Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark publicly commented on the furore surrounding Queen Margrethe’s decision to remove the titles of her grandchildren through Prince Joachim, saying his mother made the right decision and that he supports it.
In an interview with Danish tabloid Billed Bladet released on 27 October, Crown Prince Frederik spoke at length about the decision to remove titles from his niece and nephews, how the time may come for his own children’s titles to be examined, and whether he is close to his brother Prince Joachim.
Speaking of Queen Margrethe’s decision, Crown Prince Frederik said, “My mother has made a decision which is hers alone. And I understand that. And, of course, I myself am interested in the Danish monarchy being so renewed or at least staying lean over time.”
At the end of September, Queen Margrethe shocked the world—and her own grandchildren, allegedly—by announcing that she planned to remove the princely titles from her grandchildren through Prince Joachim.
From 1 January 2023, Princes Nikolai, Felix and Henrik, and Princess Athena will all use the titles of Count or Countess of Monpezat, a title granted to them through their paternal grandfather.
Crown Prince Frederik declined to discuss how the titles of his own children, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine, may change in the future. However, Crown Princess Mary alluded to the fact that they may be examined at a later date.
Her husband simply said, “I consider that something that belongs in the future.”
Queen Margrethe explained her decision as wishing “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.”
Following much public outcry from Prince Joachim, Princess Marie and Joachim’s ex-wife Countess Alexandra, Queen Margrethe apologised for any hurt feelings but remained firm in her decision to remove the titles.
A few days later, Queen Margrethe released a second statement which read in part: “I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother, but, as a mother and grandmother, I have underestimated the extent to which much my younger son and his family feel affected. That makes a big impression, and for that, I am sorry.
“No one should be in doubt that my children, daughters-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.”
In an interview with a Danish broadcaster in France, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie described the complicated relationship they share with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary but declined to elaborate.
In response, Crown Prince Frederik on Thursday said: “I am in constant contact with my brother, always have been,” and added, “He is not at home at the moment. Or at least he’s stationed, but that doesn’t mean we don’t communicate.”
