On the go, you can access your favorite topics in a customized feed. install the app
Queen Margrethe’s youngest son reportedly stated he and his brother have a “difficult” relationship, which appears to have heightened tensions within the Danish royal family.
The Danish queen has two sons: Crown Prince Frederik, her eldest and heir, and Prince Joachim, her youngest. Both have four children who are in the line of succession for the royal household. However, Margrethe stated on September 29 that Joachim’s four children will lose their royal titles in 2023.
Margrethe explained her choice in a post on the royal website, stating that she wanted her grandchildren to be able to “direct their own lives” without royal ties.
This decision impacts Prince Nikolai, age 23, Prince Felix, age 10, Prince Henrik, age 13, and Princess Athena, age 10. According to the statement, they may continue to use the titles of count and countess of Monpezat.
In 2018, the Danish royal family consisted of Queen Margrethe, Crown Princess Mary, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik, and Princess Athena.
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Following the announcement, Joachim spoke out against the decision and stated that his children were distressed by their mother’s plan to strip them of their royal titles. Meanwhile, the queen’s decision has no effect on Frederik’s four children. Christian, his eldest son, is second in line to the throne.
According to the Danish daily B.T., Joachim and Margrethe have subsequently met in an effort to handle the controversial decision with composure.
Lene Balleby, Head of Communications for the Royal Household, told the source, “Everyone agrees to look forward, and as the Queen herself has indicated, she and Prince Joachim desire calm while they navigate this situation.”
2012 photograph of Prince Joachim, Crown Princess Mary, and Crown Prince Frederik.
Pool/Getty Images – Chris Jackson
However, the royal family reportedly confirmed that Frederik was conspicuously absent from the discussions. According to B.T. royal correspondent Jacob Heinel Jensen, Joachim’s absence is likely attributable to his connection with his brother and Crown Princess Mary.
“Prince Joachim confessed that his connection with the Crown Prince pair was complicated, therefore it is not surprising that he was absent,” Jensen said. “It is the Queen’s decision, and she must accept the consequences of it.”
The Danish royal household did not react promptly to an inquiry from Insider.
Despite discussions between Joachim and Margrethe, it appears the queen is committed to her intention to strip the four grandchildren of their royal titles before the New Year. Margrethe stated on the royal family’s website on October 3 that the decision was important for “future-proofing” the monarchy.
“I have reached a decision in my capacities as queen, mother, and grandma. As a mother and grandmother, though, I have misjudged the degree to which my younger son and his family are affected. This leaves a significant impression, and I apologize for that,” Margrethe wrote, adding that her children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren are “my greatest source of joy and pride.”
She said, “I now hope that we as a family may find the tranquility we need to navigate this situation.”