Queen Margrethe perhaps saw the drama rumbling in the British royal family regarding titles for the monarch's grandchildren and has announced changes to the Danish royal family titles.
Margrethe has two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, and eight grandchildren. Both her sons—along with their spouses and descendants—have the titles of count and countess of Monpezat, referring to Margrethe's husband, who was born Henri de Laborde de Monpezat.
All the grandchildren also currently use the title "prince" and "princess." As of January 1, 2023, however, only Frederik's children will retain their prince and princess titles. "The Queen’s decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years," the Danish Royal Court said in a release. Joachim's children will remain in their place in the line of succession, and still be able to use their titles as counts and countess of Monpezat.
The Royal Court added, "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 a consideration I have had for quite a long time," the Danish queen told reporters after the decision was announced. "I think it will be good for them in their future."
Read the full release from the Danish Royal House below:
In April 2008, Her Majesty The Queen bestowed upon her sons, their spouses and their descendants the titles of count and countess of Monpezat. In May 2016, it was also announced that His Royal Highness Prince Christian, as the only one of The Queen’s grandchildren, is expected to receive an annuity from the state as an adult.
As a natural extension of this, Her Majesty has decided that, as of 1 January 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. Prince Joachim’s descendants will thus have to be addressed as excellencies in the future. The Queen’s decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years.
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.
All four grandchildren maintain their places in the order of succession.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
