Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary spend second day in Melbourne
The royal couple meets researchers at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. (ABC News)
Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary have opened a renewable energy conference, met stem cell researchers and highlighted youth mental health as the Melbourne leg of their tour came to a close.
The royal couple are in the city for two days as part of their state visit to Australia, which they say aims to strengthen relations between the two countries across cultural, economic and foreign policy areas — particularly in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development.
King Frederik and Queen Mary with federal frontbencher Chris Bown (left) and businesspeople during Wednesday's event. (AAP: Jesse Thompson)
After joining businesses in the renewable energy sector for an event at the Sofitel, King Frederik and Tasmanian-born Queen Mary heard about Danish-Australian collaborations in stem cell research at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Queen Mary during a brief visit to the Royal Children's Hospital. (AAP: Asanka Ratnayake)
They waved to a small group of patients and onlookers at the Royal Children's Hospital.
Their majesties also visited Headspace in South Melbourne this afternoon to find out more about the organisation's work in providing safe spaces for young people.
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said data showed 49 per cent of people aged between 12 and 25 were experiencing high levels of psychological distress, so it was essential that young people knew support was available.
Tasmanian born Queen Mary chats to a young woman at Headspace in South Melbourne. (AAP: Jesse Thompson)
"I was proud today to share with the royal couple the work Headspace is doing to destigmatise help-seeking behaviour, and make support available to young people across the country, no matter where they are," he said.
During a guided tour of the centre, the royals met with a number of youth advisors and learnt about Headspace's '7 tips for a healthy headspace', such as staying active, nurturing relationships and undertaking small tasks to boost confidence.
Later today the royal spotlight turns to an exhibition by Danish Australian artist duo Rhoda Ting and Mikkel Bojesen in Collingwood, before the couple hosts a reception in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.
It is the Danish king and queen's first official visit to Australia since King Frederik ascended to the Danish throne in January 2024.