Crown Princess Mary of Denmark's Hairstylist of 23 Years Says He's Stepping Down as She Becomes Queen

Søren Hedegaard has worked with Mary since before she married Crown Prince Frederik, who is set to become monarch this month

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark will have plenty of decisions to make after becoming queen on Jan. 14 — including hiring her glam squad.

On Tuesday, Princess Mary’s longtime hairstylist announced that he is stepping down after 23 years. Søren Hedegaard shared the news on Instagram with a black-and-white snap of him fixing Mary’s hair on King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation day in May 2023 and revealed that he is moving on to a new role at a Danish haircare company.

“Dear friends [sic] With the end of 2023 and with a change of throne in view, I have also chosen a change in my life,” Hedegaard began. “On 14/1 2024 and after 23 years as HRH Crown Princess Mary’s Hairdresser, I am passing the baton on to the next generation.”

“It has been 23 amazing and unforgettable years with memories and friendships that I will always carry in my heart. My life has always been colorful and changeable and will hopefully continue to be so in the years to come,” he continued. “My craft is my heart’s blood. Therefore, my job as Creative Director at STUHR is also the place where I will put all my energy and love for my profession in the future.”

Related: Did Queen Margrethe of Denmark Abdicate to Save Son Prince Frederik's Marriage amid Affair Rumors?

Speaking with Danish magazine Billed Bladet, Hedegaard said, "I think it is both wise and sensible that the queen allows the next generation to come along."

Crown Princess Mary’s relationship with Hedegaard seems to predate her official position in the Danish royal family. Mary, 51, is originally from Australia and famously met Crown Prince Frederik at a bar during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. The prince introduced himself simply as “Fred,” and advertising executive Mary later said she was unaware he was the heir to the 1,000-year-old Danish throne. The pair dated long-distance for a year in a relationship that flew under the media radar, and Mary moved to Copenhagen in 2002, when she likely connected with Hedegaard.

Mary and Frederik got engaged in October 2003 and wed in May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral, and they went on to welcome four children: Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and 12-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

Hedegaard has likely been behind some of Crown Princess Mary's most iconic looks, from her glamorous updos paired with tiaras to her enviable everyday blowouts.

As the Crown Prince couple and full-time working royals, Frederik and Mary supported Queen Margrethe and the Danish crown through royal engagements and many patronages. And now, they're gearing up to their places as king and queen.

Related: Meet Denmark's Royals: Your Guide to the Danish Monarchy's Family Tree

On Sunday, Queen Margrethe used her traditional New Year Address to make the shock announcement that she would abdicate on Jan. 14, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the Danish throne, and that her son and successor Crown Prince Frederik would become king. Queen Margrethe, 83, cited the extensive back surgery she had last February as what got her thinking about the reign change, explaining, “I have decided that now is the right time.”

On Tuesday, the Danish Royal House confirmed the new titles that the central members of the Danish royal family will go by upon Frederik’s accession, sharing that the new sovereign will be known as King Frederik X and his wife will be Queen Mary. Queen Margrethe’s styling and status as Her Majesty will not change, while Prince Christian will take over his father’s current title as the Crown Prince.

The sudden news has sparked great debate among royal watchers regarding Queen Margrethe’s motivation for abdication. Royal commentator Phil Dampier speculated to The Telegraph that the decision was driven to bolster Frederik and Mary’s bond after rumors swirled in the fall that the prince was having an affair. In November, Crown Prince Frederik was photographed with socialite Geneveva Casanova during a private trip to Madrid. Casanova has denied allegations of a romantic relationship, and the couple has continued to display a united front in the months since.

On Wednesday, Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary stepped out at Christianborg Palace in Copenhagen to greet the diplomatic corps during a New Year reception. The event marked the trio’s first appearance since the court confirmed the new titles amid the reign change and the second official outing since Queen Margrethe announced her abdication.

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Queen Margrethe sat for most of the New Year reception, while her son and daughter-in-law stood at her side.

"This will be the last time that I am your host," the Queen said at the event. "I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world."

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