Princess Mary visits children's charity

(AAP) - Denmark's Crown Princess Mary thrilled staff and two children in particular at a Melbourne children's charity when she popped in for a visit on Friday.

The princess stepped out of a black Mercedes Benz at the offices of the Alannah and
Madeline Foundation to meet staff and tour the offices.
Dressed in a smart casual outfit comprising a grey cardigan, ruffled white shirt and
dark trousers, Princess Mary was greeted by the foundation's chairman John Bertrand
and two children of families who support the foundation.
Heavy security surrounded the visit and the princess did not stop to speak to the
large media pack waiting for her outside the charity's office.
The foundation, established in memory of young Port Arthur victims, Alannah and
Madeline Mikac, works to keep children safe from violence and Princess Mary is its
international patron.
The princess and Crown Prince Frederik will attend a Foundation dinner on Friday
night with 60 guests including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
The dinner will focus on protecting children from cyber bullying and online sexual
predators.
But Princess Mary was the special guest at the South Melbourne offices on Friday,
especially for local children Isabella and Harrison.
"I have never met a princess before," said Isabella.
"It was really exciting and I was a bit nervous when I gave her the certificate."
Isabella handed Mary a certificate of appreciation and Harrison handed her a posy of
flowers.
The princess is also patron of a similar foundation in Denmark, the Mary Foundation.
"I am delighted to have had the opportunity to find out more about how The Alannah
and Madeline Foundation initiatives work and to talk about our programs at The Mary
Foundation," she said.
The princess, Frederik and their children Christian, two, and Isabella, 16 months,
flew into Melbourne on Thursday night from Hobart where they were on a private
holiday with their family.