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'King Charles take note': Internet reacts as Denmark's Queen Margrethe strips 4 grandchildren of titles

'The queen’s decision is in line with similar changes that other royal houses have carried out in recent years,' the palace stated

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK: Queen Margrethe has stripped four of her eight grandchildren of their royal titles, as well as their “His/Her Highness” titles. On Wednesday, September 28, the Danish royal declared her decision to refer to Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10 - the children of her second son, Prince Joachim - as “His Excellency Count of Monpezat” or “Her Excellency Countess of Monpezat” from January 1, 2023. However, the queen’s four other grandchildren from son and Crown Prince Frederik, 54, will retain their titles.

A statement from the palace stated, as quoted by The Guardian, "As of January 1 2023, the descendants of His Royal Highness Prince Joachim will only be able to use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, their previous titles of Prince and Princess of Denmark ceasing to exist." It further said, "With her decision, Her Majesty the Queen wants to create a framework for the four grandchildren, to a much greater degree, to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation with the Royal House as an institution implies. The queen’s decision is in line with similar changes that other royal houses have carried out in recent years in different ways."

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Reacting to the Queen's decision, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, the mother of the four children, said, according to Danish magazine Se og Hør and quoted by People, "We are all confused by the decision. We are saddened and in shock. This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracized. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them."

'For their future'

Responding to reporters, the Queen said, "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 reporters further asked whether it was for the children's "sake", she said, "Yes, of course." She added, "Well, you have to see how you ... I haven't seen it myself, I must say."

Netizens were largely in favor of the move. One said, "I hope King Charles will follow Queen Margrethe steps to strips those non working royal title to slim down the monarchy." Another wrote, "King Charles should take note! Taking titles is not about punishment, it’s about given their family a normal life as possible without constraints of being a titled Royal. Harry said he hated being a Prince & wanted a normal life for his children." Someone else chimed in, "Queen Margrethe just showed King Charles that it could be done even without leaks and dramas. We hope King Charles will follow suit."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.