Prince Joachim and Princess Marie recently shared a heartwarming photograph of their blended family enjoying a summer holiday together. The picture captured a rare moment of togetherness as the kids have clearly grown so much over the years. The Danish royal couple, along with their children, Count Henrik, 15, and Countess Athena, 12, have returned to their favourite vacation home, Château de Cayx in France, after living in Washington D.C. in the US.
The snap shared by Prince Joachim and Princess Marie showed Henrik and Athena posing in the gardens of the stunning property in southern France. They were joined by their half-brothers, Count Nikolai, 24, and Count Felix, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday. The four youngsters, dressed in smart-casual attire, were also accompanied by their adorable Bichon Frise named Cerise. In the background, the rolling countryside of the Danish royal family’s estate with vineyards can be seen, adding to the picturesque setting.
While Prince Joachim has been serving as the defense industry attaché at the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C., his eldest sons, Nikolai and Felix, have been making significant strides in their careers. Count Nikolai, in addition to his successful modeling career, recently graduated from the Copenhagen Business School with a Master of Science in Merchandising degree. On the other hand, Felix, who was previously enrolled at the Royal Danish Military Academy, now has a modeling gig at luxury jewelers, Georg Jensen. Both Henrik and Athena are continuing their education in Washington D.C., following the family’s relocation from Paris last summer.
A Nostalgic Recreation
Nikolai recently delighted his followers on Instagram by recreating a generational photograph at Château de Cayx. In the snapshot, he leaned out of the shutters in a pose reminiscent of his father, Prince Joachim, and his late grandfather, Prince Henrik. The caption accompanying the images read, “Three generations, same place, years apart,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and family heritage.
A Controversial Decision
In 2022, Queen Margrethe made a controversial decision to strip Joachim’s four children of their royal titles, replacing them with the titles of Count or Countess of Monpezat. This unexpected move shocked many within the family, causing major upset. Margrethe cited her desire for her grandchildren to shape their own lives without the constraints of royal obligations as the reason behind her decision. However, she later apologized to her grandchildren for the implications of her choice.
Château de Cayx holds a special place in the royal family’s heart, as Prince Henrik and Queen Margrethe purchased the property in 1974. It has since become a cherished tradition for the family to spend several weeks at the estate every summer. While Joachim, Marie, and their children enjoy their time in France, Joachim’s brother, King Frederik, and Queen Mary have taken up residence at Gråsten Palace in Denmark, continuing the tradition for the monarch.
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