Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark beam as they watch the Changing of the Guard at their summer home in Graasten after months of frosty appearances - but it's their adorable collie that steals the limelight

Queen Mary and King Frederik watched the Changing of the Guard from their summer residence, Graasten Castle, today - but it was their adorable dog stole the limelight.

The royal couple - who appeared cheerful after months of frosty appearances - opted for casual summer clothes instead of their usual lavish attire - and were soaking up the sunny weather in the country's southern region. 

But as they watched the ceremony from their doorstep, which took place in the castle courtyard, all eyes were on their furry friend. 

Mary's border collie Grace lapped up the attention, as she turned around and posed for the cameras.

The royals got Grace in 2017, after the death of their other dog, Ziggy, and said the pups were both from the same family. 

The royal couple were not in their usual lavish attire and were snapped in casual clothing, soaking up the sunny weather in Graasten, alongside their dog, Grace 

Ziggy was given to Mary and Frederik as a wedding present when they tied the knot in 2004.

They took to Instagram at the time and wrote: 'Ziggy was a faithful and loving dog, who unfortunately suffered from chronic renal failure and osteoarthritis. Despite this, he had a high quality of life to the end.'

At one point, the Queen is pictured crouching on the floor as she gives her sweet dog some affection by rubbing her back.

Mary, 52, channeled summer and went for a simple yet sophisticated look as she donned a cashmere cardigan by Yoox - which retails for £176.

She paired the colourful muted blue and yellow piece with a floaty white maxi skirt and a ribbed shirt.

To accessorise, Mary kept things simple and donned a pair of sunglasses, brown and cream chequered sliders and a gold necklace with an M charm. 

She wore her glossy, chestnut tresses down in a sleek blow-dry and opted for natural makeup.

King Frederik, 56, also kept his ensemble light and breezy, sporting a blue and white patterned shirt, light brown chinos and a pair of navy loafers.

The royal couple waved the cameras as they put on a casual display outside their summer home

At one point, the Queen was pictured crouching on the floor as she gave her sweet dog some affection by rubbing her back

Queen Mary and King Frederik watched the Changing the Guard from summer residence Graasten Castle today

She channeled summer and went for a simple yet sophisticated look as she donned cashmere cardigan by Yoox - which retails for £176

The royal couple bought Grace when their family dog Ziggy died in 2017. Mary pictured giving Grace back rubs

Mary and Frederik saw the action from their front doorstep as they watched the ceremony on Friday

Grace stole the show as she stepped out with Mary and Frederik to watch the Changing of the Guard today

The pair attentively stood and watched the formal ceremony where soldiers performing duties at important institutions - such as palaces - are relieved by a new batch of soldiers.

According to the royal family website, on Fridays at Graasten, the 'Friday Parade' is carried out. Here, the Band of The Royal Life Guards participates while the changing of the guard takes place in the palace courtyard.

It comes as earlier this week, the Queen took hold of various flower bouquets from well wishers. The royal couple was also welcomed by the mayor Erik Lauritzen.

The summer break comes following a turbulent year for the Danish monarchy which included rumours King Frederik had had an affair (which were strenuously denied) and Queen Margrethe's shock new year abdication.