Queen Mary of Denmark is saying “bonjour” to a busy state visit in France, but she didn’t bring a tiara for the trip.

On March 31, Queen Mary and her husband, King Frederik, arrived in Paris for a three-day state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The couple was welcomed to the country by the president and his wife, Birgitte Macron, in an official ceremony at Les Invalides, and the first day of their stay was capped with a state dinner.

While the Danish Queen, 53, sported a classic black headband with a cream skirt suit for the welcome ceremony and changed into something more formal for the diplomatic dinner, her second outfit didn’t include a tiara — likely to respect protocol.

First lady of France Brigitte Macron, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Queen Mary of Denmark and King Frederik of Denmark in Paris, France on March 31, 2025.

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Though Mary became Queen upon his husband Frederik’s accession in January 2024, she is technically a consort, not a reigning sovereign. According to The Court Jeweller, no queen consort has worn a tiara during an official visit to France since 2000, as white-tie dress codes for incoming state visits were phased out around then. 

France is also a semi-presidential republic without a symbolic monarchy, meaning that Birgitte’s first lady role doesn’t come with a tiara or crown jewels.

Queen Camilla similarly skipped a tiara for the lavish state banquet held at the Palace of Versailles during her state visit to France with King Charles in September 2023. Instead, she brought the sparkle by wearing jewels from the King George VI Sapphire Suite, a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Mary and the First Lady of France dressed alike for the state dinner at Élysée Palace on March 31, where they both pulled their hair back in low chignons and wore outfits with long sleeves. Cameras caught a moment where the women warmly greeted one another and held hands.

Brigitte Macron and Queen Mary greet one another before the state dinner in Paris, France on March 31, 2025.

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A more relaxed attitude was evident in the menswear as well, as both King Frederik, 56, and President Macron, 47, sported dark suits — rather than tailcoats or tuxedos — reflecting a more modern dress code for the state dinner.

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Brigitte Macron, Emmanuel Macron, King Frederik and Queen Mary before the state dinner at Elysee Palace in Paris, France on March 31, 2025.

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The Danish Royal House said that the King and Queen went abroad to strengthen the historical and bilateral relations between the nations, noting that Denmark and France have long been allies. The royal couple has a familial connection to France too, as Princess Marie, the wife of Frederik’s younger brother, Prince Joachim, is from Paris.

According to the court, the King of Denmark shared warm words for his hosts at the state dinner when he gave a speech. 

“Long live the French Republic, long live the Kingdom of Denmark, long live the friendship between Denmark and France,” King Frederik said in the address.

The Danish royal couple’s visit continued with a full schedule on April 1, where Queen Mary and Birgitte (a former teacher) stepped out together to visit a school served by an anti-bullying program from the Queen’s namesake The Mary Foundation.

Queen Mary and Brigitte Macron visit the Dussoubs kindergarten school in Paris on April 1, 2025.

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She launched the organization in 2008 to end social isolation, and it has since expanded to tackling bullying, domestic violence and loneliness.