Queen Mary and King Frederik have likely infuriated thousands of Danes by sending a ‘controversial message’ about their new reign – after months of scrutiny surrounding their rumoured marriage troubles

Queen Mary and King Frederik make controversial decision that sends a ‘clear signal’ to Danes about their reign: ‘They will undoubtedly be upset’

Queen Mary and King Frederik have likely infuriated thousands of Danes by sending a ‘clear message’ about their new reign – after months of scrutiny surrounding their rumoured marriage troubles.

The newly-minted royals have decided to slash the amount of charities and community groups which are able to be supported by the royal family at any time.

In doing so, 118 groups have been cut from the official list of royal patronages leaving 140 to be represented by the family.

‘Through our royal patronages, we wish to support efforts which promote Danish culture, science and enterprise, protect our nature, and give a voice for the marginalised and vulnerable in our society,’ a statement from the King and Queen read.

‘This longstanding tradition serves to bring us together in small and large communities.’

Copenhagen Zoo has been brutally dumped from the list of patronages supported by Queen Mary, despite naming a whole section after her.

The Danish Golf Union, the Danish Swimming Union, the Odense Flower Festival, the Greenlandic Christmas Stamp Fund and the Hearing Association have also been cut.

The royals will also only sign up to a five-year term as patrons for any one group – once that term is over the charity or organisation will have to apply to be considered again.

‘The time limitation means that there will be continuous opportunity for The Royal Family to take on new patronages as society develops,’ the royal couple said.

This is the first time since taking the throne that a matter of policy has outshone the couple’s alleged romantic differences.

Royal expert and Danish historian Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen claimed the shakeup will upset many – and have a huge financial affect on the organisations which have been cut off.

However, he does think the new King and Queen are opting for less patronages so they can put more effort into each one – which he claims is ‘exciting’.

‘Now they have to live up to this. The royals must show that when you are a member of the Royal House, you actually engage in the protectorates. And the fact that they will be time-limited is again a promise that there will be activity,’ he told B.T.

As the Crown Princess, Mary had 36 patronages to her name. Now as Queen she has just 23, some of which have never been represented by the crown before.

The Queen added the Danish Hospital Clowns, a group she’s previously posted about on Instagram, and WeShelter which focuses on particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the country.