Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik rode the coach from Amalienborg Palace to the Christianborg Palace, where they hosted a new year reception for officers of Denmark’s defense ministry and representatives of various organizations and foundations.

The gold color of the state coach doesn’t come from gold paint. The coach, also known as the Coach of King Christian VII, is covered in 24 karat gold leaf. It was made in 1840 by Henry Fife.

What a grand sight it makes! Make sure you click on the photos to see the bigger versions.

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Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary welcomed their guests to Christiansborg Palace. The event is less formal and grand than the New Year’s Court of the Order of the Elephant, so we won’t be seeing any tiaras on the ladies this time around.

Hosting all these receptions one after the other could become rather exhausting, even for royals who are very much used to them. Prince Frederik, in particular, looks a bit tired in some of these photos. Well, I don’t blame him, since the galas and receptions come one after the other at this time of year.

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The Order of the Elephant is the highest in Denmark, and dates back to 1693. The annual gala at the beginning of the year is hosted by Queen Margrethe for members of the order, government officials and the royal court.

At this year’s Court, both Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary chose gowns in bright stunning colors, fuschia for the Queen, and orange for the princess. Princess Marie was in a more subtle gown of delicate pink.

The brothers, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, were handsome in their military uniforms. Their father Prince Henrik wore white tux instead of his uniform.

Click on the gallery photos below for more of the gowns and tiaras!

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The monument, made of granite from Bornholm island, was created by Danish artist Bjoern Noergaard. Danish Minister of Defense Søren Gade also attended the ceremony yesterday. Another memorial, created in 1958, stands at the Rosenborg Palace in Copenhagen to commemorate more than 2000 soldiers who have died since the regiment was established in 1659. (source)

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One of the last events that Queen Margrethe and Princess Mary attended was one in support of a campaign for better traffic safety in Vietnam. The royal ladies encouraged the use of helmets, and put on theirs on top of their hats. Those hats must be held in place by pins pretty well, and it’s not a simple matter to take them off in order to get the helmets on!

Before they left, the royals met with the press on November 6, 2009 at the Thaodien Village, Vietnam. They were all very relaxed, looking as though they’re just enjoying a vacation in a tropical resort. Prince Henrik and Princess Mary even shared a hug, something we don’t see often in royal families.

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The royals didn’t let the rain dampen their enthusiasm as they saw the sights, took photos and interacted with their hosts. Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik put on colorful ponchos to ward off the rain. Prince Frederik and Princess Mary didn’t bother with the less-than-fashionable plastic raingear, and made do with light jackets and the ubiquitous giant umbrellas.

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The royal couple were at Hanoi’s Koto Restaurant to help launch an official program that teaches street children kitchen skills. KOTO stands for ‘Know One Teach One’. After their education, many of the children then go on to work in various restaurants in Hanoi. The training that the children receive, which they can use to work in the restaurant industry.

Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik also visited the factory of the Danish company Mascot International Ltd., which makes work clothes.

Incidentally, yesterday, it was reported that the Danish royal party were on a plane to Hue on November 4, and had to land in Da Nang instead. It now appears that only Prince Frederik and Princess Mary were on that plane. Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik apparently remained in Hanoi, where these photos were taken. I’ll try to confirm that that was how it really turned out. The entire royal party is now all together in Hue.

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Princess Mary’s cream off-shoulder gown was accessorized with a black ribbon on her shoulder. Queen Margrethe chose a simple blue dress for the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the Danish community in Vietnam had an audience with the royals during a reception at the National History Museum.

Tomorrow, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik will visit Mascot International Ltd, which produces workwear for export to Europe. They will also stop by the Kiem Lien Temple and a charity event for homeless children. Prince Frederik and Princess Maryw ill attend a Rock Concert in Hue. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s photos!

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Queen Margrethe, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary sat with Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet to watch the performances. It’s been a busy trip for the royals, and I just hope that Prince Frederik wasn’t nodding off. The sunglasses, at least, hide his eyes well enough that no one can really tell. Could that be what his mom and his wife were chatting about? Princess Mary looks a bit amused as she glanced toward her husband.

Queen Margrethe was then accompanied by Princess Mary to the Anne Black Ceramics Factory in Ba Trang. The royal ladies tried their hand at painting a couple of ceramic pieces. Queen Margrethe, who is an accomplished painter, easily took to the task.

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Queen Margrethe with President Nguyen:

Queen Margrethe wore a white-over-magenta gown with a white shawl. Royal mad hatter Ella identified the tiara as the Diamond and Turquoise Bandeau Tiara, an inheritance from the Queen mother, the late Queen Ingrid.

Princess Mary’s head was unadorned at the State Banquet. She wore a shimmering off-shoulder ice blue gown covered with such exquisite detail. She really didn’t need any more accessories to go with it.

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