Harry and Meghan are not the only royals to be at odds with their family, they are just the most high- profile and with their constant airing of dirty laundry, command the greatest attention.
The Danish royal house, with Queen Margrethe II at the head, has just as much drama, only, as a somewhat minor monarchy, it doesn’t attract the same attention as the British.
Just as Harry and Meghan kicked up a fuss about their standing in the hierarchy and left the “Firm” when they couldn’t have their way, so has Prince Joachim of Denmark. In this case, the offense was perpetrated by his mother the Queen when, in an attempt to modernize and streamline the monarchy, as King Charles is aiming to do in the UK, she stripped her grandchildren of the title of prince and princess last year.
To say the least, Joachim took it badly. He too left the country and moved to France. Now he’s planning to move to the US just as the Sussexes did before them.
No more Prince or Princess, Joachim’s children were demoted to count/countess of Monpezat in early 2023. Like Harry and Meghan, the parents took to the media to complain, explaining that “the children are suffering” and that the former Princess Athena is now being shunned in school because she is no longer a princess.
Following the announcement, the prince hasn’t talked to his mother, his brother Crown Prince Frederik or his sister-in-law Crown Princess Mary following the shocking news. Joachim also claimed that the monarchy “unfortunately” had not connected with them since the announcement of the title changes.
“It’s also family. Or whatever we want to call it,” he said.
Joachim is sixth in line to the Danish throne. His children will maintain their places in the order of succession, which is currently seventh through 10th.
There is no acrimony on the part of the palace. “With her decision, Her Majesty The Queen wishes to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves”.
It is believed the change was made to streamline the monarchy’s future. However, Joachim argued that family should come first.
The queen, 82, apologized for upsetting members of her family with the decision. However, she refused to change her mind.
“It is my duty and my desire as queen to ensure that the monarchy always shapes itself in keeping with the times. Sometimes, this means that difficult decisions must be made, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment,” she said in a statement.
When asked how the decision had affected his relationship with his mother, Joachim replied, “I don’t think I need to elaborate here.”
