We speak to the Danish designer on what it’s like dressing the future Queen for such a momentous occasion
Royal events are always opportunities for great flourish, regalia and sparkle. Perhaps none more so than a coronation of a new monarch. And the congregation of 2,000 at today’s coronation certainly didn’t disappoint, with heads of state, pop stars and politicians all turning out in their best ware. Though the dress code was reportedly pared down, and many fascinators took the place of tiaras, the sea of celebrities and notables still pulled out all the style stops.
Our own Scandinavian royal families were amongst the fray of guests at Westminster Abbey eager to witness the historical ceremony and show support for the in-coming monarch. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was in that group, in attendance with her husband Crown Prince Frederik, and brought her usual style of elegance to the day’s proceedings.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
The 51-year-old royal opted for a regal deep purple bespoke ensemble by Danish fashion designer Soeren Le Schmidt, coupled with a matching veiled headpiece, Gianvito Rossi heels and dazzling diamond and turquoise brooch and earrings.
“The dress is designed with a foundation based on old school tailoring,” explains Le Schmidt. “A combination of details from a wrap dress meets a classic suit with a shawl collar. As with many of my other designs, I like to work with contrasts, which has also been the case here.”
“The dress is made in a beautiful little wool crepe georgette with a defined waist and lots of width in the skirt. And then we created a matching headpiece too.
“I originally designed the dress for another event which unfortunately did not happen due to COVID-19, so I am both happy and very honoured that HRH Crown Princess Mary is wearing my design for such a historic and grand event as the coronation today,” he says.
Photo: Getty Images
It's not the first time that the Australian-born Danish royal has turned to Le Schmidt for outfit inspiration, having previously worn a blush pink dress by the designer just a few months prior in February on an official visit to India with a Danish delegation. And once again in May 2022, when the Crown Princess visited the Home Guard parade in Copenhagen wearing an elegant periwinkle number.