Crown Princess Maryof Denmark will have plenty of decisions to make after becoming queen on Jan. 14 — including hiring her glam squad.
On Tuesday, Princess Mary’s longtime hairstylist announced that he is stepping down after 23 years. Søren Hedegaard shared the news onInstagramwith a black-and-white snap of him fixing Mary’s hair onKing CharlesandQueen Camilla’s coronation day in May 2023 and revealed that he is moving on to a new role at a Danish haircare company.
“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,” Hedegaard began. “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 colorful and changeable and will hopefully continue to be so in the years to come,” he continued. “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.”
Speaking with Danish magazineBilled Bladet,Hedegaard said, “I think it is both wise and sensible that the queen allows the next generation to come along.”
Crown Princess Mary’s relationship with Hedegaard seems to predate her official position in the Danish royal family. Mary, 51, is originally from Australia andfamously metCrown Prince Frederik at a bar during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. The prince introduced himself simply as “Fred,” and advertising executive Mary later said she was unaware he was the heir to the 1,000-year-old Danish throne. The pair dated long-distance for a year in a relationship that flew under the media radar, and Mary moved to Copenhagen in 2002, when she likely connected with Hedegaard.
Mary and Frederik got engaged in October 2003 and wed in May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral, and they went on to welcome four children:Prince Christian, 18,Princess Isabella, 16, and 12-year-old twinsPrince VincentandPrincess Josephine.
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark on Jan. 1, 2023.Ole Jensen/Getty Images
Ole Jensen/Getty Images
Hedegaard has likely been behind some of Crown Princess Mary’s most iconic looks, from her glamorous updos paired with tiaras to her enviable everyday blowouts.
As the Crown Prince couple and full-time working royals, Frederik and Mary supportedQueen Margretheand the Danish crown through royal engagements and many patronages. And now, they’re gearing up to their places as king and queen.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
On Sunday, Queen Margrethe used her traditionalNew Year Addressto make the shock announcement that she would abdicate on Jan. 14, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the Danish throne, and that her son and successor Crown Prince Frederik would become king. Queen Margrethe, 83, cited the extensive back surgery she had last February as what got her thinking about the reign change, explaining, “I have decided that now is the right time.”
Queen Margrethe’s New Year’s Address on Dec. 31, 2023.Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty
Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty
The sudden news has sparkedgreat debateamong royal watchers regarding Queen Margrethe’s motivation for abdication. Royal commentator Phil Dampier speculated toThe Telegraphthat the decision was driven tobolster Frederik and Mary’s bondafter rumors swirled in the fall that the prince was having an affair. In November, Crown Prince Frederik was photographed with socialite Geneveva Casanova during a private trip to Madrid. Casanova hasdenied allegationsof a romantic relationship, and the couple has continued to display a united front in the months since.
On Wednesday, Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Marystepped outat Christianborg Palace in Copenhagen to greet the diplomatic corps during a New Year reception. The event marked the trio’s first appearance since the court confirmed the new titles amid the reign change andthe second official outingsince Queen Margrethe announced her abdication.
Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark on Jan. 3, 2024.IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Queen Margrethe sat for most of the New Year reception, while her son and daughter-in-law stood at her side.
“This will be the last time that I am your host,” the Queen said at the event. “I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world.”
source: people.com
