King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have arrived at Government House in Hobart, bringing the most personal leg of their Australian tour to the Queen’s home state.
The royal couple attended a Welcome to Country ceremony hosted by Governor Barbara Baker and Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Thursday morning.
It is the Danish monarchs’ first official visit to Mary’s home state in more than two decades.
The Hobart-born Queen grew up in Taroona and graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1994.
They are also due to visit shipbuilder Incat, where battery-electric ferries are being built for Denmark in what has been described as Tasmania’s largest-ever manufactured export deal.
King Frederik flagged the stop during a state banquet speech in Canberra earlier this week.
“In Tasmania, we will see Australian-built battery-electric ferries that will soon create a green link between Danish regions,” he said.
A royal procession along Hobart’s Hunter Street is planned for Thursday afternoon, giving Tasmanians a chance to see the royals.
Their Majesties are scheduled to arrive at 4:40pm, with crowds expected to gather ahead of a 4:30pm start.
Premier Rockliff described the visit as “rare and exciting”.
“This is a significant national event and it’s fitting for Tasmanians to be able to welcome Queen Mary home in person,” he said.
The Tasmania visit will wrap up a six-day state tour that has taken the couple from Uluru to Canberra and Melbourne – their first trip to Australia since ascending the throne in January 2024.
Tasmania Police say the tour will result in “rolling road closures” between Government House, the Hobart waterfront and along the Brooker Highway and Lyell Highway to New Norfolk throughout the day.
