How Denmark’s ‘ice queen’ Margrethe grew from a ‘bad-tempered’ girl to a Cambridge-educated, chain-smoking artist known as ‘Aunt Daisy’ to Europe’s royals – but was criticised by her husband for not making him King Consort
- Denmark’s Queen Margrethe is the second longest reigning monarch in world
- Born on April 16, 1940, a week after the start of Nazi’s occupation of Denmark
- Ascended the throne upon her father Frederick IX’s death on 14 January 1972
- Has had a long career as an artist and enjoyed multiple gallery openings
- She has faced controversy before – her husband refused to be buried with her
- Released a statement last night apologising for hurting family by stripping titles
- Royal experts have claimed the monarch fears being seen as an ‘ice queen’
She has faced a tumultuous week after announcing she would strip her grandchildren of their royal titles days ago.
But it is far from the first time Queen Margarethe of Denmark, 82, has had the eyes of the world upon her, following a very colourful life during her 50 years on the throne.
Born on April 16, 1940, a week after the start of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Denmark, the infant princess became a symbol of hope to many Danes in the war years.
She ascended to the throne in 1972, enjoyed a long career as an artist and production designer, and has grown in popularity in the country with her straight-talking New Year speeches.
And the persona of the fun-loving Queen is a far-cry from the stiff upper lip that’s often associated with monarchy and she is regularly pictured eating, smoking, and in bold, vibrant outfits.
However her 50 years on the throne have not been without controversy – her husband Henrik refused to be buried alongside his wife, and she raised eyebrows when she said living in Denmark did not ‘make you Danish.’
Queen Margarethe of Denmark, 82, has led a very colourful life during her 50 years on the throne (pictured today)
Queen Margrethe (pictured in blue) made the decision to strip princely titles from Prince Nikolai (left), Prince Felix (second from left), Prince Henrik (right) and Princess Athena (second from right). Also pictured: Prince Joachim and Princess Marie
Margrethe and her two sisters grew up in apartments at Frederick VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen and in Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand.
She spent summer holidays with the royal family in her parents’ summer residence at Gråsten Palace in Southern Jutland.
On 20 April 1947, King Christian X died and Margrethe’s father ascended the throne as King Frederick IX.
According to Hello!, in the biography Three Sisters, Princess Magrarethe grew up having a ‘bad temper’ and ‘once bit her sister Benedikte on the arm’.
According to Hello!, in the biography Three Sisters, Princess Margarethe grew up having a ‘bad temper’ and ‘once bit her sister Benedikte on the arm’
In 1953, the Danish Constitution was changed following a referendum in which more than 85% of participants voted to allow female succession.
Previously, the Danish throne had descended only through the male line, but the rise of feminism and the fact that Frederik and Swedish-born Queen Ingrid had three daughters but no son, had swayed public opinion.
According to Hello!, Margrethe said: ‘Mother and father talked with me about my future as queen, but for the others, nothing will change. They talk more about it in school, and I find that very unpleasant.’
She is now affectionately known as ‘aunt Daisy’ by European royals due to her close personal ties with many reigning monarchs.
She is now affectionately known as ‘aunt Daisy’ by European royals due to her close personal ties with many reigning monarchs (pictured with Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain)
This is far from the first controversy the Queen has faced – in a break from tradition, her husband Prince Henrik refused to be buried next to her
She is a first cousin of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and a second cousin of Norway’s King Harald V.
She enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, a distant cousin, and the Duke of Edinburgh, and shared deeply personal tributes following their deaths. She was joined by her son Crown Prince Frederick at the Queen’s funeral earlier this month.
Margrethe was educated at private school in Copenhagen before spending a year at North Foreland Lodge, a boarding school for girls in Hampshire, England.
She later studied prehistoric archaeology at Girton College, Cambridge, during 1960–1961 and political science at Aarhus University between 1961 and 1962.
She also attended the Sorbonne in 1963, and was at the London School of Economics in 1965.
It was during her time in London that she met French diplomat, Henri-Marie-Jean-André de Laborde de Monpezat, whom she went on to marry.
They married in 1967, and Laborde de Monpezat received the style and title of ‘His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark’.
A year later, they welcomed their first son Frederik, before their second son Joachim was born in 1969.
Margrethe ascended the throne upon her father Frederick IX of Denmark’s death on 14 January 1972. This year marks the 50th of her reign.
The Danish constitution gives Margrethe no real political power but she is clearly well-versed in law and knows the content of legislation she is called upon to sign.
‘My principal and most important task is to be Queen of Denmark and the head of state,’ she said in a recent TV interview. ‘But I am grateful that I can also express myself artistically.’
The young princess, pictured at the age of 18, was educated at schools in Copenhagen and England before she began studying at Cambridge University
Margrethe was studying in London when she met her future husband Henrik (Pictured: Queen Ingrid, King Frederik, Princess Margethe, Count Henri, Countess and Count Andre de Monpezat and their daughter Madam Bardin, celebrating the engagement of Crown Princess Margrethe to Count Henri)
As well as her 50 years on the throne, Queen Margrethe has had a long career as an artist.
Since 1970, Queen Margrethe has actively engaged in a number of artistic modes of expression and is an honorary member of the Association of Danish Scenographers for her many years of work as a set designer in Danish film, television and theatre.
She has sketched the illustrations for Danish editions of Lord of the Rings and enjoyed exhibitions at galleries including the Arken Museum of Modern Art in Ishoj, southwest of Copenhagen.
She was appointed the production designer on the 2009 fantasy fairy tale The Wild Swans, as well as the short film adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen in 2000.
The then Princess Margrethe tied the knot in 1967, and Laborde de Monpezat received the style and title of ‘His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark’
The couple, pictured at a party in the 1970s, went on to welcome two sons in the early years of their marriage
Margrethe ascended the throne upon her father Frederick IX of Denmark’s death on 14 January 1972. This year marks the 50th of her reign (pictured, in her first official portrait)
One of her latest projects is collages for a film by Danish Academy Award-winning director Bille August, who is adapting a story about a fairytale kingdom. The film is expected in 2023.
Director Bille August said: ‘The Queen has created the most fantastic decoupages for the occasion, and they will be the dominant feature of the film’s overall scenographic expression.’
Her popularity has in part grown because of her straightforward talking in her annual televised New Years speeches, where she has spoken about being less ‘selfish’, integrating foreigners and tackling loneliness.
Throughout her reign, the queen has criss-crossed the realm and made numerous visits abroad.
Among her visits have included trips to Denmark’s self-governing territories of the Faeroe Islands and Greenland.
She enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, a distant cousin, and the Duke of Edinburgh, and shared deeply personal tributes following their deaths (pictured at the Royal Ascot in 1980)
The persona of the fun-loving Queen is a far-cry from the stiff upper lip that’s often associated with monarchy and she is regularly pictured in bold, vibrant outfits (pictured, aged 40)
The Queen is also known for her smoking habit, although she no longer smokes in public (pictured left, in 1997, and right, in 2015)
She also went to Berlin for the centennial of the 1920 reunification with Denmark of the southern part of the Jutland peninsula, which had been under German rule.
When she has a break from official duties, Margrethe – Europe’s second-longest reigning monarch after the Queen – paints, sketches, illustrates books, creates church textiles and embroiders.
She has also created costumes and sets for several ballets at the Tivoli gardens, Copenhagen’s downtown amusement park.
Queen Margrethe has a well-cushioned allowance, with the Danish Civil List granting her £800,813 a month, or £9.6 million for the year to run the royal household – including staff, properties and administration, according to Business Insider.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Net Worth lists her net worth at around £37million.
Around £183,750 per month is reportedly given to the Queen’s children. Crown Prince Frederik receives the largest amount of this money, of which 10 per cent is given to his wife, Princess Mary.
Despite enjoying a long marriage of 50 years, her relationship with Henrik was plagued with controversy. Henrik stunned Danes by saying he felt he had been pushed aside in his own home by his wife
Queen Margrethe was thought to have enjoyed a close relationship with her sons and their families (pictured with Crown Prince Frederik in 2011)
Revealed: The Danish Royal Family’s VERY glamorous palaces
It’s perhaps no surprise that a European Royal Family enjoys several castles and palaces – however for the Danish household, many of the properties are owned by the state, and run by the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties.
This includes the main residence of Amalienborg, the family’s spring home of Fredensborg Palace, their summer house of Gråsten Palace and the hunting lodge Eremitageslottet .
The Danish Queen’s personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, Château de Caix in France, and the royal hunting lodge in Jutland at Trend.
Prince Joachim lives with his second wife in Paris – but when he returns home to Denmark it is sometimes to the Schackenborg Castle in southern Jutland.
The estate was the prince’s private residence from 1993 to 2014, before he sold the property.
But since Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are on the board of the Schackenborg Castle Foundation, they occasionally return to live there for short periods of time.
Amalienborg, the Danish household’s main residence, pictured
The family’s spring home of Fredensborg Palace, pictured
The Danish Queen’s personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, pictured
The Royal Danish family’s summer residence of Grasten Slot, pictured
Many of the Danish Royal Family’s properties are owned by the state, and run by the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties.
This includes the main residence of Amalienborg, their spring home of Fredensborg palace, their summer house of Gråsten Palace and the hunting lodge Eremitageslottet .
The Danish Queen’s personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, Château de Caix in France, and the royal hunting lodge in Jutland at Trend.
However despite living a fairly lavish lifestyle, with a successful career, her personal life hasn’t been without controversy,
She has faced years of criticism for her smoking habits, which regularly hit the headlines.
The Danish royal has come under fire repeatedly for her longtime habit, but she has never bent to pressure and when questioned on whether she would ever quit, has replied: ‘I have no problem’.
Among those fellow royals with whom Queen Margrethe enjoys a close relationship are Queen Mazima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
A Swedish newspaper was outraged when the Queen smoked during a visit to asthmatic residents of a nursing home during a royal visit.
In 2001 a study by Professor Hugo Kesteloot appeared to blame Queen Margrethe’s popularity for the rate of female deaths due to smoking in Denmark.
But the royal family were immovable. Her husband Prince Henrik, an ex-smoker himself, said at the time: ‘We must not be impressed or influenced by political correctness. Let people die from smoking if they want. It’s their business.’
The Queen has kept her smoking habit a more private affair in recent years after facing continuous backlash for lighting up in public.
Meanwhile her marriage with Crown Prince Henrik was often in the headlines.
In a 2002 interview, Henrik stunned Danes by saying he felt he had been pushed aside in his own home, not only by his wife but also by his son.
Then, in 2015 he announced he would be unable to attend her 75th birthday celebrations due to illness- but was spotted, days later, at the most popular squares in Venice.
Resenting never being named king, in 2016, he renounced the title of prince consort and spent much of his time at a chateau on a vineyard in southwestern France, although he remained married to the queen and officially still lived with her.
In 2017, her husband Henrik surprised many Danes when he broke a 459-year-old tradition by announcing his choice not to be buried in the tomb that has been prepared for him and his wife.
In an interview with Danish magazine Se og Hør, the Prince explained just how deep his grudge against the Queen was.
‘If she wants to bury me with her, she must make me a king consort,’ he said. ‘Finished. I do not care.’
He went on: ‘My wife hasn’t shown me the respect an ordinary wife should show her spouse…she’s the one playing me for a fool.’
Over the years, Queen Margrethe was regularly pictured alongside her family and grandchildren on outings and holidays (pictured, in 2016)
Shortly afterwards, the palace issued a statement saying that he had dementia.
When he died in 2018, she was pictured weeping at his funeral, despite their tumultuous relationship.
Elsewhere, she has made a number of controversial comments surrounding immigration in her country.
In 2016, she raised eyebrows in Denmark for passages in a book, The Deepest Root, saying: ‘It’s not a law of nature that one becomes Danish by living in Denmark. It doesn’t necessarily happen.’
Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales visited Copenhagen to meet with Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary
Earlier this year, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee with a number of events (pictured, at the e Royal Theatre’s Old Stage in Copenhagen. 50th Jubilee Gala performance)
She went on to say that certain groups of people are better at integrating than others.
Despite her comments, she went on to celebrate her Golden Jubilee earlier this year, marking the occasion with a large gala held in the Royal Theatre of Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen.
Meanwhile she also attended the Queen’s funeral in London last month, where she was seen exchanging a close embrace with King Charles during a Buckingham Palace reception.
Until recent days she seemingly enjoyed a close relationship with both sons and all eight of her grandchildren, and made regular appearances with both families.
However there is now said to be an ‘ice-cold air’ between the Queen and her grandchildren.
Last month, she travelled to the UK to pay her respects to Queen Elizabeth after her death alongside her son Crown Prince Frederik
Queen Margrethe attended the ‘reception of the century’ at Buckingham Palace, which was hosted by King Charles and Camilla before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
‘There is ice-cold air between Queen Margrethe and her grandchildren after she decided that they will lose their titles as prince and princess from the New Year,’ leading Danish publication Ekstra Bladet reported.
‘The news, which has crushed both the four children and their parents, was not delivered by the queen herself.
‘They have not been called to Amalienborg for a cold coke and an explanation as to why they must henceforth be addressed as counts and countesses. Not even that far.’
Queen Margrethe of Denmark and son Crown Prince Christian REFUSE to answer reporters’ questions on royal titles as they attend the state opening of parliament in their first joint outing since the bombshell announcement
Queen Margrethe of Denmark and her eldest son refused to answer questions regarding the fallout of last week’s bombshell royal titles as they arrived at the state opening of parliament on Tuesday.
Margrethe, 82, was joined by Crown Prince Frederick, 54, and his wife Crown Princess Mary, 50, at the opening of the Folketing, in Copenhagen.
The assembled press asked a flurry of questions to all three royals on their arrival but the trio ‘chose with big smiles to turn their backs to the press and talk among themselves before they entered Christiansborg’, the seat of the Danish parliament, according to local news outlet BT.
The royals put on an upbeat display and smiled to each other as they took their seats ahead of the opening. Margrethe opted for a vibrant mint dress and matching hat, while Australian-born Mary looked more sombre in grey.
It comes hours after Queen Margrethe issued a public apology for her decision to strip four of her grandchildren – the sons and daughters of her youngest son, Prince Joachim – of their royal titles.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark and her eldest son refused to answer questions regarding the fallout of last week’s bombshell royal titles as they arrived at the state opening of parliament on Tuesday
Margrethe, 82, was joined by Crown Prince Frederick and his wife Crown Princess Mary at the opening of the Folketing, in Copenhagen. Princess Mary looked slightly strained as she took her seat, pictured
The royals put on an upbeat display and smiled to each other as they took their seats ahead of the opening. Margrethe opted for a vibrant mint dress and matching hat, while Australian-born Mary looked more sombre in grey
She said she was sorry for hurting her family with the ‘difficult decision’ but insisted it was the right choice.
And according to Danish royal commentators, the public statement is ‘completely unusual’ and shows how serious the conflict within the family has become.
They added the Queen likely fears coming across as an ‘ice queen’, following several emotive public statements from Joachim in which he spoke of how his children had been ‘harmed’ by their grandmother’s decision.
Speaking to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet, royal house expert Lars Hovbakke Sørensen said: ‘It is a completely unusual situation, it is historic, and it shows something about the seriousness that the Queen feels called to make such a personal announcement in a press release.
‘It is quite unusual and she has never done this before. It shows that there is a huge conflict.’
Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark (pictured) have admitted their relationship with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary is ‘complicated’ – and that they still haven’t heard from Margrethe II after she stripped four of her grandchildren of their royal titles
Mr Sørensen added the Queen’s statement was a way of ‘trying to close this conflict’ and draw a line under it, following several days of turbulence between the monarch and her youngest son.
Last Thursday Prince Joachim told Ekstra Bladet his children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, had been ‘hurt’ by their grandmother’s decision to remove their princely titles and make them counts and countesses as of 1 January 2023, adding he had only had a few days to break the news to them before it was announced publicly.
He also admitted his relationship with his brother Crown Prince Frederik is ‘complicated’ – and that he hadn’t heard from his mother Queen Margrethe II after she stripped his children of their royal titles.
However, according to Mr Sørensen: ‘You cannot have members or former members of the royal house constantly speaking in the press about the Queen’s decision and discussing back and forth with each other in full public view.’
He added Queen Margrethe ‘had to say something’ following Prince Joachim’s public comments.
The appearance from Queen Margrethe came hours after she had released a bombshell statement about her decision to strip her grandchildren of their titles (left and right)
The royal threesome, who sat side-by-side for the state opening of Parliament today, refused to answer questions regarding the fallout of last week’s bombshell royal titles
At one stage, Crown Princess Mary and Frederik appeared to smile as they watched the state opening of parliament earlier today
Meanwhile Frederik also leaned in towards his wife Crown Princess Mary as they two appeared to exchange a few words in the Copenhagen parliament building today
Frederik, who only recently returned from a week long sailing holiday in St Tropez, appeared to lean towards his mother the Queen at one stage
The group of Danish royals appeared pensive as they stood for the opening of the Parliament earlier this morning in Copenhagen
Queen Margrethe, who recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee, wore a bright turquoise outfit as she arrived for the occasion this afternoon
Crown Prince Frederik, who recently returned from a sailing holiday in St Tropez, joined his wife Crown Princess Mary at the event, and appeared in good spirits as they greeted Princess Benedikte (left and right)
Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik welcomed Queen Margrethe with a close embrace as they arrived side-by-side at the Danish Parliament today
Queen Margrethe put on a friendly display with Princess Benedikte as they arrived at the parliament building this morning (pictured left and right)
The Queen was joined by Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte as they arrived at the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen this morning
Crown Princess Mary was elegant today in a smart grey coat dress which she paired with dark purple accessories and a pair of white heels (left and right)
In a statement released online, the Queen said she had made the decision as ‘a mother, grandmother and monarch’ and ‘no one should doubt’ her family are ‘her great pride and joy’
In a statement last night, the monarch admitted she had ‘underestimated’ the impact of her actions but said was ‘a long time coming’ and it had been made as ‘a Queen, mother and grandmother.’
Another royal expert, Jacob Heinel Jensen, agreed the Queen felt ‘compelled’ to issue a public statement about the reported animosity and told B.T. the Queen’s statement reflected the ‘crazy situation’ the Danish Royal Household finds itself in.
He added it is likely she did not want to make a public apology about her decision, but that Prince Joachim’s public comments left her with no choice but to address the accusations.
Mr Heinel Jensen said: ‘Queen Margrethe has felt compelled to [issue a statement], and it is because the Royal House is of course afraid that she will appear like an ice queen, which she has become in the past week. This is of course an attempt to say that she is not, she also feels it and is upset about the situation.’
He added he thought the Queen’s decision was the right one – although he was unsure if it would calm Prince Joachim’s strong feelings about his mother’s decision.
The Queen’s statement read: ‘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.’
She continued: ‘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.’
Meanwhile she signed off the note; ‘MARGRETHE R.’
According to Mr Sørensen, the incredibly personal statement, which includes the Queen’s admission she had ‘underestimated’ how seriously her grandchildren would be affected by the change, shows how serious the conflict within the family is.
The statement was released after it emerged Prince Frederik has spent the last week in St Tropez taking part in a sailing competition – while his brother expressed his sadness that his children were to be stripped of theit titles.
Prince Frederik joined friends to defend the prestigious BMW Trophy, which they also won in 2021.
Pictured together: Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary, Princess Marie and Prince Joachim of Denmark pose at the Paris town hall in October 2019
Her&Nu reported the royal arrived in the exclusive St. Tropez last weekend to take part in the Les Voiles Saint Tropez race with the TP52 boat Nanoq.
In a photograph from the event which was taken on Friday, the royal can be seen posing on a boat topless in the sunshine.
The Crown Prince appeared to recline on the boat as he chatted with friends during his seven day visit to the country last week.
The news comes after Frederik’s brother Joachim and his second wife Marie admitted their relationship is ‘complicated’.
A bitter royal row within the household has unfolded in recent days after Queen Margrethe, 82, announced she would be removing princely titles from Joachim’s children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10. Pictured, Marie, Joachim, Mary and Frederik on 11 September 2022 in Denmark
As of January 1, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, will become Counts and Countesses, and will be known as Their Excellencies, it was announced on Wednesday. Pictured, the children with Prince Joachim and Princess Marie on September 11, 2022
Speaking to B.T. they also said Queen Margrethe has ‘unfortunately not’ tried to speak to them, with Joachim adding: ‘It’s also family. Or whatever we want to call it.’
During the interview, B.T reported that a French woman approached the royal couple and told them their children will ‘always be princes and princesses to her’, apparently leaving Marie and Joachim in tears.
Elsewhere, Marie, the mother of Joachim’s two youngest children, told the Danish news outlet that her daughter Athena is being bullied at school after the decision was publicly announced earlier this week.
‘They come and say (to Athena): Is it you who is no longer a princess?,’ she said, adding that her children were put under the public spotlight and so she feels the need to defend them.
Last week, Joachim hit out at his mother Margrethe’s decision, saying it ‘punished’ his children, as well as claiming he had only been told the news five days before it was made public – despite the Royal Household insisting the move ‘has been a long time coming’.
Front: Queen Margrethe, Middle Row (left to right): Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Princess Athena, Prince Henrik. Back row (left to right): Princess Benedikte, Princess Isabella, Crown Princess Mary, Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Christian, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Prince Felix and Prince Nikolai in a portrait celebrating Queen Margrethe’s Golden Jubilee
The Danish Royal Family tree. Prince Joachim’s children Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, will all be losing their titles on January 1 2023
Meanwhile, Princess Mary came out in public support of her mother-in-law’s move while speaking in an interview with Ekstra Bladet in Copenhagen on Friday, saying that while ‘change can be extremely difficult and can really hurt… this does not mean that the decision is not the right one’.
The oldest son of Australian-born Princess Mary, 50, and Frederik is Prince Christian, 16, who is second-in-line to the throne.
Frederick and Mary’s four children – Prince Christian, 16, Princess Isabella, 15, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 11 – remain unaffected by the monarch’s decision as they are direct descendants of the future King.
However Princess Mary suggested that might not always be the case, saying they will ‘also look at [their] children’s titles when the time comes’.
Speaking about the monarch’s intention to slim down the Danish royal family, Joachim said: ‘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.’
Commenting on Princess Mary’s point that her children may too lose titles in the future, Joachim said: ‘I don’t know how they feel if they have to think it through. Now is preparation time. We didn’t have that.’
Last week, commenting on his children’s reaction to the move to B.T., Joachim said his children ‘don’t know which leg to stand on as their identity is removed’ – and questioned ‘why must they be punished in that way?’.
Prince Joachim of Denmark (pictured) has once again hit out at his mother Queen Margrethe II’s decision to strip his four children of their royal titles
Speaking in Copenhagen (pictured) Crown Princess Mary of Denmark defended her mother-in-law Queen Margrethe’s decision to strip four of her grandchildren of their royal titles, and suggested her own children’s positions might not be secure
Australian-born Princess Mary, 50, is the wife of Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, who is Queen Margrethe II’s eldest son and heir. Their eldest son, Prince Christian, 16, is second-in-line to the throne behind his father Frederick. Pictured, Mary and Frederick with their children (from left) Isabella, Josephine, Christian and Vincent earlier this month
The prince, who is Margrethe’s youngest son, said: ‘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 and mudslinging,’ said Joachim. ‘I am telling the truth… I was given five days notice… I was given five days’ notice of this. To tell my children that on New Year’s their identity will be taken from them.’
He added that in May, he was presented with a plan that his ‘children’s identity should be taken from them when each of them turned 25’, to which he asked ‘to be allowed to come back with my proposal’.
But he said he was given just five days notice that the decision was to be accelerated, adding: ‘I am so sorry for my children. I just demand the truth.’
Speaking at a function at the National Museum in Copenhagen on Wednesday night, pictured, 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’
Prince Nikolai said that he is sad, shocked and confused after his royal title was stripped ‘quickly’. Pictured modelling during the Dior Pre-Fall 2019 Men’s Collection show on November 30, 2018 in Tokyo
His ex-wife, Countess Alexandra, the mother of his two eldest children, added in a statement to Danish magazine Se og Hør: ‘This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracized. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.’
Her spokesperson Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen told another news organisation that Joachim learned of his children’s fate via an aide.
Queen Margrethe spoke neither to her sons nor her grandchildren, it is claimed.
Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix’s mother says she’s ‘in shock’ by move to strip them of their royal titles
Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg – Prince Joachim’s ex-wife and mother to Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix – said she is ‘in shock’ over Queen Margrethe II of Denmark’s decision to strip her sons of their royal titles.
Nikolai, 23, and Felix, 20, along with their younger siblings Prince Henri, 13, and Princess Athen, 10, from their father’s second marriage, will all have their titles of prince and princess removed from January 1 2023, the palace announced yesterday.
‘We are all confused by the decision. We are saddened and in shock,’ Alexandra said in a statement from her press advisor Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen, reported Danish magazine Se og Hør.
The statement continued: ‘This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracised. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.’
Earlier this month, Alexandra attended Queen Margrethe’s Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Danish Royal Theatre in Copenhagen.
Prince Joachim married his second wife Princess Marie in 2008, and they later welcomed Prince Henrik and Princess Athena
‘The children have received the message that they are losing their titles, delivered by their father, just as Countess Alexandra was told by Prince Joachim,’ the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, speaking about the decision last Wednesday, 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.’
And the Royal Household released another statement, saying: ‘As the Queen stated yesterday, the decision has been a long time coming.
‘We understand that there are many emotions at stake at the moment, but we hope that the Queen’s wish to future-proof the Royal Household will be respected.’
Prince Nikolai, a model, also spoke out last week, telling Ekstra Bladet: ‘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 am very confused as to why it has to happen like this,’ he told reporters from outside the Copenhagen apartment where he lives with his girlfriend.
Countess Alexandra, Prince Joachim’s ex-wife and mother to Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix, is also ‘very sad’ and ‘shocked’ about the decision.
‘She can’t believe why and why now, because there’s no good reason,’ Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen, press secretary to Countess Alexandra told CNN.
‘They would lose their titles anyway when they get married one day. Her sons are young men so maybe they might get married in the near future so why shouldn’t it wait until that day so that the titles would disappear on a happy day?’
Under the agreement, Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena will be known as either His Excellency Count of Monpezat or Her Excellency Countess of Monpezat from January 1, 2023.
However they will maintain their positions in the order of succession.
They are currently seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth, but would move down if any of Crown Prince Frederick’s children were to have children.
Margrethe, who is the world’s longest serving queen and celebrates her Golden Jubilee this year, is affectionately known as ‘aunt Daisy’ by European royals due to her close personal ties with many reigning monarchs.
She is a first cousin of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and a second cousin of Norway’s King Harald V.
She enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, a distant cousin, and the Duke of Edinburgh, and shared deeply personal tributes following their deaths. She was joined by her son Crown Prince Frederick at the Queen’s funeral earlier this month.
The Queen seemingly enjoys a close relationship with both sons and all eight of her grandchildren, and makes regular appearances with both families. However there is now said to be an ‘ice-cold air’ between the Queen and her grandchildren.
Countess Alexandra’s press secretary questioned why the change could not have waited until their wedding day, when her sons would ‘lose their titles anyway’. Pictured, Alexandra Countess Of Frederiksborg
The move is said to have driven a wedge between Margrethe and her four grandchildren. Pictured, the Queen (centre) with sons Joachim (left) and Crown Prince Frederick (right). Also pictured: Crown Prince Frederick’s wife, Crown Princess Mary (right) and son Prince Christian (in his lap) and Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix (left) who will be affected by the change
Prince Nikolai, from left, Princess Marie, Prince Joachim and Prince Felix arrive for the command performance at the Danish Royal Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of Danish Queen Margrethe II’s accession to the throne in Copenhagen, Saturday, September 10, 2022
Prince Nikolai of Denmark celebrated his 23rd birthday in August at home with his parents and siblings in Copenhagen. Pictured left with Prince Felxi, 20, Prince Henrick, 13 and Princess Athena, ten
Nikolai with his stepmother Princess Marie, siblings, and father Prince Joachim, on the balcony of Amalienborg palace during the Danish Queen’s 78th Birthday in April 2018
‘There is ice-cold air between Queen Margrethe and her grandchildren after she decided that they will lose their titles as prince and princess from the New Year,’ leading Danish publication Ekstra Bladet reported.
‘The news, which has crushed both the four children and their parents, was not delivered by the queen herself.
‘They have not been called to Amalienborg for a cold coke and an explanation as to why they must henceforth be addressed as counts and countesses. Not even that far.’
Out of a title: The four grandchildren who will no longer be TRHs
Nikolai of Denmark, 23: The Copenhagen Business School student and model regularly tops lists of the world’s most eligible bachelors. He lives in Denmark but has jetted around the world to walk for designers in Paris and London. Nikolai has also appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia.
Felix of Denmark, 20: Following in his brother’s footsteps, Prince Felix has also had success as a model and has starred in an advertising campaign for Georg Jensen. He had a short stint at the Royal Danish Military Academy but quit after two months because it ‘wasn’t for him’.
Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, of Denmark: The youngest of Prince Joachim’s four children, Henrik and Athena are the product of his second marriage to Princess Marie. They live with their parents in Paris.
Queen Margrethe has a well-cushioned allowance, with the Danish Civil List granting her £800,813 a month, or £9.6 million for the year to run the royal household – including staff, properties and administration, according to Business Insider.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Net Worth lists her net worth at around £37million.
Around £183,750 per month is reportedly given to the Queen’s children. Crown Prince Frederik receives the largest amount of this money, of which 10 per cent is given to his wife, Princess Mary.
Many of the Danish Royal Family’s properties are owned by the state, and run by the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties.
This includes the main residence of Amalienborg, their spring home of Fredensborg palace, their summer house of Gråsten Palace and the hunting lodge Eremitageslottet .
The Danish Queen’s personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, Château de Caix in France, and the royal hunting lodge in Jutland at Trend.
Prince Joachim lives with his second wife Princess Marie in Paris, where he has been working as a Defense Attaché at the Danish Embassy since September 2020 – but when he returns home to Denmark it is sometimes to the Schackenborg Castle in southern Jutland.
The estate was the prince’s private residence from 1993 to 2014, before he sold the property.
But since Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are on the board of the Schackenborg Castle Foundation, they occasionally return to live there for short periods of time.
In the summer of 2020, Prince Joachim suffered a stroke while holidaying in France with his family and had to be rushed into hospital for emergency brain surgery.
Prince Joachim’s eldest sons, Felix and Nikolai, are Margrethe’s eldest grandsons and have embraced a life in the public eye.
The 20-somethings, who both live in Denmark, both enrolled in the National Military Academy but dropped out before completing their studies.
They have enjoyed flourishing careers as models, posing for several advert campaigns and on the cover of magazines.
Both of Margrethe’s grandsons turned to modelling in their late teens. Pictured with their grandmother in May 2021
Princess Marie with Prince Joachim, Prince Felix, Prince Nikolai, Princess Athena and Prince Henrick with Joachim’s first wife’s Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg in 2020
Nikolai caught international attention in 2018 when he walked in the Burberry show at London Fashion week, before a front row that included Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Dockery, Naomi Watts, Zendaya, and Idris Elba.
He is signed to Scoop Models agency in Denmark and has been multiplying his modelling gigs.
He sent royal fans into a frenzy in February when he graced the cover of Vogue Scandinavia.
The 23-year-old oozed sophistication when appearing in the magazine and looked effortlessly stylish in a matching pink Dior jacket and trousers as he posed in front of a number of colourful flowers.
When he is not modelling, Nikolai is studying Business Administration and Service Management at the In 2019, Prince Nikolai began his B education at Copenhagen Business School.
Queen Margrethe and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Margrethe tested positive for Covid-19 only 24 hours after Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday September 19
Queen Margrethe was pictured out and about for the first time on Monday after testing positive for Covid-19 last week. She attended a gala dinner at the Grand Hotel in Oslo after receiving the Nordic Association’s Language Award
Last year he was living in Paris as part of a school exchange, and could see his younger siblings and his dad more easily.
At the end of last year, he started training at the Royal Danish Military Academy to become an Army Lieutenant, but in October it was announced that he’d quit after just two months because it ‘wasn’t for him’.
Prince Felix chose to make his modelling debut for jeweller Georg Jensen, appearing in pictures and an advert promoting the new Reflect collection of necklaces, earrings and rings.
The royal is further down the line of succession, pursuing his own career path rather than being a ‘working royal’ was expected choice for Felix even before his grandmother’s announcement, and modelling is certainly a popular choice for minor royals across the globe.
While they are growing to be their own person, Felix and Nikolai do attend royal events on occasion. They both looked very dapper as they attended the celebrations for their grandmother’s golden jubilee with their parents in early September.
Source: Read Full Article
