Children of the Second Son, Not the Crown Prince, Demoted to 'Count'
"Grandchildren Loved Equally... But the Royal Family Size Must Be Reduced"
Queen Margrethe, who has reigned since 1972, stripped four of her eight grandchildren of their prince and princess titles on the 29th of last month. Photo is of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Photo by AP Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] The Danish queen, who stripped the royal status of four children of the second son rather than the crown prince, expressed regret over the controversy but made it clear that she will not retract the decision.
According to CNN on the 4th (local time), Queen Margrethe II of Denmark said in a statement the day before, "Maintaining the appearance of the royal family in line with the times is my duty as queen," adding, "This means making difficult decisions."
She continued about her decision, "As a mother and grandmother, I did not deeply consider how much this would affect my son's family," and added, "My son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren are a great joy and pride to me. I hope our family can overcome this situation well and find peace."
However, the queen stated, "There has been much controversy recently over the titles of my grandchildren. This decision was made after long consideration. I have been on the throne for 50 years. I can look back or look forward. It is my duty and desire to keep the royal family moving with the times," firmly ruling out reconsideration.
Queen Margrethe, who has reigned since 1972, stripped the prince and princess titles from four of her eight grandchildren on the 29th of last month.
As a result of this decision, the four children of the second son, Prince Joachim, born from his two marriages, will only retain the title of count starting January 1 next year and will no longer use royal honorifics. The royal status of the four children of the crown prince, Frederik, the eldest son, remains unchanged.
Queen Margrethe explained that she made this decision to allow her four grandchildren to live more ordinary lives and to follow the trend among other European royal families to reduce the size of the royal family.
The royal family explained last month, "The queen wanted to create a stage where the four grandchildren can expand themselves more greatly through their own lives without being restricted by royal duties and regulations."
The queen explained, "The responsibilities and duties of the royal family will be carried out by fewer members in the future."
One of the mothers of the four grandchildren affected by this measure expressed disappointment, saying, "I was shocked. This is something that happened suddenly. The children will feel rejected and will not understand why their status was stripped."
Meanwhile, Queen Margrethe, who is credited with leading the modernization of the royal family, became the longest-reigning monarch in Europe after the passing of Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom. At 82 years old, she ascended the throne in January 1972 and celebrated her 50th anniversary on the throne this year.
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