Amber Petty: A Lifelong Friendship with Denmark’s Queen Mary
For over two decades, Amber Petty and Queen Mary of Denmark have shared a bond of friendship so profound it has weathered continents and transformed one into royalty. Amber, a former Tasmanian, stood proudly as a bridesmaid when Mary married Frederik, the now King of Denmark, in 2004. She shared this significant role with Mary’s own sisters, Patricia and Jane, a testament to the depth of her connection. This article delves into the life of Amber Petty, the woman who has been a steadfast witness to her best friend’s extraordinary journey to the Danish throne.
Who is Amber Petty? A Multi-Talented Storyteller
Amber Petty is far more than just a royal confidante; she is a dynamic and accomplished individual with a career spanning media, marketing, and the arts. Her professional journey began in journalism, where she served as a columnist and radio host. From 2002 to 2006, Amber held the position of Celebrity Insider for New Idea, a role that saw her weekly column buzzing with insights from the world of celebrity events and parties.
Following her tenure at New Idea, Amber transitioned to the airwaves, co-hosting The Rabbit & Amber Show on SAFM. Her writing career continued with a regular column for The Advertiser before she returned to the strategic world of PR and marketing in 2015.
In April 2021, Amber shared a deeply personal aspect of her life with the release of her memoir, This Is Not a Love Song. The book bravely explores themes of mental health and love, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her experiences.
Currently based in Melbourne, Amber continues to thrive in PR while cultivating her passions as an author and broadcaster. She eloquently describes herself on LinkedIn as a “storyteller,” a title that encompasses her diverse skill set in publicity, marketing, podcasting, writing, radio broadcasting, and brand building. “I am a storyteller who understands how to explore many platforms to get a story heard and to cut through the noise,” her profile states. “If you’d like to tell me your story and who you’re hoping might hear it one day, let’s chat.”
Her dedication to storytelling extends to her prolific work in podcasting. Amber has created and hosted a range of compelling series, including:
- Instrumental
- The Wise Guides
- The Silent Generation
- Meet Me At The Barre
Beyond her media endeavors, Amber also channels her intuition and creativity into her business, The Tarot Tea House, where she offers tarot card readings and energy healing.
The Genesis of a Royal Friendship: How Amber and Mary Met
The foundation of Amber Petty and Queen Mary’s enduring friendship was laid in Melbourne’s vibrant media and advertising scene. Both women were navigating their careers in these dynamic industries when their paths first crossed.
Reflecting on the early days of their connection, Amber described her bond with Mary to 9Honey as “indescribable.” She fondly recalled, “There was just so much love and kindness in one friendship.” This sentiment highlights the genuine affection and support that characterized their relationship from the outset. “I look back on my friendship with Mary and so many other loving relationships and think, every bad thing aside, that’s why my life has been a success,” Amber shared, underscoring the profound impact Mary has had on her life.
Their friendship continued to flourish even as both women relocated to Sydney, the city where Mary would eventually meet her future husband, Prince Frederik.
An Unbreakable Bond: Still Friends After All These Years
Despite the vast geographical distance that now separates them, Amber Petty and Queen Mary remain remarkably close. Amber’s memoir offers poignant insights into the challenges of maintaining a long-distance friendship, particularly when one friend’s life takes a path as extraordinary as becoming royalty.
“I was losing a big love, and I didn’t know what the future held for either of us. It was a big loss and a big goodbye for me,” Amber wrote in her book, candidly expressing the emotional toll of their diverging paths. “It took me many years to understand what I was feeling. Under her spotlight was grief.”
However, the strength of their connection is evident in their continued efforts to stay in touch. In 2022, during Queen Mary’s visit to Australia for her 50th birthday, the pair were photographed enjoying a reunion on Melbourne’s Brighton Beach. More recently, they were spotted together during Queen Mary’s discreet visit to Sydney in October 2024, reaffirming their enduring bond.
Speaking to Stellar magazine in 2021, Amber described her approach to navigating the unique aspects of their friendship: “For a long time, one of my coping mechanisms with the surreal side of where that friendship went was simply to anchor it down to the basic human elements of what it was, and is, which is actually just a story of two people falling in love and choosing to do life together.”
She further elaborated on their connection, referring to Mary as her platonic “soulmate.” The realities of distance remain a significant challenge. “Distance has always been hard, and not knowing when you’ll see and hug the people you love again is perhaps harder than ever,” Amber admitted. Yet, she maintains a perspective of resilience and gratitude: “But I’ve learnt that we just need to be patient and grateful that we are still alive and healthy, and future memories are still there to be had.” This philosophy speaks to the enduring power of their friendship, a testament to shared history, mutual respect, and unwavering affection.
