'Legacy is still up for debate': Queen Mary speaks on misunderstood royal in new documentary film 'Danner of Denmark'
Queen Mary of Denmark is set to star in a new film spotlighting a controversial royal figure who, much like herself, rose from humble beginnings to leave a lasting legacy.
The Tasmanian-born royal appears in Danner of Denmark, a film set to premiere at Frederiksborg Castle on May 1.
The documentary delves into the story of Countess Danner, born Louise Christine Rasmussen, and the evolving interpretations of her role in Danish society.
On Monday, the Danish Royal House released a series of images showing the 53-year-old monarch examining historical artefacts connected to the Countess, including her birth certificate and jewellery.
"The film tells the story of one of history's most significant female figures, and the objects help to illustrate how Countess Danner's history as a role model and norm breaker is closely intertwined with Denmark's history," the palace said.
"The Queen also talks about the Countess' religious beliefs and about the defamatory writings that document Countess Danner's role as a complex historical figure who divided the waters in her time, and whose legacy is still up for debate to this day."
Countess Danner, who married King Frederik VII in 1850, was born into poverty and raised by a single mother.
She trained as a dancer at the Copenhagen Opera's ballet school and later opened a fashion shop after leaving the stage.
Her relationship with then-Prince Frederik began in the 1840s, though it sparked fierce opposition due to her working-class background and illegitimate child.
In 1850, she was made Frederik's morganatic wife, a union that granted her the title Countess Danner but excluded any children from the line of succession.
Despite being shunned by the upper echelons of Danish society, Countess Danner lived happily with the King at Jægerspris Castle and continued her philanthropic work after his death in 1863.
In 1873, she founded Frederick the VII's Foundation for Poor Women from the Working Class.
She died the following year, leaving the castle in her will to support disadvantaged women.
Queen Mary has long expressed admiration for Danner's story.
In November, she gave a speech at the unveiling of a four-metre bronze statue of the Countess, made by artist Kirsten Justesen, in Copenhagen.
"The story of Countess Danner is also the history of Denmark," the mother-of-four said during the ceremony.
"A monument is a memorial, and in Countess Danner's case, it will stand as a symbol of her importance for women's liberation, social awareness and social mobility.
"She never forgot her origins."
Parallels have often been drawn between Queen Mary and Countess Danner- both women began their lives as commoners and went on to marry future Kings of Denmark.
They also share a passion for charity work.
Mary is a patron of the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), supporting maternal health initiatives in developing nations, and serves on the International Committee of Women Leaders for Mental Health.
She also founded The Mary Foundation to combat social isolation and improve the lives of vulnerable people.
Danner of Denmark will be on display as part of a special exhibition at Frederiksborg Castle until November 16.
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