Royal movie on TEN: Network casts Emma Hamilton and Ryan O’Kane in lead

Network Ten has announced Emma Hamilton and Ryan O’Kane will play Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian of Denmark in Mary: The Making Of A Princess, to air on TEN later this year.

With production to commence shortly, the two-hour telemovie will follow the chance meeting of Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian of Denmark at The Slip Inn in 2000, and their four-year courtship which culminated in their marriage which captivated Australia, Denmark and the world.

Hamilton, who is best known for her role as Anne Stanhope in The Tudors and is starring in the upcoming series four of Mr Selfridge, has returned to Australia to portray Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson.

O’Kane, who is best known to Australian audiences for his role in City Homicide and more recently in It’s a Date and Howzat! – Kerry Packer’s War, will bring the charm and charisma of the very modern Prince Frederik to life.

Network Ten head of drama Rick Maier said: “Seeing is believing. We are blessed to have Emma and Ryan on board for this compelling love story.

“Mary: The Making Of A Princess will be a step by step insider’s view into exactly what happened when a young woman stopped for a drink with friends and met a real life Prince. The rest, of course, is history."

Executive producer and FremantleMedia Australia’s director of drama Jo Porter said: “After a long and exhaustive search, we are thrilled to have Emma and Ryan joining us to play these much-loved and admired figures.

“These talented actors already have so much chemistry together; our team is standing by to physically transform them into the Mary and Fred the world recognises."