After a week of controversy amidst her decision to strip titles from her grandchildren, Queen Margrethe has released a second statement apologising to Prince Joachim’s family for how it was handled.
In a statement released via the Danish Royal Court on Monday, Queen Margrethe said: “There have been strong reactions in recent days to my decision to the future use of titles for Prince Joachim’s four children. Of course, it affects me. My decision has been long made.”
She continued, noting that this has not been a quick or recent decision but, “With my 50 years on the throne, it’s only natural to look back and to look forward. It is my duty and desire as Queen to ensure that the Monarchy is forever forming in pact with time.”
Last week Queen Margrethe announced that from 1 January, her grandchildren through her second son Prince Joachim — Princes Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Princess Athena — would lose their titles of Prince and Princess and would thereafter be known as Counts and Countess of Monzepat, a secondary title granted through their late grandfather Prince Henrik.
The Queen’s decision was swiftly condemned by Prince Joachim, his wife, Princess Marie, and his ex-wife, Countess Alexandra. All spoke with the press to share their feelings, with Prince Joachim revealing over the weekend that they were blindsided by the news, though the Royal Court disputes this, saying that he’d known about the changes since May.
“Unfortunately not. It’s also family. Or whatever we want to call it,” he said. At the same time, Princess Marie revealed that their daughter has been bullied at school over the news and that their relationship with the Crown Prince Couple is “complicated” but refused to elaborate.
Queen Margrethe addressed the hurt feelings, saying, “I have made my decision as a Queen, mother and grandmother, but as a mother and grandmother I have underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel.
“This makes a big impression, and I’m sorry for that. No one should doubt that my children, in-laws and grandchildren are my great joy and pride. I hope now we as a family can find peace to get through this situation ourselves.”
