken by photographer Steen Evald - were released by the Danish royal palace to mark Frederik's accession to the throne.

The palace said: "The portrait shows Their Majesties in gala with the Order of the Elephant on chains, and the portrait can henceforth be seen hung in, among other places, state institutions, including at Danish embassies and consulates around the world and on Danish vessels."

Mary can be seen wearing a deep green velvet and lace gown with lace sleeves and a high neck which was designed by Copenhagen designer Birgit Hallstein.

On her chest, the Danish Queen is wearing a brilliant diamond miniature portrait of The King in a bow of Order of Dannebrog ribbon.

Queen Mary poses alongside her husband, King Frederik X (Image: Steen Evald/Kongehuset)

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But it is Mary's dazzling heirloom emerald set which has stolen the show, in another royal first.

She is wearing the Danish Emerald Parure Tiara, which comes with a necklace, earrings and a large brooch that can be divided into three parts.

The emerald set is one of the four jewellery sets which are only reserved for the Queen of Denmark and are ordinarily on display in The Treasury at Rosenborg Castle.

The set was designed by jeweller C.M. Weisshaupt and was a gift from Christian VIII to Queen Caroline Amalie on 22 May 1840.

The set’s emeralds and diamonds are partly reused items from the jewellery collection of Christian VI’s Queen Sophie Magdalene, partly reused items from older bracelets, combined with newly purchased stones.

The style consists of neoclassical forms – flower vines, bows and curled frames or cartouches, inspired by the French crown jewels of the time.

Queen Mary wears a deep green velvet and lace gown by Birgit Hallstein (Image: Steen Evald/Kongehuset)

When the crown jewels are not in use, they are on display in The Treasury in the secured basement under Rosenborg Castle.

It is customary that the crown jewels remain in Denmark, which means that they are not taken along on visits abroad.

Mary's make-up is kept simple and natural, with her hair tied in an updo.

Royal fans were divided on the Danish Queen's look for her official portraits and took to social media to share their thoughts.

One user wrote on Instagram: "I love this take on the state emeralds where they are worn over fabric and not on bare skin. It makes a change from the style of Queen Margrethe. The royal couple look happy as well."

A second fan said: "Oh also love seeing the new family order already being worn by Queen Mary. That diamond frame is stunning and so much history! Love they got rhe new order done so quickly after the change of throne and it will he seen also now during the upcoming state visits.(sic)"

A third one added: "They both look wonderful, lovely dress on Mary."

But there were several others who disagreed on the choice of lace for the photoshoot as it didn't let the necklace "shine through".

One user claimed: "The necklace totally disappears into the lace...not great..."

Another agreed: "Shame that the emerald necklace is disguised by the lace. Otherwise its beautiful!"

A third one commented: "Loving the emeralds on Mary but lacy high neck of the dress really doesn’t show off that gorgeous necklace. A lower neckline would have been so much better."

Lastly, a fourth one said: "So beautiful. Just wish the necklace was given a proper chance to shine."