It's official: all the rumors about Frederik and Mary of Denmark are confirmed

The desired liturgical debut of Pope Leo XIV has brought with it an unexpected absence that has not gone unnoticed. All the rumors have been confirmed with the absence of Frederik and Mary of Denmark at the Pontiff's first mass held this Sunday in the Vatican. Despite speculations pointing to a possible last-minute change of plans, the Danish royal couple has chosen to keep their schedule and not travel to Rome.

While other monarchs did attend the historic event, the Danish royals preferred to prioritize a personal commitment: the funeral of Countess Marianne Bernadotte. Why did they decide not to modify their schedule to be present at a ceremony of such institutional and religious magnitude?

All rumors about the absence of Frederik and Mary of Denmark in the Vatican are confirmed

Pope Leo XIV's first mass was intended to bring together the main figures of the international scene. So it has been, except for a notable absence: King Frederik of Denmark and Queen Mary have decided not to be part of the event. This has fueled all the rumors that had been circulating in the Scandinavian press for days.

While other monarchies, such as the Spanish, Swedish, or Belgian, made an effort to restructure their schedules, Frederik and Mary decided to remain firm. Their presence was especially desired due to the symbolism of the moment: it was Leo XIV's first major act after his proclamation.

No statement has been issued from the Danish Royal House explaining the specific reasons for the absence. The Danish media Billed Bladet was the first to confirm that neither Frederik nor Mary would travel to Rome, although it did not offer a detailed justification either. What has emerged is that the royals sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his enthronement.

This symbolic gesture has not managed to silence the criticism. In some diplomatic circles, the absence could be interpreted as a lack of support for the Vatican's new stage. It was even speculated that Mary, at least, might represent the Danish Crown alone, as she did at Pope Francis's funeral, but this ultimately did not happen.

It is worth remembering that when the Argentine Pope passed away, it was Mary who traveled alone to Rome to represent Denmark. Back then, Frederik could not attend because he was on a state trip. The current situation is different: Leo XIV's mass was scheduled with enough time, making it more difficult to justify the absence.

Frederik and Mary of Denmark chose to attend the funeral of Countess Marianne Bernadotte

The official explanation for this unusual absence is found in the Danish royal schedule. Frederik X and Mary of Denmark decided to prioritize their attendance at the funeral of Countess Marianne Bernadotte, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This choice reveals much about the family relationships and diplomatic priorities of the Danish monarchy.

Countess Marianne was not just any figure in the network of Nordic royal families. She was the last surviving aunt of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece. Her relevance in the genealogical tree of Scandinavian royalty partially explains the Danish monarchs' decision to prioritize this family funeral over an international event of great significance.

In short, the absence of Frederik and Mary of Denmark at Pope Leo XIV's first mass confirms all the rumors and leaves a clear sign of institutional distancing. Although their decision is framed in a very close family context, it has not gone unnoticed by the international community.