King Frederik’s alleged ex-mistress launches legal action against media
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik appear to have moved on from the scandal. Photo: Getty
A Mexican socialite whose photo was splashed across the world as then-Prince Frederik’s alleged mistress is reportedly suing media outlets for “millions”.
Frederik’s “private” trip to Spain sparked headlines, with unsubstantiated allegations he linked up with Casanova while in town.
Now, Casanova is reportedly suing Spanish media for “millions of dollars” over the release of photos.
Spanish outlet El Economista reportedly said Casanova’s legal team had filed a 400-page complaint against several media outlets, including Lecturas.
The lawsuit was lodged in Madrid on September 22 and claims one million euros ($1.7 million) in damages for violating her “rights to privacy and image”.
Lecturas editor Luis Pliego reportedly defended the publication’s actions, telling Spanish TV presenter Santi Acosta: “I can only say that she’s asking for one million euros and that in my statement I defended the newsworthiness of the report.”
Frederik and Genoveva Casanova were snapped together in Madrid in 2023. Photo: Lecturas
Australian-born Princess Mary of Denmark found herself embroiled in the tabloid scandal involving her husband.
At the time, Frederik was a prince. He has since been crowned king after his mother abdicated in January 2024. Mary and Frederik also celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last year.
When the salacious headlines hit the news stands, Mary and Frederik were photographed together at another royal function, stepping out of their chauffeured limousine in a seemingly much less cordial mood.
Casanova vigorously denied any impropriety in a lengthy statement, and slammed the reporter as “malicious”.
Frederik married former Hobart resident Mary (née Mary Elizabeth Donaldson) in 2004. They have four children together, with the eldest, Christian, celebrating a milestone 18th birthday last month.
Who is Casanova?
According to Casanova’s social media, the Mexican-born philanthropist and former contestant on Spain’s Celebrity MasterChef now lives in Madrid.
She’s appeared on the Spanish version of Mask Singer (2020), and in 2006 had a small part in the 2006 movie Goya’s Ghosts, starring Javier Bardem and Natalie Portman.
Casanova was previously married to equestrian Cayetano Martínez for three years, who is the current Count of Salvatierra and Duke of Arjona, according to Hello!
They share twins Luis and Amine, 23, who both reside and work in the UK.
“It should be remembered that Genoveva is very passionate and knowledgeable about art and the work of Picasso, present in several exhibitions … in Madrid capital,” wrote HOLA! in 2023.
“For several years, she worked as director of projects and institutional relations at the Casa de Alba Foundation, an institution that since 1975 has ensured the care and conservation of the artistic heritage of Casa Alba, which includes some of the most important treasures of our country.”
Mary and Frederik famously met in a Sydney pub while she was working in the Harbour City and he was visiting for the 2000 Olympic Games.
“I was asked by a journalist, what did I know about Denmark before meeting my future husband?” she said during her last official visit to Australia in 2013.
“I replied, ‘Hans Christian Anderson and the Sydney Opera House was designed by a Dane’.”
Frederik and Mary welcomed their first child and future king, Prince Christian, in October 2005, eldest daughter, Princess Isabelle, arrived two years later, followed by twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, in 2011.
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