Just wanted to make some comments about Mary and Frederik in Norway for King Harald's 70th birthday....away from the Norwegian boards, just to focus on a few things people have said there (on the Norway Royal boards)...
Firstly to superficial matters:
I liked Frederik's red pants!!! He has a totally goofy style that makes him very endearing and obviously Mary loves that about him too...and she probably never thinks to comment on his clothing choices because that is part of who he is...and to criticise his pants is equal to criticising him as a person...and it was like a blizzard in Norway, maybe he wanted to be very *visible* save getting lost in the snow
People have commented on Mary's demenour at the concert (black chiffon dress) and gala dinner (burgundy velvet dress) that she wasn't her usual self, lost some of her spark, looks out of her league, uncomfortable at those big events...but we don't know the full story, we just project our own ideas, assume things from one expression and speculate regarding certain behaviours...which is exactly what I am about to do...Mary's lack of *spark* could be due to the fact that:
1. She is pregnant...women become reflective as the birth (due date) approaches...and this being her second child, she knows (roughly) what she is in for and maybe she is preoccupied, scared even?
2. She left Christian in Denmark...was this her choice? was it made for her? was Christian upset about them leaving? unconsolable? Christian is only 1 year old...he was probably very clingy and crying when they left and Mary has been upset/worried/preoccupied ever since?
3. She wore "recycled" dresses to both events...did she want something new to wear, but was told to cut back on clothes spending, re. earlier spending budgets? She looked more uncomfortable in the black dress...so is it not one of her favourites? So she was having a good old fashioned tantrum or sulk. if you will...
4. She looked uncomfortable around the other royal women/Crown Princesses, like Mathilde, Maxima, Mette-Marit, etc...maybe she wasn't particularly chatty due to the reasons stated above...Maybe she does feel a little odd in their company...the suburban girl from Tasmania, hobnobbing with the royal and famous? She hasn't been around that long, she is probably still finding her feet...learning the language, customs and traditions, protocols, personalities, etc
5. Lastly, she was working the "night shift" both nights...both events were held at night...which means have a nap during the day, being seven months pregnant, have light meal in the afternoon and then get primmed and propped ready to go out for a night of music and dancing...I personally would be physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted be the end of it...No wonder she looks tired and sparkless...Who wouldn't be?
How did I go? Are any of these plausible explanations for Mary's lack of spark?