The priceless gift King Frederik gave wife Mary on HIS 56th birthday - after rumoured marriage troubles Frederik's surprise for Mary on his birthday READ MORE: Here's why Queen Mary's feeling 'overwhelmed' By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia Published: 04:05 BST, 27 May 2024 | Updated: 04:06 BST, 27 May 2024 e-mail View comments King Frederik has honoured his wife Queen Mary with a rare and priceless gift on the morning of his 56th birthday - amid rumours their relationship is in trouble. The King honoured his Australian-born Queen with the Grand Commander's Cross of the Order of the Dane. The honour has been given sparingly throughout history - with just seven title holders alive today including Queen Margrethe and Prince Joachim .
The Order of the Dannebrog honours the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for working for Danish interests. Once known as the 'White Knights', the order was initially limited to royal and noble men - before Christian the 8th broke the tradition in 1840 by awarding it to his aunt Queen Marie Sophie Frederikke. King Frederik has honoured his wife Queen Mary with a rare and priceless gift on the morning of his 56th birthday - amid rumours their relationship is in trouble The King's mother, Queen Margrethe and his children Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine appeared alongside.