A MYSTERY golden rose is among symbols chosen by Denmark's Crown Princess Mary for her personal coat of arms.The Australian-born royal personally selected the floral emblem for her freshly unveiled personal insignia, but has declined to tell even the designer her reason.
Other symbols on the design include two seven-point stars for her Australian roots, and two red eagles and a ship in homage to her Scottish ancestry.
The Tasmania-raised princess opted not to have a motto or proverb. Her father, Professor John Donaldson, was also allowed a coat of arms under the Danish orders system.
The maths academic chose the infinity sign as his personal symbol, the motto "Ad infinitum" ("To infinity") and several elements reflecting his Scottish roots.
Danish heraldic designer Ronny Andersen spent more than a year designing and painting both shields, in consultation with Australian and Scottish experts.
"The princess has been involved every step of the way. She chose the rose herself. It is a personal matter for her," he said. "I think it is a symbol of femininity and beauty."
Danish royal observers have speculated the rose is a floral tribute to Mary's late mother Henrietta, who died of a heart condition. The princess has a rose named after her, and part of the sales are donated to the Australian Heart Foundation.
The coats of arms of Mary and her father were hung recently in Denmark's Chapel of the Royal Orders.
Mary has been entitled to her own design since she was made a Knight of the Order of the Elephant five days before her wedding in 2004.
Other symbols on the design include two seven-point stars for her Australian roots, and two red eagles and a ship in homage to her Scottish ancestry.
The Tasmania-raised princess opted not to have a motto or proverb. Her father, Professor John Donaldson, was also allowed a coat of arms under the Danish orders system.
The maths academic chose the infinity sign as his personal symbol, the motto "Ad infinitum" ("To infinity") and several elements reflecting his Scottish roots.
Danish heraldic designer Ronny Andersen spent more than a year designing and painting both shields, in consultation with Australian and Scottish experts.
"The princess has been involved every step of the way. She chose the rose herself. It is a personal matter for her," he said. "I think it is a symbol of femininity and beauty."
Danish royal observers have speculated the rose is a floral tribute to Mary's late mother Henrietta, who died of a heart condition. The princess has a rose named after her, and part of the sales are donated to the Australian Heart Foundation.
The coats of arms of Mary and her father were hung recently in Denmark's Chapel of the Royal Orders.
Mary has been entitled to her own design since she was made a Knight of the Order of the Elephant five days before her wedding in 2004.
