In spite of her “difficult” decision to deprive some of her grandchildren of their royal titles, Queen Margarethe of Denmark has apologised to her family and maintains that she made the correct decision.
Since Margrethe, 82, revealed that she would be withdrawing princely titles from Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, a furious feud has developed within the Danish Royal Household.
From January 1, 2023, they will no longer be addressed as His or Her Royal Highness but as Counts and Countesses, respectively.
Prince Joachim recently acknowledged that his connection with his brother Crown Prince Frederik is “difficult” and that he hasn’t heard from his mother Queen Margrethe II since she deposed his children from their royal titles.
Queen Margarethe stated in a statement on Sunday night, October 3, that she had made the choice in her capacity as “a Queen, mother, and grandmother.”
The statement read: “In recent days, there have been strong reactions to my decision on the future use of titles for Prince Joachim’s four children. It obviously affects me.
“My decision has been a long time coming. With my 50 years on the throne, it is natural both to look back and to look forward.
“It is my duty and my wish as Queen to ensure that the monarchy continues to shape itself in keeping with the times.
“It sometimes requires difficult decisions to be made, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment.
“Carrying a royal title entails a number of obligations and duties, which will in future be the responsibility of fewer members of the royal family.
“This adaptation, which I see as a necessary safeguard for the future of the monarchy, I want to make in my time.”
She continued: “I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother, but as a mother and grandmother I have underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel affected. It makes a big impression, and I’m sorry for that.
“No one should be in doubt that my children, children-in-law and grandchildren are my great joy and pride.
“I now hope that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation ourselves.”
