After the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay final, there was a special moment between Queen Mary and the swimmers, especially with Ariarne Titmus, who is revealed to be related to her.
Queen Mary, 52, currently represents Denmark at the Olympic Games in Paris. As the wife of King Frederik, 55, she enthusiastically waves the national flag and cheers on the teams. However, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, her heart is particularly touched by a competitor from another continent, Olympic star Ariarne Titmus, 23. The Tasmanian native wins the 4×200-meter freestyle relay with her team. Mary can’t contain her excitement and rushes to embrace the winners. This royal jubilation stems from a recent revelation that Titmus is related to Denmark’s queen.
Special Moment: Queen Mary Embraces Ariarne Titmus
Thursday unfolds with unique scenes at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, France. After Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O’Callaghan, 20, Lani Pallister, 22, and Brianna Throssell, 28, secure gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle, Queen Mary descends from the spectator stands. Live broadcasts capture Queen Mary of Denmark embracing the Australian swimmers and taking selfies with them. “This is such a special moment,” comments Channel 9 moderator Sarah Abo, 38, according to Pulse Tasmania.
Queen Mary 🤝 Ariarne Titmus.
— Jeremy Rockliff (@jeremyrockliff) August 1, 2024
Two Tasmanians we couldn't be prouder of.
What a special moment 💙 pic.twitter.com/4rbAwfRVIS
Mary is particularly delighted for Titmus. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, 54, echoes the sentiment on X, stating, “Queen Mary and Ariarne Titmus. Two Tasmanians we couldn’t be prouder of. What a special moment.”
“We’re actually cousins”
Like the Olympic gold medalist, Mary, born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, also hails from Tasmania. Just days before the Olympics began, Ariarne Titmus revealed in an interview with the Australian magazine Woman’s Day that she is distantly related to Queen Mary through convoluted family ties: “We’re actually cousins in a distant, convoluted way.”
She explained further, “One of Dad’s cousins is married to Mary’s cousin, which is pretty funny when you think about how anyone born in Tasmania is somehow related!” This reference highlights the small population of the Australian state, home to just under half a million people. It’s a wonderful coincidence that the swimmer can celebrate one of her greatest successes with her almost-cousin.
