Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has stripped four of her eight grandchildren from their royal titles as well as “His/Her Highness” titles – a decision that has rocked the royal family.
children of the Queen’s second son, Prince Joachim; Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Heinrich, 13, and Athena, 10 will now be referred to as “His Excellency Countess of Monpezat” or “His Excellency Countess of Monpezat” beginning January 1, 2023.
Prince Joachim is sixth in line to the Danish throne.
Queen Margrethe II, 82, now the longest-reigning monarch after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, announced that she was removing all royal titles in a statement on Wednesday.
“With her decision, the Queen wishes to create a framework for the four grandchildren to shape their lives to a greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that have a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark. incorporated as an institution,” the statement read.
“Her Majesty has decided that, as of 1 January 2023, descendants of Her Royal Highness Prince Joachim can only use their titles as Countess and Countess of Monpezat, as the titles of Prince and Princess will cease to exist.”
The Danish monarch defended his decision, telling reporters, “It’s an idea that I’ve had for quite a long time and I think it will be good for him in his future. Here’s why,” according to Greetings! magazine.
Queen Margrethe said that by removing her grandson’s titles of prince and princess they would be able to “shape their lives to a great extent without being limited by particular considerations and duties, including those of the Royal House of Denmark as an institution”. with formal affiliation.”
But the news was not well received by all members of the royal family.
Alexandra, Countess of Fredericksborg – mother of Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix, who are set to lose their royal titles, said she was “confused” by the news.
“We are saddened and shocked,” Prince Joachim’s ex-wife said in a statement to her press adviser, Helle von Wildnerth Lovegreen, according to the Danish magazine se og horo,
“It comes like a bolt out of the blue. Children feel untouchable. They don’t understand why their identity is being snatched from them.”
No change was made to the titles of Prince Frederick, heir to the throne, as well as to his wife, Princess Mary, and their children – Prince Christian, 16, Princess Isabella, 15, and 11-year-old twins Prince Vincent. Princess Josephine.
The palace said “the Queen’s decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years.”