Prince Nikolai William Alexander Frederik was born on 28 August 1999 at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen to Prince Joachim and his first wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg. Formally styled as His Highness Prince Nikolai of Denmark, Count of Monpezat, Nikolai is the eldest grandchild of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her late husband, Prince Henrik and is currently seventh in line to the Danish throne.
Christened in the chapel of Fredensborg Palace on 6 November 1999, Prince Nikolai’s godparents include Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (his paternal uncle), Nicola Baird (his maternal aunt), Camilla Flint, Peter Steenstrup and the Earl of Wessex, youngest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince on his confirmation day. © Kongehuset/Steen Brogaard
Prince Nikolai’s parents announced their separation in September 2004 and formally divorced in April 2005, though they have retained joint custody of the Prince and his younger brother, Prince Felix. Prince Joachim married his second wife – Prince Nikolai’s step-mother, Marie Cavallier, now Princess Marie of Denmark – in May 2008, and the couple has had two children – Prince Henrik and Princess Athena – who are half-siblings to Prince Nikolai.
Celebrations of his 18th birthday in 2017. © Kongehuset
Nikolai followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle when he attended Krebs School in Copenhagen before moving to Herlufsholm School at Næstved, where he received his upper secondary education. He was confirmed in a formal ceremony in front of his immediate family and godparents in May 2013 at Fredensborg Palace Church, and he has recently been admitted to Hærens Sergentskole in Varde where he will train as a reserve officer for the next two years.
2018 also saw Prince Nikolai’s professional debut as a fashion model when he walked the runway for Burberry at London Fashion Week. It was also announced that he has signed a contract with Denmark-based Scoop Models. Though the career choice could potentially conflict with royal protocol, the Prince is said to have the full support of his parents in this new endeavour. Prince Joachim has been quoted as saying that “Nikolai’s future shall be conducted entirely by his own plan”.
