Denmark's Crown Princess Mary Refuses To Bow To Islam And Wear Headscarf On Saudi Visit

Crown Princess Mary follows in Michelle Obama's footsteps by opting not to wear traditional headscarf as she kicks off controversial tour of Saudi Arabia

On Sunday, Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark began their controversial five-day tour of Saudi Arabia.

Pictures have emerged of the Australian-born Princess and her husband with the Saudi royal family and their meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Royal Palace.

The 44-year-old Princess covered up for the occasion in a long black top, loose-fitting black trousers, a soft pink silk scarf and large Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and was accompanied by 44 Danish representatives.

The Princess decided to forego a headscarf, but while Saudi females are required to wear a headscarf and loose robes in public, scarves are not required for foreigners and some women choose not to wear them.

Mary was later pictured shaking hands with various representatives dressed in a stunning, conservative black Prada coat, a pastel pink scarf and black trousers with her hair pulled back in a slick bun.

In January 2015, First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, was criticised by both people in America and Saudi Arabia after she visited the country and decided not to wear a headscarf.

American politician Hillary Clinton also decided to forego a scarf during her visit in 2012 and in 2013, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla opted for a simple blue headscarf while visiting Saudi Arabia - but did not cover up her hair.

Clinton did choose to don a headscarf during her visit to the historical Badshahi Masjid in Lahore in 2009 and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton covered up with a white scarf at The Assyakirin Mosque in Malaysia in 2012.

Some suggest those who choose not to wear a headscarf are making a bold statement, while others believe it is impolite.

The royal couple have planned a series of business activities for their trip, with the goal of strengthening trade and discussing concerns surrounding health, sustainability and design.

NDL News Media