On her final day in Japan, H.R.H. Princess Marie of Denmark, along with H.R.H. Prince Joachim at her side, sat down with the Danish magazine, Billed Bladet, for an exclusive interview. Here is a rough translation:
What has been the greatest experience on this trip? Maybe we can start with the princess?
What has been the greatest experience? It’s hard. Really, because I think every day has been a great experience. Every day, says Princess Marie enthusiastically, adding:
Kyoto was really beautiful. A very great experience to see, but if I need to highlight something special, then it was when we worked … when we made decoupage with children. It was a very great and wonderful experience. The children were very creative and you could sense that they were just so happy. That it meant something for them to get the experience and it was so nice to feel and be a part of.
They seem excited about the country?
Yes! It’s great! I am totally in love with Japan. It is a wonderful country. There is peace, discipline, and here are so nice and clean, says Princess Marie.
Yes, it has impressed us greatly. It’s something you so much notice, says Prince Joachim, who has been in Japan 17 years ago, but who can clearly see a difference, and especially a great development.
This is one created by the desire for perfectionism. There, the Japanese something, says Prince Joachim, while the Princess Marie, who love nature and outdoor life, obviously fallen for Japan’s magnificent and beautiful scenery, refined gardens and beautiful colors.
Yes, Japan’s relationship with nature, one can not help noticing. Everything is so clean and nice … so beautiful everywhere, says Princess Marie, who with his lady and friend Britt Siesbye, went directly from the airport in Tokyo to Kyoto, where she was reunited with Prince Joachim after his trip to Hiroshima, as the prince went to lay a wreath to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb.
How do you know that the Danes have so much gratitude in light of the tragedy that happened here in Japan in the spring? Everywhere Denmark mentioned and thanked.
Yes, it’s pretty amazing and of course makes a big impression. I did not even know where Denmark is generally high ranks in Japan of awareness and general knowledge of Denmark. Whether it comes through design, architecture, or what caused it. But we are close to each other there. And it has been noted that Denmark was among the first to express his sympathy for Japan and also to show it by participating in cleanup work. And also the moral part of it, including that the family was represented by the Crown Prince … what they have not forgotten.
No, they are very grateful, and we can sense that they think Denmark has helped really much. Not only economically but also at the human level, says the princess.
[About the couple's private day at the start of the tour]
And it was all just so wonderful. The sun was shining and we could walk around and enjoy the fantastic surroundings. Fall colors were incredible, said she placed on the private day, the prince and princess were at the beginning of the tour where the road from Kyoto to Tokyo also drove past another famous Japanese excursion, Mount Fuji, whose snow-capped mountain is often covered by clouds . But when the Royals went over with fast train Shinkansen, was the mountain bathed in evening sun and looked beautiful and impressive.
And speaking of impressive, it has also been impressive to see how beautiful princess has done the tour despite pregnancy.
Oh, but thanks. Well, I’m fine too. There is nothing to be afraid of.
But you take good care of yourself?
Well, what do I do, but my husband helps me too much and take good care of me, the princess said, looking fondly at Prince Joachim, who during the whole trip has been the princess’s hand. Loving supportive and very proud of my wife.
