Denmark’s Queen strips grandkids of royal titles
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has stripped four of her grandchildren of their royal titles in hopes they will be “able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent”.
The Queen has two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, and eight grandchildren.
Her sons, their wives, and children all have the titles of count and countess of Monpezat, referring to Margrethe's husband, who was born Henri de Laborde de Monpezat.
Prince Joachim’s children - Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13 and Princess Athena, 10 - will not be able to use their “prince” and “princess” titles from January 1, 2023.
Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary’s children are not affected by the decision.
“Her Majesty has decided that, as of 1 January 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Joachim's descendants can only use their titles as counts and countess of Monpezat, as the titles of prince and princess that they have held up until now will be discontinued," the Danish royal household said in a statement.
"Prince Joachim's descendants will thus have to be addressed as excellencies in the future.
“The Queen’s decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years.
“With her decision, Her Majesty The Queen wishes 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 duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves.”
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