Prince Henrik of Denmark

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Happy Birthday to Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark, who turns 83 today. Born Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat to Count André de Laborde de Monpezat and Renee Doursenot in France and spent several years of his childhood in French controlled Vietnam. Educated in Hanoi, Saigon, Hong Kong, and Paris, Count Henri was working in the French Embassy in London when he met then Crown Princess Margrethe of Denmark. Their courtship was later described by his father-in-law as: “He came, he saw, and you conquered.” The couple got married in 1967 (celebrating their 50th Anniversary yesterday) and have two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, and eight grandchildren. She succeeded to the throne as Queen Margrethe II in 1972. Like his British counterpart, Prince Henrik found it hard to adjust to his role as Prince Consort, though unlike the Duke of Edinburgh, he has been quite vocal about his struggle. Prince Henrik has published several books of poetry in French and Danish. He retired from Official Duties early last year, though he still attends some events. I wish HRH a Very Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns!

UPDATE- Prince Henrik passed away in February 2018.

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