Royal Copenhagen, DENMARK
Airing Date: May 10th, 2004
Once upon a time, an Aussie girl known as Mary met her prince in a city bar in Sydney and the rest, as they say, is history. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark is set to marry Mary Donaldson on 14 May, 2004, which will undoubtedly be the wedding of the year.
Mary was born in Tasmania and was not really sure what path she was destined for in life. She had lived in London, Melbourne and Sydney, working at various jobs along the way, but all this changed after she met Prince Frederik.
The preparations for the big day are incredible, and it all starts with the seating arrangements in the Cathedral of Copenhagen. The Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Copenhagen and is particularly famous for its statues of Christ and the Apostles.
The ceremony is anticipated to last an hour, after which the new Princess Mary and Prince Frederik will head through the middle of Copenhagen in a horse-drawn carriage.
The big question is, what will Mary wear? This is being kept a state secret, but rumour has it that famous Danish designer Julia Fagerholt has been assigned the job of making Mary look stunning on her big day.
If you're following the royal wedding, there are many places to visit. The Amalienborg Palace is a must-see destination. Once the couple are married, it is here they'll step out on the balcony and give the royal wave to the people of Denmark.
You might be wondering about the perfect wedding gift for such a prestigious couple. Peter Hertz is in charge of the Royal gift registry but as expected, the items do not come cheaply. A replica of Queen Margaret the first's drinking goblet could set you back as much as $2500.
For the month of July only, you can visit the Fredensborg Palace where all the gifts are to be taken, and where the royal reception is being held. 450 guests are invited to the dinner and a marquee is being set out in the garden for the celebrations to continue.
Don't forget to drop in to the Rosenberg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels. The Queen will be choosing one of the spectacular jewels for the Royal Wedding, and in years to come when Mary is the reigning Queen, she'll be wearing them herself.
The facts
Thai Airlines can fly you to Bangkok then Scandinavian Airlines will take you to Copenhagen. Prices start at $2204 from Sydney and $2074 from Perth.
Thai International Airways
Tel: 1300 651 960
Scandinavian Airlines
Tel: 1300 727 707
Accommodation is available at the Hotel Kong Arthur. Single rooms start from $174 a person a night and suites start from $441 a double.
Hotel Kong Arthur
Tel: 0011 45 3395 7722
Rosenberg Palace
Tel: 0011 45 3315 3286
Wonderful Copenhagen
Tel: 00 11 45 3325 7400
Bentours
Tel: 9241 1353
Fredensborg Palace
Tel: 00 11 33 40 31 8
Amalienborg Palace
Tel: 0011 45 33 92 64 91
Prices correct at 10/05/04
