Queen Margrethe II has made a shocking announcement that she would be stripping the royal titles of four of her grandchildren. Taken aback are not only the citizens, but other members of the Royal family as well.
The Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, and although it is more of an institution that doesn't retain its ruling power, the members of the Royal family are still active proponents of various charitable endeavors and hold positions as ambassadors to important roles for the country, thus this decision could have various implications.
Who is affected
The statement was made public through the Royal website Kongehuset detailing the fact that 'as of January 1, 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Joachim’s descendants can only use their titles as counts and countess of Monpezat, as the titles of prince and princess that they have held up until now will be discontinued.'
According to The Independent, this title change would affect Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik, and Princess Athena. Although their titles are stripped, it was made clear that their places in the order of succession remain the same.
The reasoning
The official statement notes that this is a decision taken by Her Majesty to ensure that the four children are able to lead their own lives without being limited by Royal duties and associations with the Royal family. The clarification on them retaining their order of succession implies that they are very much still members of the Royal family.
Following the release of the statement, Queen Margrethe II further elaborated on her decision to clarify any misunderstandings.
Hello Magazine notes the Queen's response:
It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time and I think it will be good for them in their future. That is the reason.
When she was asked if this was for the sake of the children, she responded saying 'Yes, of course' and further dismissed any notions about this being a move to ostracize the children, saying 'Well, you have to see how you ... I haven't seen it myself, I must say.'
The response of other Royal members
This decision hasn't entirely gone well with other Royal members of the family. Prince Joachim's ex-wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg expressed her shock and confusion about this sudden decision.
People Magazine reports on her response:
This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracised. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.
This decision by Queen Margrethe II isn't entirely surprising as other monarchies have implemented the same measures. For example, The Independent reports on Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf making a similar decision of stripping the titles of his grandchildren through Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill, and Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sophia.
This decision comes in contrast to speculations on whether King Charles III would give the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle royal titles. Although not much is known about this at the moment, the decision made by Queen Margrethe II may be reflected in the British Royal family as well.
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