IT took a few seconds to register this familiar face, as she flicked her hair from her eyes and squinted in the morning sun.
Then the guard came down.
Princess Mary's carefully crafted Royal demeanour suddenly gave way to spontaneity as she reached over the metal gates and firmly, warmly, embraced a now recognisable friend like an animated schoolgirl.
PRINCESS MARY'S HORROR AT NSW FIRES
HRH Crown Prince Frederik and HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark are officially welcomed at the Sydney Opera House. Source: News Limited
Princess Mary isn't just, among her many serious and colloquial royal job descriptions, a professional bouquet receiver. She likes to return the favour from time to time.
And yesterday, in the Princess and her raggedy bearded Crown Prince Frederick's first Sydney outing on the steps of the Opera House _ to which they are the official patrons for this weekend's 40th birthday celebrations _ one of her floral-gift recipients had a chance to say a heartfelt and tearful thanks.
It was her neighbour.
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark greet members of the public the Opera House forecourt / Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Melanie Cleary grew up in the house next door to Mary's family home in Hobart where they forged a close relationship through the fence palings, over childhood make-believe tea, and the clash of hockey sticks.
Ms Cleary's mother died four months ago and she was touched to receive a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from Mary and Fred.
"I thanked her for the bunch of flowers she and Frederick sent when my mother died. She said 'you are welcome, and we are thinking of you','' Ms Cleary said.
``She's a normal Australian woman with normal family values and she has always been like that. I played hockey against her, I've grown up with her entire family. What has happen to her is remarkable, but she has retained a wonderful normality about her.
``She's a beautiful person.''
Danish Royals Prince Fredrick and Princess Mary at the Sydney Opera House. Pic Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited
HRH Crown Prince Frederik and HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Source: News Limited
The Danish Royals did not commence their packed five-day Sydney schedule on time. They were early; gracing the forecourt of the equally spectacular Sydney Opera House for a meet and greet with the public, and a coterie of flag-waving school kids, Mary in a recycled multi-coloured Signe Bøgelund Jensen dress (which she wore on a State visit to Brazil last year) and red-soled Christian Louboutin heels, hubby dapper in a single-buttoned grey suit, gold spotted tie and a makeshift salt and pepper beard that regularly required the attention of his fingernails.
Princess Mary reacts to the crowd. Source: News Limited
One of the kids managed to sneak in a line of Danish in, which was well received by CP Fred. Granted, he was the Danish consular general's son - ``It was really lovely to see them, I'm happy to be a Dane,'' Redlands College lad Karl Hansen said.
Ten-year-old Georgia Jones, from Sans Souci in Sydney's south, handed a bouquet of flowers to
Frederik andMary greet the throng at the Opera House. Source: Getty Images
Princess Mary, who squated down get to eye level with the star-struck pupil.
First order of business was yet another selfless thought - an off-the-cuff speech to the heroes of the NSW bushfires, and those that lost homes.
"We've been monitoring the situation for the past eight days from Denmark," Princess Mary said.
"Our deepest sympathies go to those who have been affected. Out upmost respect goes to those who are working to control these fires that are really scary. It's always heartbreaking to see people who are losing possessions and homes.''
Fredrik and Mary at the Sydney Opera House / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited
The beloved couple then set about reminding those faithful monarchists and Danish folk just what they are so beloved, strolling along a line of well-wishes, crouching down to speak to school kids, and conveying their thanks to their admirers.
Prince Harry may have brought the charm, during his whirlwind visit early this month, but our own Mary and her Danish stud brought the grace and elegance to Sydney's seemingly month-long celebration of all things Royal.
Danish Royals Prince Frederik and Princess Mary at the Sydney Opera House / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited
Finally a royal visit devoid of the desperate and dateless that line the streets hoping for an unlikely hand in marriage and an accompanying fairy-tale life.
That ship has long sailed sisters. And brothers.
The pair hit the harbour for a lazy afternoon, with the Dane-piloted yacht whipped along by the winds.
"We had the sails up for a short time, a bit of wind in our hair. It was nice to be out on the water,'' Princess Mary told the NSW Governor Marie Bashir whilst walking through the Government House gardens.
Mads Hartvig-Jensen and his family had flown all the way from Denmark to see their royal couple.
Well, almost. They had always planned a month-long holiday to Australia with their four kids, but when Mary and Fred had confirmed their Sydney schedule, they just had to be there on the steps of the Opera House.
The Copenhagen father was glowing of Mary.
``Mary is doing a fantastic job. If it is a job. She is wonderful, the whole family has managed to stay connected with the people and not be so high flying. The Danish people really like Mary,'' he said.
What's not to like?
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