Tassie's new princess
Tassie's new princess | Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
TASMANIA has another princess. "Mini Mary" arrived early Sunday morning to the delight of her parents, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik.
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The arrival sparked celebrations in Denmark and in Tasmania, where Princess Mary grew up.
The baby is third in line to the Danish throne behind big brother Prince Christian.
Prince Frederik has told of his elation at the birth of a daughter.
"It's a unique thing to have a daughter," he said.
"I feel truly great about it.
"She has dark eyes and very dark hair. Lots of it!"
The young princess was dubbed "the Mini Mary" by Danish media.
Mary's elder sister, Jane Stephens, said the family was excited to hear Mary and the baby princess were doing well.
"We are very, very excited, very happy," she said.
"She is very healthy and a lovely new addition to our family."
Prince Christian has not met his little sister yet but his father said he was ready to welcome her and could already say the word "baby".
In keeping with Danish tradition, the girl's name will not be revealed until her christening in coming months. Possible choices include the traditional Danish royal names Margrethe -- the same as the Queen -- or Ingrid, after Queen Margethe's mother.
The name of Princess Mary's late mother, Henrietta, is also under consideration.
The baby was expected to undergo medical checks last night Australian time before doctors discharge her today.
It is common in Denmark for second-time mums to go home a day or two after giving birth.
When they finally leave, the new parents are expected to show the baby off at a press call in the hospital lobby.
The family is expected to return to Fredensborg Castle to settle in.
Honorary vice-consul to the Royal Danish Consulate in Tasmania Judy Benson said it was fabulous news for the royal couple.
Ms Benson said the news would be celebrated across the state.
"It is wonderful to hear of their second child," she said.
`I am sure everyone here is wishing them well.
"It is gorgeous to have one of each, as every parent would understand, so it is great she has had a daughter."
Premier Paul Lennon said the Tasmanian Government would announce details soon of how Tasmania would mark the birth.
"I'm sure I speak for all Tasmanians when I say we are delighted to hear the royal family's news," he said.
"Obviously, the link between Tasmania and Denmark has become very strong, and we share the joy of the Danish people as they celebrate the arrival of the first daughter to be born into the Danish royal family since 1946."
Prime Minister John Howard also welcomed the news.
"On behalf of all Australians I send them my very warm congratulations," he said.
"He (Frederik) looked a very happy father on the television."
Ms Stephens will travel to Denmark to meet her niece soon and help her sister but declined to say when she would leave.
"It won't be this month," she said.
Students at Taroona High School -- where Mary once studied -- are also excited about the news.
Former principal Brendan Kelly said it was likely students would send a gift, as they did for Prince Christian 18 months ago.
"The kids will be thrilled. They always have followed Mary closely and there is no doubt there will be celebrations at the school," he said.
"The students will focus on it like they have with anything big that happens with Mary.
"I expect the student council will already be thinking about organising a gift to celebrate the birth.
"There will be a huge level of interest, like there was for the young prince.
"People here love Mary and Frederik and this is a special occasion."
Prince Frederik could barely contain his delight as he spoke to reporters for almost 10 minutes about the latest addition to his family.
He said the birth was as beautiful and impressive sight as that of Prince Christian.
But the new dad said he felt better equipped to deal with his emotions this time.
"One wasn't as scared as the first time around," he replied when asked how it felt to hold the baby in his arms.
"It seems fair to say that the father's grasp of the situation was better than the first time."
The midwife described Frederik's involvement as "exceptional".
He was with his wife throughout the birth.
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, her husband Prince Henrik, and several of the royal couple's friends visited Princess Mary and the new arrival in the hospital.
The assisting midwife said the birth had gone "really well".
"It lasted about six hours. The little girl screamed on her arrival into the world and had her first meal soon after," she said.
"The Crown Princess had an epidural, like last time."
The baby weighs 3.35kg and is 50cm long.
The birth was not expected until May 3 but was not entirely a surprise because Prince Christian was also a fortnight early.
The baby was born at 4.02pm Danish time on Saturday at the Copenhagen University Hospital in a private birth suite.
Princess Mary married Prince Frederik in May 2004. Their first son, Prince Christian, was born on October 15, 2005.
A palace spokeswoman said all of Denmark was happy with the news.
"She is very fit and well and beautiful. She is in perfect shape," she said.
Prince Frederik said his wife was in good spirits.
"She is very motherly and full of love as only a mother can be," he said.
