Boy or girl, Mary's child is to inherit the throne (6/Jun/2005) from the copenhagen post.
Mary to change Dane law to allow female heir Sunday, 12 June 2005
PRINCESS Mary looks set to strike a significant blow for female equality.
If the Danish princess's first child is a girl she will be the Queen of Denmark under proposed changes to Danish law announced this week.
Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen revealed he wants the rules of succession changed to allow a daughter of Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik to become queen, even if she has a younger brother.
Laws now would see an older female forced aside for a younger male heir.
In a speech to mark Denmark's constitution, Mr Rasmussen said gender equality should be assured in the royal line.
"I want there to be full equality between women and men, also regarding the succession to the Danish throne," he said.
"I'm convinced that the vast majority of the population as well as the Parliament agrees with me.
"In my opinion, we should change the laws of accession so that it is always the first-born child, regardless of gender, who reigns Denmark."
Princess Mary is almost four months pregnant, with the news announced by the couple at the end of April.
Speculation is rife as to the gender of the future monarch. The princess is due to give birth in October.
Any child of Princess Mary who ascends the throne will be the first European monarch with Australian blood.
By KATE ROSE 12jun05
Herald Sun AU