Danish Queen Mary described her inaugural visit to Uluru as nothing short of “magical” as she and her husband, King Frederik X, embarked on the second day of their royal tour of Australia.
The couple rose before dawn, eager to traverse the short Kuniya track leading to the Muṯitjulu Waterhole—one of the few permanent sources of water at the iconic landmark—after having admired Uluru’s renowned sunset the night before.
Typically, visitors are treated to a blaze of fiery red as the sun sinks below the horizon, an image captured on countless postcards. However, last night, a unique spectacle unfolded, as the ancient monolith took on a gentler mauve hue, softened by rain and draped beneath light-grey clouds.
The sunset viewing was the crowning experience of the first day for the royal duo during their six-day Australian tour. Upon their arrival at the Uluru Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Center, they were welcomed by traditional owners and treated to an “inma”—a ceremonial dance performed to the melodious songs of the Aṉangu people.
Mary, adorned in an Akubra hat, a chic beige blouse, and a matching skirt, smiled as she absorbed the lively performance, all while swatting away unyielding flies that had been undeterred by the earlier rain. Observers from the Danish media shared a light-hearted moment, chuckling at the sight of their royal aides wearing somewhat less regal, yet entirely practical, fly nets.
Afterward, the couple journeyed to Yulara, where they met Indigenous trainees at the Kulata Academy Café. There, the royals were presented with dishes crafted from native ingredients, including finger lime and quandong tea.
At the sunset viewing site, photographers clamored for shots of the royal couple walking toward their destination along a distinctive red carpet—the warm sands of the desert.
This morning, their Majesties ventured even closer to the breathtaking site with a guided tour of the Kuniya Walk and the serene Muṯitjulu Waterhole. Valerie Brumby, a revered artist and traditional owner, was among the two Aṉangu guides who accompanied the couple, sharing the cultural stories and significance of the area, known as tjukuṟpa.
As they left the waterhole, King Frederik even sampled a honey ant, while Queen Mary, reflecting on her first experience at this iconic site, shared with ABC, “We’ve had a great walk around; it’s magical.”
Brumby voiced her delight at participating in this special occasion: “This morning we got up early and we took them for the sunrise walk. It felt really good, and I feel truly happy to share.”
Frederik and Mary are among many esteemed visitors to this sacred site, following in the footsteps of previous guests such as the British royals and even the Dalai Lama.
The Kuniya Walk is steeped in Uluru’s creation stories, narrating the epic clash between the Kuniya—the woma python woman—and the Liru, a venomous brown snake man.
Following their visit to the sacred waterhole, the royal couple will continue on to Canberra, where they face a day full of engagements, including a 21-gun salute at Government House and an elegant dinner hosted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
