In a world where podcasts have become the new diaries of the digital age, offering a peek into the minds and hearts of people from all walks of life, a new voice is set to join the chorus. Queen Mary of Denmark, with her foundation, is launching a podcast that delves into an issue that plagues many yet is often whispered about in the corners of society: loneliness among young people.



The announcement came through an Instagram post that depicted the Queen in a moment of quiet contemplation, earphones in, phone in hand, ready to embark on a journey of storytelling and awareness-raising. The image of the Australian-born Queen, poised and elegant, belied the gravity of the topic she is about to tackle – a topic that resonates with many, yet is seldom addressed with the seriousness it deserves.


The Mary Foundation's podcast, titled Lonely Youth, aims to shed light on the nuances of loneliness through a blend of expert insights and personal stories from young individuals. It's a bold move, considering that loneliness is often seen as a personal failing rather than a societal issue. Yet, the statistics are startling: 73% of 16-19 year olds in Denmark experience loneliness, and 17% of 16-24 year olds feel very lonely, whether they are alone or in company.



These figures are not just numbers; they represent real people with real stories. And it's these stories that Queen Mary's podcast seeks to bring to the forefront. The initiative is born out of her long-standing commitment to inclusivity and her desire to reach out to those on the fringes of society. Since its inception in 2007, The Mary Foundation has been a beacon of hope for those who feel isolated, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive community.

The foundation itself was established with a generous national gift of 1.1 million kroner, raised in Denmark and Greenland, and donated in honor of Mary and Frederik's wedding in 2004. It stands as a testament to the Queen's dedication to social causes and her ability to inspire a nation to contribute to the greater good.

Queen Mary's foray into the podcasting world follows in the footsteps of other royals who have taken to the medium to spread their messages. Meghan Markle's 'Archetypes' podcast, which explores and challenges the stereotypes that hold women back, launched on Spotify in August 2022 and expanded to other platforms in March 2024. Queen Camilla's 'Reading Room' podcast, an extension of her popular online book club, and Princess Eugenie's 'Floodlight,' which focuses on modern slavery, are other examples of royals using their platforms to spark conversations on important issues.



Yet, Queen Mary's podcast stands out for its focus on youth loneliness – a topic that is both timely and timeless. In an age where social media often masks the true extent of our isolation, Lonely Youth promises to be a much-needed exploration of what it means to be young and alone in the modern world.

As seniors, many of us understand the pangs of loneliness all too well. We've seen it in the eyes of grandchildren, heard it in the voices of friends, and perhaps felt it ourselves in quiet moments. It's a universal human experience that knows no age limit, and Queen Mary's initiative to address it is both commendable and crucial.

We at the Seniors Discount Club encourage our members to listen to 'Lonely Youth' and engage with its content. Perhaps it will offer insights into the lives of the younger generation in your family, or maybe it will inspire you to reach out to someone who might be struggling in silence. Loneliness is a silent epidemic, but through efforts like Queen Mary's podcast, we can all play a part in breaking the silence.


What are your thoughts on the issue of loneliness among young people? Have you had experiences with it in your own family or community? Share your stories and let's start a conversation about how we can all help to alleviate loneliness in our society.