Queen Mary cheekily reveals the uniquely 'Australian trait' she's noticed after returning home Down Under with husband King Frederik
- Queen Mary spoke at a garden reception in Melbourne on March 18
- Her speech observed the warm Aussie trait of claiming their stars
- She noted these people are referred to by the prefix 'Our'
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Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark have now completed an action-packed six-day official state tour of Australia, which included meaningful engagements, meetings with politicians and many iconic photo opportunities.
But there's one standout moment that many may have missed, demonstrating how Queen Mary remains keenly aware of Aussie culture - even though she resides thousands of kilometres away in Denmark.
And it all centres around the innately Australian habit of 'claiming' our homegrown heroes who shine brightly on the world stage.
Their Majesties hosted an Evening in the Garden reception in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, giving the royals a chance to thank Australia's Governor-General, government, partners, and to meet invited guests.
The event saw Mary herself deliver a speech to the crowd.
'It touches me deeply that my family and I are always welcomed with such warmth and interest, and that we continue to have a place in the hearts and minds of Australians,' Mary graciously said.
'Being remembered is nothing ever to be taken for granted... and it is an endearing Australian trait that when an Australian is considered to do well abroad, you take pride in the fact that they are one of your own.'
'And forever on, they will be known as "Our [insert name here]",' Mary added, prompting the crowd to break out in laughter.
Queen Mary spoke at the garden reception held on March 18, with her address observing how Aussies affectionately claim their stars by referring to them by the prefix 'Our'
Queen Mary and King Frederik's garden reception took place inthe midst of their six-day state visit
Mary's observation was, of course, spot on. It's a classic Aussie trait for famous Australians considered national treasures to be referred to with the affectionate prefix 'Our'.
This status can come from any field of achievement - the only requisite being that they are Australian, widely adored, and a shining representation of Aussie cultural identity.
Mary's clever comment subtly referenced how, ever since she met and married Frederik and became a member of the Danish royal family in the early 2000s, she too has been among a select group to receive the term - and is referred to as 'Our Mary'.
Other such big-name Aussie stars to receive this kind of treatment include Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue and Steve Irwin, all affectionately referred to as 'Our Nicole', 'Our Kylie' and 'Our Steve'.
Although Mary's remark about Aussie culture earned her a big laugh from the crowd, there was an even bigger one just moments later during her speech.
After thanking 'everyone who has been involved' with organising the Danish royal's 'very special' trip, Mary went on to share an anecdote about Frederik's most recent milestone birthday.
Mary said: 'So in my speech to Frederik for his 50th birthday, which was now some years ago…' This statement prompted an outburst of raucous laughter from the crowd at the garden reception.
Even Mary chuckled, before adding the cheeky aside about her 57-year-old husband: 'We're getting close to 60.'
Mary earned a big laugh during her speech when she inadvertently made a cheeky dig at her husband Frederik's age, noting that the 57-year-old king was 'getting close to 60'
The royals participated in a traditional smoking ceremony before the event commenced
The royal then returned to her train of thought, recounting the Danish phrase she said to her husband on his birthday, before offering the English translation.
'In English, [it means] our roots grow throughout our entire life.'
Using this as inspiration, Mary poetically concluded her address: 'I feel so incredibly privileged that my roots belong to both Denmark and Australia. Thank you.'
Mary's impeccable garden party speech was applauded by Aussie royal fans, who wholeheartedly and proudly agreed that the Danish Queen was still our own.
'Our Australian Queen,' read one reply to a video of Mary's speech.
'And yes, she is still our Mary!' added another.
'Love our Mary,' offered a third.
One comment remarked it was not only Mary who would always be embraced as one of our own - but also her husband, Frederik.
Their Majesties hosted an Evening in the Garden reception in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens
The event gave the royals a chance to thank Australia's Governor-General, government, partners as well as meet invited guests
'We also adopt your family as ours - Frederik is of course an honorary Aussie now,' read one reply.
Overall, Mary's speech was met with acclaim and admiration.
'Well said and beautifully spoken,' read one reply.
'So lovely, genuine and warm. Humour too. Queen Mary is the whole package,' another added.
'A woman with such confidence while also so warm of nature. She's a brilliant Ambassador for both countries,' chimed in one reply.
Another agreed: 'She is exactly what modern royalty should be.'
