Consultant logs out of Microsoft, soon to log on royalty

Some people quit Microsoft to start companies, raise families or sail around the world. Mary Donaldson is the first who left to become a princess.

In the latest chapter of a real-life fairy tale that has enthralled Scandinavians, the queen of Denmark yesterday said she'll give her blessing to the marriage of Donaldson and her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Earlier in the week, Donaldson quit her job as a project consultant in Microsoft's Business Solutions division at its regional headquarters near Copenhagen.

The blessing was announced with a crown-embossed news release from the lord chamberlain, who manages the royal household.

It said the queen will give her consent to the marriage in the Danish Council of State on Oct. 8 at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

The announcement ends speculation about Donaldson that began three years ago when Frederik began dating the 31-year-old Australian.

Frederik, a dashing 35-year-old yachtsman and former Navy diver, met Donaldson while he was in Sydney for the 2000 Olympics. They were introduced in a bar by a Spanish prince.

Donaldson had a relatively modest upbringing.

Her father is a math professor, and she studied law and advertising in college. Then she worked at ad agencies and sold real estate in Australia.

After meeting Frederik, she moved to Denmark and went to work for Microsoft.

A company spokeswoman was not aware of any other employees who quit to become a princess.

The wedding is expected to take place sometime in the spring, perhaps in a castle.

Brier Dudley: 206-515-5687 or bdudley@seattletimes.com