Princess Mary has lost a trusted staff member, just 11 days before becoming the Queen of Denmark.
Søren Hedegaard, Mary's hairdresser for the past 23 years, has said he is stepping down, just three days after Queen Margrethe of Denmark announced her abdication.
Taking to Instagram, the hairdresser posted a picture of himself with the Crown Princess on the day of King Charles III's Coronation.
Hedegaard captioned the post: “Dear friends [sic] With the end of 2023 and with a change of throne in view, I have also chosen a change in my life.
Princess Mary loses trusted member of staff just as she becomes Queen of DenmarkGetty
“On 14/1 2024 and after 23 years as HRH Crown Princess Mary’s Hairdresser, I am passing the baton on to the next generation.
“It has been 23 amazing and unforgettable years with memories and friendships that I will always carry in my heart.
"My life has always been colourful and changeable and will hopefully continue to be so in the years to come.
“My craft is my heart’s blood. Therefore, my job as Creative Director at STUHR is also the place where I will put all my energy and love for my profession in the future.”
Søren Hedegaard posted this photo with Crown Princess Mary
Instagram / soerenhedegaard
Crown Princess Mary married Crown Prince Frederik in 2004, meaning the couple will inherit the throne of Denmark on January 14.
On New Year's Eve, Queen Margrethe announced her surprise intention to abdicate.
The Queen, 83, cited extensive back surgery as the main reason for stepping down.
She said: “I have decided that now is the right time.”
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik at the CoronationPALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her abdication in her New Year's speech
Reuters
On Tuesday, the Danish Royal House confirmed the new titles that the Danish Royal Family will use upon Frederik’s accession.
The new sovereign will be known as King Frederik X and his wife will be Queen Mary.
Queen Margrethe’s styling and status as Her Majesty will not change, while Prince Christian will take over his father’s current title as the Crown Prince.