Camilla Jessen
Queen Mary of Denmark sends message to Australia after “tragic” Bondi Beach shooting.
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have expressed their condolences to the people of Australia following the mass shooting in Sydney.
Royal message from Copenhagen
In a statement released on 14 December, the Danish royal couple said they were “profoundly saddened” by the attack at Bondi Beach, where at least 16 people were killed and around 40 others injured.
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community,” they wrote. The message was issued on official Amalienborg letterhead and signed simply “Frederik and Mary.”
Queen Mary was born in Tasmania and has long maintained close ties to Australia.
She often visits privately and has brought her four children — Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine — back to her home country over the years.
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Details of the attack
The shooting took place on 14 December during the Chanukah by the Sea festival, attended by around 1,000 people, according to Reuters.
A New South Wales Police update on 15 December confirmed at least 16 people had died, with dozens more hospitalized.
BBC News and Sky News reported that the attackers were a father and son.
The 50-year-old father died at the scene, while his 24-year-old son was critically injured and remains under medical care.
Authorities respond
At a press conference, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns declared the shooting a terrorist attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community.
Police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sources: Reuters; NSW Police; BBC News; Sky News.
