Danish Queen Margrethe II has issued a public statement in reaction to the criticism she has received for withdrawing the royal titles of four of her grandchildren.
The 82-year-old monarch revealed on Wednesday that beginning in 2023, the offspring of her youngest son, Prince Joachim of Denmark, will no longer be styled as “prince” or “princess.”
This decision impacts Prince Nikolai, age 23, Prince Felix, age 10, Prince Henrik, age 13, and Princess Athena, age 10. According to the initial announcement on the royal website, the children would still be able to use the titles of count and countess of Monpezat.
The royal family of Denmark reacted strongly to the decision. Prince Joachim expressed his dissatisfaction in a statement written to the Danish publication Ekstra Bladet on Thursday.
“We’re all pretty depressed. It’s never enjoyable to witness such mistreatment of your children “he told the publication They find themselves in a scenario that they do not comprehend.
According to an English translation provided by the New York Post, Nikolai told the same publication that he was “shocked” by the decision and “quite perplexed as to why it must occur in this manner.”
Margrethe wrote the following on the royal family’s website on Monday: “In recent days, my decision on the future usage of titles for Prince Joachim’s four children has been met with intense opposition. This impacts me, obviously.”
“My choice has been a long time in the making. With fifty years on the throne, it is natural for me to both look back and forward. As queen, it is my duty and goal to ensure that the monarchy is continually evolving with the times. Occasionally, this necessitates the making of challenging decisions, and it will always be tough to pinpoint the ideal time “She said.
She continued by stating that royal titles entail obligations and responsibilities that will fall on fewer members of the royal family in the future, which she considers vital for “future-proofing” the monarchy.
“As Queen, mother, and grandmother, I have taken a decision, but as mother and grandmother, I have miscalculated the extent to which my younger son and his family are affected. “I apologize for making such an impression,” Margrethe added, adding that her children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren are “my greatest delight and pride.”
She said, “I now hope that we as a family may find the tranquility we need to navigate this situation.”
Queen Margrethe and Prince Joachim’s representatives did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
