The Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers were delighted to host Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark during their State Visit to Australia.
This morning, the Tasmanian leg of their visit began at Government House with a Welcome to Country and cleansing ceremony on the Government House lawns.
Their Majesties joined the Governor and Professor Chalmers for the ceremony, which was led by Graeme Gardner.
Following the ceremony, they returned inside Government House where they met Vice-Regal border collies Oskar and Nala, before embarking on a day of engagements at locations across southern Tasmania, accompanied by a delegation of Danish business representatives.
Their Majesties previously stayed at Government House during their official visit as Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark in 2005, when they planted trees adjacent to the Government House drive.
In the evening, the Governor and Professor Chalmers were delighted to host a State Reception at Government House to mark the visit of Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.
In attendance were Tasmanian community, industry, arts and government representatives, as well as members of the Danish delegation.
Welcoming guests to the reception, Her Excellency said Tasmanians had been eagerly awaiting Their Majesties’ visit and highlighted the State’s strong relationship and close connections with Denmark.
Her Majesty The Queen then spoke and raised a toast to a peaceful, secure, prosperous and sustainable future for both Denmark and Australia.
Their Majesties had the opportunity to speak with guests in the Government House ballroom, as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra string quartet performed.
Guests enjoyed refreshments prepared by the Government House kitchen team, which showcased Tasmanian produce as well as the bounty of the Government House gardens.
Following the reception, Their Majesties signed the Guest Book in the Main Hall at Government House as their State Visit officially drew to a close.
Photography: Karen Brown and Richard Jupe