Prince Joachim of Denmark’s Children lose Princely Titles

~ Saad719

The Danish Royal Court has released a Statement that from January 1st, 2023, the four children of Prince Joachim of Denmark, younger son of Queen Margrethe II, can only use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, as their previous titles as Prince and Princess of Denmark will lapse. Thus, Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik, and Princess Athena are now titled Count Nikolai, Count Felix, Count Henrik, and Countess Athena of Monpezat. The decision comes after Queen Margrethe’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations in September.

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The Statement:

In April 2008, Her Majesty the Queen conferred the titles of Count, Countess and Comtesse of Monpezat on her sons, their spouses and their descendants. In May 2016, it was also announced that His Royal Highness Prince Christian, as the only one of the Queen’s grandchildren, is expected to receive an annuity from the state as an adult.

As a natural extension of this, Her Majesty has decided that with effect from 1 January 2023, the descendants of His Royal Highness Prince Joachim can only use their titles as Count and Countess of Monpezat, as their previous titles as Prince and Princess of Denmark will lapse. Prince Joachim’s descendants will henceforth have to be addressed as Excellencies. The Queen’s decision is in line with similar adaptations that other royal houses have implemented in different ways in recent years.

With her decision, Her Majesty the Queen wants to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation to the Royal House as an institution entails.

All four grandchildren maintain their place in the succession.

This decision is in keeping with changes in titles and styles made by other royal families, including the Dutch Royal Family, in the Swedish Royal Family, and what appears to be coming in the British Royal Family, to allow grandchildren who will not be working members of the Royal Family a greater chance without the hindrance of royal titles and responsibility.

UPDATE: According to the communications person of Danish Royal Court, Prince Joachim was told back in May and has been ‘involved and oriented throughout the process’, but Countess Alexandra of Frederiksborg has said:

We are all confused by the decision. We are saddened and in shock. This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracized. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.”

Queen Margrethe said:

It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time and I think it will be good for them in their future. That is the reason. It is for their sake.

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1575429837585539079

Prince Joachim said:

I am so sorry for my children. I just demand the truth.

I was given five days’ notice of this. To tell my children that on New Year’s their identity will be taken from them. I am very, very sorry to see them bored and uncomprehending about what is happening over their heads

On May 5, I was presented with a plan. That this whole thought about my children’s identity should be taken from them when each of them turned 25. Athena turns 11 in January. And then I was given five days’ notice as the decision was accelerated

I can say that my children are sad. My kids don’t know which leg to stand on. What they should believe. Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in that way?

I don’t want to engage in speculation & mudslinging. I am telling the truth that is. I was given 5 days notice. And the original plan that was presented, it was called 25 years.And I asked to be allowed to come back with my proposal. So it could be all done for this New Year.

The Royal House has said in response:

As the Queen stated, the decision has been a long time coming. We understand that there are many emotions at stake at the moment, but hope that the Queen’s wish to future-proof the royal house will be respected”

Prince Nikolai has said:

My whole family and I are of course very sad. We are, as my parents have also stated, in shock at this decision and at how quickly it has actually gone.

I don’t understand why it had to happen this way.

Crown Princess Mary has said:

I can understand that it is a difficult decision to make and a very difficult decision to receive

Change can be difficult and can really hurt. But this does not mean that the decision is not the right one. We will also look at our children’s titles when the time comes. Today we do not know what the royal house will look like in Christian’s time, or when Christian’s time begins to approach.

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie have said:

Have you spoken to the Crown Prince Couple?

“No,” says Princess Marie.

“No, unfortunately,” says Prince Joachim.

How is your relationship?

“As it is,” says Princess Marie.

“As it can be,” adds Prince Joachim.

So, it’s complicated?

“It’s complicated, namely. That’s it,’ says Princess Marie.

Has the Queen tried to talk to you?

“Unfortunately not,” says Prince Joachim and adds:

“It’s also family. Or whatever we want to call it.’

“We would have liked to have had time to talk about it,” says Princess Marie.

What do you think this is about?’

“That’s a good question. I don’t think it’s modern to have some injured children,’ says Princess Marie and refers to the idea that the future royal house should be slimmer.

Prince Joachim interferes.

“The reality must still be: whether you modernize or slim down, it must be done in a proper way. It’s about children. Orderliness and children. It is a very heavy matter,’ he says.

Princess Marie, we talked a few years ago that it was not your choice to move to France. Do you see this as part of a winding down of your family’s role in the Royal House?

“Yes of course. But we have an active role in the Royal House, and I think that you should remember that. But we have always told our children that they must be independent and that they will not get appanage, but it is something else to take away a name,’ she says.

How do you proceed from here?

“I do not know. We’ll have to see,’ says Princess Marie.

Prince Joachim states that the atmosphere is warm when it comes to the couple’s own children, Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena.

“We have two lovely children here. And then we have two lovely children – I don’t want to say on the phone every day. But we have a closeness. We are one and the same core,’ he says.

Princess Marie admits that names and titles are of course not the most important thing in a time when war and an energy crisis are unfolding on the European continent.

“I want to emphasize that of course there are some much more serious things in the world, especially these days. It is a bit strange to have to talk about your children’s names and titles when we are facing some very serious challenges. But you have to remember the way children think. Children’s conditions. And that is what is decisive,’ says Princess Marie.

Prince Joachim believes it is important to remember that the world of children is different from that of adults.

“They have a different worldview. And it is very close. In my job (as a defense attache, ed.) , my thoughts are often out in the big world. But right now we have given a full defense for our children. They also need to rest now,’ he says.

While BT is interviewing the prince and princess, a French woman approaches and tells the couple that their children will always be princes and princesses to her. The situation leaves the couple speechless and they both begin to cry because they are so touched.

Prince Joachim has to turn around to get to the hooks again.

But Prince Joachim and Princess Marie emphasize that they are not thinking of leaving the Danish royal house. Instead, they will continue their work in their own way – even if the family is divided like never before

“We have never had any doubts about it. I hope no one doubts that,’ says Princess Marie.

Prince Joachim adds:

“That’s exactly what we do, after all. In each of our positions, we are representatives of Denmark and Danish interests. And the Royal House. And the Royal House’s interests,’ he says.

Queen Margrethe has released a Statement in response:

In recent days, there have been strong reactions to my decision on the future use of titles for Prince Joachim’s four children. It obviously affects me.

My decision has been a long time coming. With my 50 years on the throne, it is natural both to look back and to look forward. It is my duty and my wish as Queen to ensure that the monarchy continues to shape itself in keeping with the times. It sometimes requires difficult decisions to be made, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment.

Carrying a royal title entails a number of obligations and duties, which will in future be the responsibility of fewer members of the royal family. This adaptation, which I see as a necessary safeguard for the future of the monarchy, I want to make in my time.

I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother, but as a mother and grandmother I have underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel affected. It makes a big impression, and I’m sorry for that.

No one should be in doubt that my children, children-in-law and grandchildren are my great joy and pride. I now hope that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation ourselves.

Margaret R

Golden Jubilee Gala | Golden Jubilee Service | Golden Jubilee Banquet | Celebrations in January 

3 thoughts on “Prince Joachim of Denmark’s Children lose Princely Titles”

  2. This should have been decided before the children were born. It’s too bad this has stained her golden jubilee. I think the titles aren’t necessary, but it should have been done before the grandchildren arrived, and in a more tactful way.

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