Crown Princess Mary makes a plum start to the new year

Crown Princess Mary has stunned onlookers by attending the New Year’s Banquet at Amaliaenborg Palace in Copenhagen looking every bit the picture of elegance.

The Australian-born royal wore a floor-length gold gown and plum cape, the Ruby Parure Tiara and the Order of the Elephant to the banquet hosted by Queen Margrethe.

?? #crownprincessmary

A photo posted by Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth (@crownprincessmaryofdenmark) on Jan 1, 2017 at 11:03am PST

A centuries-old tradition, the banquet brings together members of the Danish parliament, top officials and court management, and guests enjoy traditional food, wine and music throughout the evening.

The princess was joined by her husband, Crown Prince Frederik who was attired in traditional military regalia.

New Year Banquet 2017 ❤ #crownprincefrederik #crownprincessmary

A photo posted by Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth (@crownprincessmaryofdenmark) on Jan 1, 2017 at 10:39am PST

The tiara adorned by Crown Princess Mary was a gift to Crown Prince Frederik from Queen Ingrid after she died in 2000, and he gifted the extravagant piece to her. It is said to have been in the family since the late-1800s. The Order of the Elephant worn around Mary’s neck is only worn on January 1, said to be The Knight’s Day. It is the oldest and most distinguished royal order of chivalry and dates back to the mid-1400s.

New Year's reception/banquet can be traced to the 1600s. Day 1 is a New Year's banquet. It takes place in Riddersalen at Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg. The banquet is for the government, Denmark's top officials and the court's management. Day 2 is New Year's reception for supreme court, the Royal Guard and the regiments officer corps in Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg. New Year's reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Christiansborg Palace. Day 3 is also a New Year's reception which takes place at Christiansborg Palace. This reception is for officers from the armed forces, the emergency services for 1st, 2nd and 3rd rank class and for invited representatives from bigger nationwide organisations and royal patronages.

A photo posted by Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth (@crownprincessmaryofdenmark) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:28pm PST

The Crown Princess and Crown Prince, as well as others attending the banquet dined on pheasant consomme, meat and dumplings as their entree; a saddle of lamb, spinach flan and cheese pie for main; and a kumquat cake with meringue for dessert. They drank Rosenborg wine, which has been the traditional New Year’s drink since 1598, as well as Moet et Chandon champagne.

The event on January 1 is only the first in a series of New Year’s events celebrated by the Danish royals.

What did you think of Crown Princess Mary’s outfit for the banquet? How did you celebrate the New Year?