Prince Joachim, the youngest son of Queen Margrethe of Denmark, was present at the momentous occasion of his brother Frederik’s ascension to the throne. He arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, dressed in his military uniform, to witness the event. While he did not join King Frederik, Queen Mary, and their children on the balcony, he was observed behind-the-scenes. However, noticeably absent were Joachim’s wife, Princess Marie, and their two children, Count Henrik and Countess Athena.
The absence of Princess Marie and their children from the ceremony was explained by a palace spokesperson, who revealed that they were in Washington D.C., where the family is currently based. This is due to Henrik and Athena’s schooling in the US capital, as Joachim serves as a defense industry attaché at the Danish Embassy. Alas, their absence meant that the family was unable to witness this historic moment together.
In addition to Princess Marie and their children, Joachim’s two older sons, Count Nikolai and Count Felix, were also not present at the formal ceremony. Nikolai expressed his sentiments on Instagram before Queen Margrethe’s abdication, sharing three childhood photos and captioning them as “Sweet memories.” The reasons for their absence are not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that they may have had prior commitments or personal reasons.
Queen Margrethe caused some upset within the family when she decided to strip Joachim’s four children of their royal titles in autumn 2022. Instead, she chose to stylize them as Count and Countess of Monpezat, rather than prince or princess. Joachim publicly expressed his shock and sadness, stating that it was difficult to see his children being mistreated in such a manner. Queen Margrethe later apologized for the decision, acknowledging that she had underestimated the impact on her youngest son and his family.
In her public apology, Queen Margrethe stated that her duty as a Queen is to ensure that the monarchy adapts to the times. She explained that wearing a royal title comes with numerous obligations and tasks, and she believed that fewer members of the royal family should bear these responsibilities in the future. While she acknowledged the hurt caused to Joachim’s family, she emphasized that her decision was made with careful consideration for the monarchy’s future. Queen Margrethe hopes that the family can find peace and navigate through this situation together.
Queen Margrethe announced her decision to abdicate in her New Year’s address. Interestingly, she only informed her sons, Frederik and Prince Joachim, three days prior to the public announcement. This suggests that the decision was a closely guarded secret until the appropriate time for disclosure. The news of Queen Margrethe’s abdication likely brought a mix of emotions for Joachim and Frederik, as they prepare to take on their new roles within the monarchy.
As the Danish royal family navigates through this transitional period, they received support from an unexpected guest. Queen Mary’s elder sister, Jane Stephens, flew all the way from Australia to be present in Denmark during this significant time. Her presence signifies the united front that the royal family presents, despite any internal struggles or controversies they may face.
Prince Joachim’s presence at his brother Frederik’s ascension as King showcases the unity within the Danish royal family. While the absence of Princess Marie and their children, as well as the non-attendance of Joachim’s older sons, may have been disappointing to some, it is an opportunity for each individual to pursue their own commitments and responsibilities. The decision to strip Joachim’s children of their royal titles was undoubtedly a controversial one, but Queen Margrethe’s apology emphasized her desire to ensure the monarchy’s future viability. As the royal family evolves and adapts, they will have the support of one another and loved ones like Queen Mary’s sister, Jane Stephens, to navigate through any challenges that may arise.
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