Tasmanian-born Queen Mary of Denmark has surprised Australia’s Olympic swimmers with a heartwarming gesture of support at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Queen Mary was seen hugging fellow Tasmanian Ariarne Titmus, alongside other Australian swimmers Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister and Brianna Throssel, after they scored a gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay race.
Channel Nine hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo were thrilled by the Queen’s “royal hug” and the fact that she even took selfies with the winners.
“And at the end of the day, it’s two Tasmanians. Look at her taking photos on her phone, I love this, this is such a special moment,” Abo said as Mary hugged Titmus.
“A gold medal in Paris and a royal hug. Does it get any better!” Stefanovic added.
Stefanovic said it’s “not every day you get a Queen getting a selfie with you”.
During a live TV interview on Wednesday, Stefanovic suggested Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood investigate the installation of an Ariarne Titmus statue in the Tasmanian swimmer’s home city.
Speaking inside the Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre from the pool named after Titmus, Garwood didn’t dismiss the idea of the statue.
