Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has been appointed a new private secretary and lady-in-waiting, Christine Pii Hansen. The Danish royal palace released a statement to confirm the change in Mary's inner circle of employees.
Christine, who will start on 8 June, is no doubt a fitting choice to guide the future queen of Denmark given her background. The 44-year-old previously worked as deputy head of the Foreign Ministry's International Law Office – the firm she has been with for the past 11 years.
After graduating from the University of Copenhagen, Christine embarked on an illustrious career, holding posts as a legal adviser at TV2 followed by a barrister and solicitor of the High Court.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Mary of Denmark (pictured) has appointed Christine Pii Hansen as her new lady-in-waiting
Her new role will see Christine organise Mary's work diary, as well as accompany the royal to high-profile events and assist her during engagements.
She will replace former lady-in-waiting Tanja Elise Kjærsgaard Doky, who served Mary for seven years. The crown princess could always count on Tanja and the pair soon became close friends.
The statement also revealed that Tanja will take up a position as communications manager at Maersk Container Industry on 1 June.
© Photo: RexChristine will replace Tanja Elise Kjærsgaard Doky (pictured right), Mary's good friend
Apart from Tanja, Caroline Heering is another lady-in-waiting and private secretary who recently left her job with the royal. She was personally chosen for the job by the princess. Her family have worked closely for the Danish royals in the past, and Caroline and Mary remain good friends.
The former employee won't be far from the princess, as Caroline is believed to be working for her charitable organisation, The Mary Foundation, and is sitting on its board.
The announcement of Mary's new lady-in-waiting comes after the Australian-born beauty spoke about losing her mum at the age of 25, and the feeling of loneliness that overwhelmed her.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCrown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary on Thursday
Speaking on Danish TV and radio station DR, who was exploring the theme of exclusion, Mary admitted: "I felt alone in my pain, as if nobody understood what I was going through and I had come to a standstill while the whole world around me kept moving forwards.
"When you feel alone, you feel as if you don't belong anywhere, like you're alone in the world. It's a real and big problem that's gone unnoticed, so I'm glad that it's drawing some attention now."
"I would have liked to have spent more time with her," added Mary, 45, of her late mum Henrietta Donaldson.
