Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has paid an emotional humanitarian visit to Ethiopia, meeting with Australian doctor Catherine Hamlin.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has paid an emotional humanitarian visit to Ethiopia, meeting with Australian doctor Catherine Hamlin.
During an official three-day humanitarian visit, Princess Mary took the time to visit 91-year-old Dr Hamlin, who has lived in Africa for 55 years, and the patients at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
Mary was moved by the stories of the patients and staff and even visited a new born baby girl who was born on the day of her visit.
Dr Hamlin presented Mary with necklaces and baskets made by the patients and staff, while Mary presented her with set of teacups and saucers from Denmark.
Lucy Perry, CEO of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in Australia, said Princess Mary was very familiar with the work of Dr Hamlin and her late husband.
“Princess Mary was gracious and warm and very knowledgeable about the work of the hospital and its regional centres around Ethiopia,” Ms Perry said.
“She spent time with the patients and staff, many of whom are former patients themselves, and was able to visit with a baby girl born that very day.”
While visiting the area, the future queen of Denmark also spent time visiting the Danish Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, Mogens Jensen and at a refugee camp in Gambella, one of the hottest places on earth.
