Countess Alexandra has released a strong statement condemning the decision of her former mother-in-law, Queen Margrethe, to remove the princely status of the children and descendants of Prince Joachim.
On 28 September, the Danish Royal House issued a statement that said from 1 January 2023, the children of Prince Joachim will lose their princely status and will henceforth be known by the subsidiary titles they’ve held since 2008: Count or Countess of Monpezat.
This decision affects Princes Nikolai and Felix through their father’s first marriage to Countess Alexandra and Prince Henrik and Princess Athena through their father’s second marriage to Princess Marie. Despite the loss of titles, this decision does not affect their places in the line of succession.
In response to Queen Margrethe’s decision, Countess Alexandra issued a statement to Danish newspaper BT: “We are all confused by the decision. We are saddened and in shock. This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracised. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.”
Even more sensational than the statement itself is BT’s assertion that Countess Alexandra was speaking on behalf of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie as well. The newspaper wrote: “Press advisor Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen emphasises that the Countess is too affected by the Royal House’s sensational announcement to say more at this time.”
The Danish Royal House told reporters that Prince Joachim had been notified in May that his mother planned to make this change and was involved in the process.
Arriving at the National Museum on the evening of 28 September for a planned engagement, Queen Margrethe briefly spoke to reporters, insisting: “It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time, and I think it will be good for them in their future, and that is the reason.”
The Danish Queen did, however, become flustered when told that her grandchildren were upset at the decision, saying, “Well, you have to see how you… I haven’t seen it myself, I must say,” before she entered the museum.
From 1 January 2023, Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena will be titled Counts and Countess of Monpezat. Their styles will match Countess Alexandra’s: Their Excellencies.
