Queen Mary of Denmark has again been spotted without her wedding ring as she enjoyed a swim with friends at Sydney’s Balmoral Beach on Thursday.
It is understood the Australian-born Danish monarch, 52, flew home to Hobart on the weekend to attend her niece’s wedding before travelling to Sydney, where she has been soaking up the sun at some of the city’s most picturesque beaches.
The mother-of-four was seen at Bronte Beach alongside her 13-year-old daughter Josephine on Wednesday, with keen-eyed royal fans pointing out she was also without her ring on that occasion.
Mary’s return to Australia comes 12 months after rumours exploded about her husband King Frederik, 56, having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, which have been strenuously denied.
Frederik has not joined his wife on her trip to Australia, choosing to stay in Denmark on official business.
However, his decision to stay home has raised the eyebrows of Danish royal fans who have closely watched the couple since the ‘affair’ scandal rocked their relationship.
Cracks began to appear in the pair’s fairytale romance after the then-Crown Prince was photographed on a night out with Ms Casanova in Madrid last October.
The once ‘playful, tactile’ royal couple appeared icy and detached in their first public appearance following the photos being published by Spanish magazine Lecturas.
Queen Mary of Denmark flaunted her svelte physique at Sydney ‘s Balmoral Beach on Thursday during an unannounced return to her home country
She showcased her natural beauty by going makeup free
Mary laughed as she splashed and flashed a thumbs-up to her friends
The royal looked at ease as she enjoyed a dip in the crisp sea
Mary was seen without her wedding ring for the second time this week
The popular royal stripped down and headed to the water after setting up on the sand
The skintight swimsuit perhaps revealed a little more than Mary bargained for
It is understood the Australian-born Danish monarch, 52, flew home to Hobart at the weekend to attend her niece’s wedding
Since then, fans have mourned the outwardly loving relationship the couple once shared, with many claiming the fire has gone out between them.
However, the scandal seemed the furthest thing from Mary’s mind as she strolled down Balmoral Beach with friends on Thursday before sunbathing.
The popular royal quickly stripped down to her flattering $247 rose-pink Copenhagen Cartel one-piece swimsuit before heading into the water with a friend.
She laughed as she splashed and flashed a thumbs-up to her friends on the sand from the cool, 20C water.
The Queen looked relaxed and happy as she floated in the ocean, before heading to dry off in the sun.
It came after her visit to Bronte Beach on Wednesday triggered speculation from royal watchers about her marriage.
‘There is no tan line or denting from wearing her rings, it looks like she doesn’t wear them unless she’s doing a royal duty,’ one fan noted online.
‘Why isn’t Fred with her?’ asked another.
‘Things haven’t been the same since he was seen with that other woman,’ added a third.
King Frederik has presented at the Power European Industry conference and attended an event at the University of Copenhagen back in Denmark during his wife’s trip to Australia.
Ms Casanova strongly denied any affair with Frederik immediately after pictures of the pair together emerged and has refused to speak on the matter since.
The royal looked just like any other beachgoer as she relaxed with her friends
Mary’s friend opted for a high-end beach ‘fit – the $1,100 Matchmaker Frilled Mini Dress by Australian designer, Zimmermann
She soaked up the sun as she enjoyed the company of her friends
Mary donned her flattering $247 rose-pink Copenhagen Cartel one-piece swimsuit before heading into the water
Balmoral is famous for its flat surf and is a go-to for groups who want to enjoy the water and chat without being bombarded by waves
The Queen looked relaxed and happy as she floated through the water
The Danish Palace told Femail it does not respond to rumours.
Weeks after the pictures of the now King and Ms Casanova were published, Mary was spotted on another holiday in Sydney without Frederik.
During that visit she climbed the harbour bridge with Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
Queen Mary’s visit comes 12 months after rumours exploded about her husband King Frederik, 56, having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova
The couple appeared to block each other out in their first public appearance after the Madrid photos were published
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk