Denmark’s Queen Margarethe apologizes to her family for stripping her grandchildren of the royal title, but insists it was the right choice
Queen Margrethe of Denmark has apologized to her family for the “difficult” decision to strip some of her grandchildren of their royal titles, but insists it was the right choice.
A bitter row within the Danish royal house has unfolded in recent days after Margrethe, 82, announced she would strip the princely titles of Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik , 13, and Princess Athena, 10.
From 1 January 2023, they will become Earls and Countesses and will be known as Their Excellencies rather than His Royal Highness.
A few days ago, Prince Joachim admitted that his relationship with his brother, Crown Prince Frederik, was “complicated” and that he had not heard from his mother, Queen Margrethe II, after stripping his children of their royal titles.
The princes and their wives
In a statement last night, October 3, Queen Margarethe said she made the decision as ‘queen, mother and grandmother’.
The statement read: “In recent days, there have been strong reactions to my decision on the future use of titles for Prince Joachim’s four children. This obviously affects me.
The Queen with the family of Prince Joachim
“My decision was a long one. With my 50 years on the throne, it’s natural to both look back and look forward.
“It is my duty and my wish as Queen to ensure that the monarchy continues to shape itself in tune with the times.
“It sometimes requires making tough decisions, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment.
“Wearing a royal title entails a number of obligations and duties, which in future will fall to fewer members of the royal family.
“This adaptation, which I see as a necessary safeguard for the future of the monarchy, I want to do in my time.”
She continued: “I made my decision as queen, mother and grandmother, but as mother and grandmother, I underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel. affected. It makes a big impression and I’m sorry about that.
“No one should doubt that my children, stepchildren and grandchildren are my great joy and pride.
“I hope now that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation on our own.”
