Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte offer views

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Princess Benedikte, the younger sister of Queen Margrethe II, spoke today about the queen's decision to remove the princely titles from Prince Joachim's four children.

She stopped to answer a few questions for reporters who were waiting for her arrival at the OK Fonden nursing home in Hornbæk. 

"I think that of course, it is difficult for them at the beginning, that is absolutely clear, but my sister makes wise decisions, also as queen, and thinks ahead to the future and not right here and now, and I think that is the most important thing, said Princess Benedikte to the press present.

The 78-year-old Princess is 11th (and last) in the line of succession to the Danish throne.  Her children were excluded from the succession because they were educated in Germany and not in Denmark 

 Crown Princess Mary, the wife of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Frederik, also answered questions from the press when she arrived at an International youth conference in Øksnehallen. 

She said: "I can understand that it is a difficult decision to make and a very difficult decision to receive.  Change can be difficult and can really hurt. But this does not mean that the decision is not the right one. We will also look at our children's titles when the time comes. Today we do not know what the royal house will look like in Christian's time, or when Christian's time begins to approach."

Prince Joachim's response

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 Prince Joachim of Denmark responded today regarding Queen Margrethe's decision to change the style of his four children from HH Prince and HH Princess to Counts and Countess of Monpezat, effective January 1, 2023.

He spoke to the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet in Paris, where the Prince lives with his wife, Princess Marie and their two children, Henrik, 13, and ten-year-old Athena/

" We are all very sad. It's never fun to see your children being mistreated like that. They themselves are in a situation that they themselves do not understand."  ,

Prince Joachim told the reporter that in May he was presented with a plan about his children's titles, but the changes would not be made until each child turned 25.

He was also asked about his relationship with his mother, Queen Margrethe II.

 "I don't think I need to elaborate here,"  Prince Joachim tersely responded.

The Prince was also interviewed by B.T.

"I was given five days' notice of this. To tell my children that on New Year's their identity will be taken from them. I am very, very sorry to see them bored and uncomprehending about what is happening over their heads," he said during the telephone interview.

"On May 5, I was presented with a plan. That this whole thought about my children's identity should be taken from them when each of them turned 25. Athena turns 11 in January. And then I was given five days' notice as the decision was accelerated," he said.

The reporter asked Joachim:  "Why do you think it was sped up?

"I simply don't know that. I originally asked for time to think and give my feedback. That would also be taken into account."

The Queen, the reporter said, thinks the decision is for her grandchildren.   "What do you think about that?"

Prince Joachim responded: "I can say that my children are upset. My kids don't know which leg to stand on. What they should believe. Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in that way?"

"Can you try to explain why this is so important to you?"   

"I don't want to engage in speculation and mudslinging. I am telling the truth that is. I was given five days' notice. And the original plan that was presented, it was called 25 years. And I asked to be allowed to come back with my proposal. And then it was all done for this upcoming New Year,' he says.

The Prince added that "the whole family is affected by the situation. I am so sorry for my children. I just demand the truth."  

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The Prince and Princess moved to Paris in September 2019 where Joachim completed his military training at the Ecolé Militaire.  They were supposed to live in France for a year, but after he graduated in the summer of 2020, the Danish court announced that Prince Joachim was named as a defense attaché and was "supposed to act as a link between the French and Danish forces."

This position was expected to run for three years, although the assignment could be extended.  A year later, in October 2021, Princess Marie was hired as a "Special Cultural Representative" in the cultural department at the Danish Embassy in Paris.    The position was created to celebrate "Danish culture and cooperation."

At the time of her appointment, French-born Princess Marie said: "In my new role, I am looking forward to continuing to look after Danish interests -- especially in the field of culture -- in the coming years."

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 Prince Nikolai has also spoken out about his grandmother's decision.  He spoke to Ekstra Bladet earlier today as he came out of his apartment in Copenhagen.  He was accompanied by his long-time girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup.  He told the reporter that he was angry, disappointed, and "does not understand his grandmother's decision at all."

He said: "My whole family and I are of course very sad. We are, as my parents have also stated, in shock at this decision", adding "I am very confused  as to why it has to happen like this."

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Oxford English Dictionary

Losing a title does not qualify as mistreatment.  None of Joachim's children will be living on the streets on January 1.  They have roofs over their heads.  Private education.  Designer labels on their clothes.  They all own more than one pair of shoes.  They probably benefit from trust funds.  Closets full of clothes.  Allowances from mom and dad.  Money in the bank. Food on the table.  More food in the fridge and in the cupboards. New cars.  More toys.  

Joachim, your children will be able to stand on both legs on January 1.   They will be fine.  In time, you realize this.  Your mother is your Sovereign and she is the one with the power to decide who is titled and who is not.

Perhaps you should focus on more wine from the Chateau de Cayx and less whine to the press.

They will have a new name on their passports - but they can still travel. Nikolai can continue to model although he will cease to be a model prince.  Queen Margrethe II remains his grandmother.  He and his siblings are much loved by their families.

No one has been mistreated, Prince Joachim.  If monarchy is to survive -- and I am a constitutional monarchist -- it must adapt in order to survive.  Limiting royal titles to the main line is not revolutionary.  George V's 1917 Letters Patent began the process that will soon be refined by Charles III.  In 1987, Spain limited the HRH and title of Infant of Spain to the children of the monarch and the children of the Prince or Princess of the Asturias.

Your four children will not be working royals.  Your children will accomplish much in life but they will be doing it on their terms.  They will not be defined by HH Prince or Princess because they will have no role within the monarchy.  

European sovereigns no longer need to arrange marriages for political or dynastic reasons.  The job description has changed, focusing on supporting charities, patronages, and organizations - all working for the Sovereign and the country.  Denmark does not need 12 princes and princesses to carry out official duties on behalf of the Queen.

Denmark, as with other western nations, is suffering from inflation, and rising energy and housing costs.  

This is perhaps not the best time for Joachim to be stomping his feet.  He does not like what Mor has done, but she is his Queen.  Margrethe II knows what she is doing.  She is setting up the future for Frederik X and Queen Mary and their family.  

Only Prince Christian's children will be royal.  

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He reminds me of his late great-uncle, Prince Knud (1900-1976), who lost his position as heir presumptive to the throne when Denmark modified its succession from Salic (males only) to male primogeniture.   Knud's older brother, King Frederik IX (1899-1972) married Princess Ingrid of  Sweden.  They had three daughters, Margrethe, Benedikte, and Anne-Marie.  Knud's wife was his first cousin, Princess Caroline Mathilde of Denmark.  They had one daughter, Princess Elisabeth, and two sons, Prince Ingolf and Prince Christian.

Until the new succession law was passed,  Prince Knud and Prince Ingolf were first and second in line to the throne.  Knud voiced his profound disappointment in the new law as he was no longer the heir to the throne.  This caused bitterness and friction between the brothers and their families.  Knud was allowed to retain his title as Hereditary Prince and he and his elder son received a lifetime annuity to make up for the change in their position.   But Knud harbored deep resentment toward his brother and Queen Ingrid for the rest of his life.

Ingolf and his younger, Christian lost their rights to the throne as both princes married without King Frederik IX's permission.  They also lost their royal titles and were created Counts of Rosenborg.

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In 2009. a new succession law was passed, allowing for the succession of the firstborn child, regardless of sex.  

Just getting over the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and now a new Danish drama to content with, I can definitely use a large coffee.

The Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie is expecting a second child

 

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Sophie Margue

The Grand Ducal Palace announced this morning:

"Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are delighted to announce that the Hereditary Grand Duke and Hereditary Grand Duchess are expecting Their second child.

The birth is scheduled for April.

The Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, and the members of the two families join in this great happiness."

The couple's first child, Prince Charles was born on May 10, 2020. The new prince or princess will be third in line to the Grand Ducal throne.

The queen’s death certificate

 

Changes in titles for Queen Margrethe II's grandchildren

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The four children of HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark will cease to be styled as HH Prince or Princess as of January 1, 2023.  Their new titles will be Count or Countess of Monpezat.  

 The four children are : 

HH Prince Nikolai William Alexander Frederik (August 28, 1999)

HH Prince Felix Henrik Valdemar Christian (July 22, 2002)

HH Prince Henrik Carl Joachim Alain (May 4, 2009)

HH Princess Athena Marguerite Francoise Marie (January 24, 2012)

Princes Nikolai and Felix are the children of Prince Joachim's first marriage to Hong Kong-born Alexandra Manley.

They were divorced in April 2005.  Three years later, in May 2008,  Prince Joachim married Marie Cavallier, a French national.   Henrik and Athena are from Joachim's second marriage.

Joachim's children were always expected to earn their own living as none of them were to be working royals.   This may become the standard in the future for the younger sons of the Danish sovereign.  

The new style will be:

His Excellency Count Nikolai of Monpezat

His Excellency Count Felix of Monpezat

His Excellency Count  Henrik of Monpezat

Her Excellency Countess Athena of Monpezat

Prince Joachim's first wife, Alexandra, who was given the title Countess of Frederiksborg after they were divorced, issued a statement through her secretary, Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen:

"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. "   Helle von Wildenrath Løvgreen told the Danish newspaper, B.T. that Countess Alexandra is "too affected "  by the announcement

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Løvgreen also spoke to Danish magazine, Billed-Bladet: "It is my clear impression that all three parents are very shocked."   his statement contradicts the Royal Household's head of communication, Lena Balleby, who said Prince Joachim has known since May 5 that his children's titles would change.   

"The decision has taken various forms along the way, but Prince Joachim has been involved and briefed throughout the process. But of course, I understand that this is difficult,' she told  B.T.

Queen Margrethe II spoke tonight about her decision. She said she had been "considering it for a long time," and she did it for the sake of the grandchildren,   

"These are considerations that I have been with for quite a long time, and I think it is good for them in their future," the queen said.

She also has not heard anything about her grandchildren's reactions to the announcement.

The Danish queen was visiting the National Museum when she was asked by reporters about her decision.

 

Prince Johann Wenzel of Liechtenstein to marry Countess Felicitas von Hartig

@HSH Prince Johann Wenzel of Liechtenstein

"We are happy to announce that we got engaged on 25th of August 2022 during wonderful holidays in Sicily"  according to an announcement from HSH Prince Johann-Wenzel of Liechtenstein.

The bride-to-be is Countess Felicitas Claudia Ehrentraud Josefine Johanna Maria von Hartig, who is the daughter of Count Lukas Josef Erwin Johannes von Hartig (1964) and  Claudia Marieliese Edle von Toperczer (1965).  She was born in Vienna on April 10, 1994. 

Felicitas studied law at the University of Vienna, receiving both a bachelor's and master's degree, and now works for the  Austrian Ministry of the Interior.  She completed a second bachelor's degree in Art History, also at the University of Vienna, in 2021.  

Prince Johann-Wenzel Karl Emmeran Bonifatius Maria of Liechtenstein is the third of 5 children  -- and the elder son, of  HSH Prince Gundakar Albert Alfred Petrus of Liechtenstein (1949) and HRH Princess Marie Isabelle Marguerite Anne Geneviève of Orléans(1959).    He was born in Vienna on March 16, 1993. He attended the University of Montreal where he earned a BA in economics and politics. 

The Prince's mother, Princess Marie, is the eldest child of the late  HRH Prince Henri Philippe Pierre Marie of Orléans, Count of Paris, and his first wife, HRH Duchess Marie-Therese Nadejda Albertine Rosa Philippine Margarethe Christine Helene Josepha Martina Leopoldine of Württemberg,

Prince Gundakar is the second of seven children of HSH Prince Hans Moritz) Heinrich of Liechtenstein and Princess Clotilde of Thurn und Taxis.  Prince Hans Moritz's brother, Prince Heinrich married Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria, daughter of Emperor Karl and Empress Zita.

@HSH Prince Johann Wenzel

The Prince returned to England, where he attended The Oratory School, a Roman Catholic boarding school in Woodcote, near Reading.  he was admitted into the Royal  Military Academy Sandhurst, where he spent a year before serving for two years with the Coldstream  Guards.

In 2021, Prince Johann Wenzel received a master's degree in agribusiness management from the Rome Business.  He is now employed in the family business, Liechtenstein’sche Forst- und Gutsverwaltung, which is run by his father, Prince Gundakar.

https://www.liechtenstein-neulengbach.at/

The couple first met at a party in 2012, but it was not until 2017 when both were living in London that they met again.  This was during the time when Johann Wenzel was serving in the Coldstream Guards and Felicitas was completing an internship at Sotheby's.  

Before returning to Vienna, where they now reside,  Johann Wenzel and Felicitas lived in Paris and Lisbon.

The wedding will take place in the summer of 2023.

When Heidi met Queen Maxima: A Guest Post

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 Following the lives of modern-day European royals is not easy from California. Royal weddings (and other milestones) aren’t broadcast live and on the rare occasions that royals come for public visits to the U.S., they are almost always to the East Coast— Washington D.C for a state visit or New York City for a U.N. event.  With this in mind, when it was announced on Monday that Queen Maxima of The Netherlands would be in California for the following two days, I knew it was very likely a “now or never” chance to meet her in person. 

If you’re reading this, you don’t need me to tell you why Queen Maxima is worthy of the admiration she receives from the global public.  Intelligent, articulate, poised, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, she is the model of everything a Queen consort should be, with the additional challenge of doing it in and for a country on a different continent and of a different language than her birth. She is the Queeniest Queen of them all, a worthy role model, and very much worth the effort to meet.

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 Her first day, Tuesday would be spent in San Francisco, a city that is not easy to navigate quickly, so I knew that I would need to focus on Wednesday, especially since I still had to get from my home in Southern California up to the Bay Area— either a 90-minute flight or a 7–8-hour drive.  Tuesday morning, I needed to take care of a few things at the office before I went on the internet to see what I could drum up for a flight either later that day or early Wednesday. It’s an understatement to say I was shocked to see prices of $750-1000 each way. Historically, it’s an easy flight route flown by many airlines several times daily and it’s not unusual to find fares between $50-80 each way, but the triple whammy of fuel prices, inflation, and airline staffing have erased those prices for now.  So, I hurried home, packed my weekender bag, and was on the road by noon for the long drive north.

Queen Maxima’s itinerary for Wednesday was to begin at UC Berkeley, then onto Google headquarters, followed by Stanford University before heading to the airport for the flight to Texas. I knew accessing her at the Google campus wouldn’t be possible, and Berkeley is an additional hour north of Stanford, so Stanford was the best option for success.  Additionally, it is familiar ground, with many family connections to the school and I have been there several times, most recently just last summer. (It’s very visitor-friendly and worth the visit if you are ever in the area).  The drive took two hours longer than it should have, thanks to lane closures in the Tejon Pass on Interstate 5, leaving Los Angeles northward, but by 9:00 p.m. I happily settled in my room at the Sheraton across the street from campus.

Thankfully, since I was waiting for her to arrive at Stanford in the afternoon, I had time in the morning to meet our aunt for coffee and a chat while I waited for the local florist to open.  Mills Florist of Palo Alto whipped together a lovely little posey of blue and white flowers with a bright orange ribbon.

I headed to campus at lunchtime as it is expansive and even with good parking there would be a good deal of walking required, and I needed time to scout locations.  The press release mentioned three points; arriving for a walking tour, the Graduate School of Business, and the Investors Common.  I assumed she would arrive by the famed Palm Drive so was very surprised to find much of the grand campus entrance under construction with visible heavy equipment that would feature prominently in any photo.  I saw no signs of preparation for her arrival or any arrangement for a public gathering, so decided this wasn’t my best option and drove on to find parking near the Graduate School of Business.  Exploring the courtyard and the full exterior of the large building again showed no signs of expecting her arrival and in fact, was full of people hanging around and eating with clearly no clue, and certainly no care, that a Queen was on her way.

With one location left, I walked to the Investor’s Common, and *bingo*, this was definitely my target location.  Already buzzing with people in business attire wearing prominent security passes on bright orange lanyards, the courtyard was clearly set for a special event, full of blue cocktail tables with 4-ft tall orange letters and Dutch spoken everywhere. After the rest of campus seemed oblivious, it was refreshing to see so many smartly-dressed, highly professional-looking people full of excitement and anticipation for her arrival.  Out front, there were many people with a display booth and a vehicle made of recycled materials along with several officials making sure everything and everyone was where they should be.  The security chased off several people who were trying to just pass through but I was gladly not one of them, as I had taken care with dressing, hair, and makeup enough to believably “belong” to a daytime event, while still being comfortable walking around campus on a hot day, and my flowers fortuitously matched the event decor. So now it was only for me to wait.

While waiting, I tried several ways to hold flowers, be ready for a handshake, and get a photo/video at the same time, but it was clear I could choose two of the three, but not all. So, I chose to sacrifice getting any photos or videos of my own in favor of being prepared for personal interaction. And I’m glad I did.

It was wonderful to see how truly thrilled everyone was to have her there as the air became electric with whispers and maneuvering as her motorcade approached, and she commanded the crowd with her smile and her warmth immediately upon exiting the large black SUV. After chatting and posing for pictures with the recycled vehicle group for a few minutes, her PPOs surrounded her for the walk into the courtyard event.  On her walk, I stepped forward and made eye contact, holding my flowers out. Exactly as I hoped, she smiled and veered to her left towards me.  She took the flowers from my hands and said with her famously broad smile, “How kind of you! Thank you.  Thank you so much.” 

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 Sadly, I have not been able to locate any press photos or videos that captured the moment for me, so my written memory and the images in my mind will have to suffice.  But even if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.

By Heidi Counsell-Schmidt

[Getty did not have any photographers present when the Queen visited Stanford]

https://www.royal-house.nl/documents/speeches/2022/09/07/short-speech-by-her-majesty-queen-maxima-during-the-visit-to-stanford-university-and-holland-in-the-valley-network

The Royal Family at the Funeral

 

This is the official list of the members of the Royal Family and the extended royal family.   The only adults who were not present were The Duchess of Kent and Lady Nicholas Windsor.

Sarah, Duchess of York accompanied her former husband, the Duke of York, and their daughters to the State Funeral and the Committal Service, but was not included in the Court Circular.

The Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Here is a selection of photos from the State funeral and Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to get all the photos centered.

 

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HM Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)

Buckingham Palace released this photo tonight.  It was taken by Ranald Mackechnie at Windsor in May as a part of a series of photos for the Platinum Jubilee.  She wore the aquamarine clips given to her on her 18th birthday by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

The Order of Service for the Funeral 

 https://www.westminster-abbey.org/media/15467/order-of-service-the-state-funeral-of-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii.pdf

“She’s got those wonderful blue eyes that when she smiles, they light up her whole face. I’ll always remember that smile, you know, that smile is unforgettable.”

- Her Majesty The Queen Consort pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen"

https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1571594233420603392?s=20&t=geY5Z8PIgGfMCz8N4ZnD7w

Will Beatrice and Eugenie be Alastair-ed?

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 When Charles succeeded to the throne, a vacancy opened with the Counsellors of State.  The Regency Act (1937) requires the first four adults in the line of succession and the spouse of the sovereign to fulfill certain duties if the Sovereign is abroad or ill.  

In the final years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the Counsellors of State were: the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of York.  A Counsellor of State must be domiciled in the UK.     

Charles' ascension to the throne means Queen Camilla and Princess Beatrice, the Duke of York's elder daughter, are now Counsellors of State, joining the Dukes of Sussex and York.  Although the Duke of Sussex now lives in Montecito, California, he has extended his lease on Frogmore Cottage, which means he is domiciled in the United Kingdom, although noted constitutional historian Vernon Bognador has disagreed with this assessment/.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that King Charles III wants Parliament to amend the law so only working royals can be Counsellors of State.  If a new law is passed that requires Counsellors of State to be working royals, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York, and Princess Beatrice would be removed.

The most likely replacements are the Earl of Wessex, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Gloucester, all of whom have served as Counsellors of State.  The Duke of Gloucester has had two separate appointments as a Counsellor of State.

I expect other changes as well, including a new Letters Patent that will go further than George V's 1917 Letters that limited the HRH and title of Prince or Princess to the children of the Sovereign, grandchildren of the sovereign in the male line and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.  In December 2012, Queen Elizabeth II issued a new Letters Patent that changed one clause in the 1917 Letters Patent.   All children of the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales will have the HRH and title of Prince or Princess.

The Queen did not take it further to allow the children of all the sons of the Prince of Wales to be styled as HRH Prince or Princess.

In the 1990s, the then Way Ahead Group was founded by Lord Airlie, the Lord Chamberlain, and included senior royals and private secretaries.  The primary goal was to discuss and implement changes at the time and in the future. One of the first changes was the announcement that the Queen would pay income tax.

The Way Ahead group also discussed how to slim down the royal family.  

 One idea that was discussed was to downgrade the Duke of York's daughters to the status of daughters of a duke: Lady Beatrice and Lady Eugenie Mountbatten-Windsor.  It was already known that the York princesses were never going to be working royals.

This suggestion was vetoed, but the plan was implemented when Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones.  It was announced on their wedding day that their children would be styled as children of an earl, as Edward was created Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn.  The statement said that the Queen DECIDED and Edward and Sophie agreed to her decision to not have their children styled as royals.  

Edward and Sophie's children are styled as Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn (whose Christian name is James.)

One reason -- and it is a major reason - - for the new king to issue a new Letters Patent is the gender equal succession.  The eldest child is the heir/heiress apparent.  The 1917 Letters Patent is based on male primogeniture. 

I do not like to make predictions, but I think that a new Letters Patent will give the HRH and title of Prince/Princess to the children of the Sovereign, children of the Heir apparent, and the children of the eldest child of the Heir apparent.  This means Louis' children will not be royal.   At this time, Charlotte, even though she is ahead of Louis in the succession, cannot pass her royal titles to her children unless she succeeds to the throne or is created a peer in her own right.  

It is unlikely that the King would downgrade his mother's first cousins, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy because of their long service and duty to the Crown.

It is possible that the Way Ahead group's recommendation to remove Beatrice and Eugenie's royal titles and be styled as daughters of a duke will be implemented.  This will also apply to The Duke of Sussex's children, the Earl of Dumbarton and Lady Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, as children of a duke. [Let's be honest: Archie and Lili will grow up in the United States where titles, royal or courtesy are not used.]

This decision will allow uniformity for the style and title of the children of younger sons of a Sovereign. I also expect the King to issue another Letters Patent creating his youngest brother, Edward, as Duke of Edinburgh, which would give him the status and courtesy titles of children of a duke to Lady Louise and James, whose courtesy title would change.

There are precedents for this:  the Queen's decision for Edward and Sophie's children and the 1917 Letters Patent, which removed the title of Prince and Princess and HH (not HRH) from male line great-grandchildren of the Sovereign, and the 1919 Royal Warrant that allowed Princess Patricia of Connaught to relinquish her HRH and title of Princess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

all images not from Getty: Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

This brings us to HH Prince Alastair Arthur of Connaught, who was born on August 9, 1914, in London.   He was the only child of HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught (1883-1938), only son of HRH Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and Princess Luise Margarete of Prussia, and HH Princess Alexandra, 2ndDuchess of Fife (1891-1959).

Prince Arthur's older sister, Margaret, married in 1906 to then Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden, and his younger sister, Princess Patricia (1886-1972) relinquished her royal titles by Royal Warrant when she married the Hon. Alexander Ramsay, youngest son of the 13th Earl of Dalhousie in 1919.  She entered the Abbey as HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught and came out as Lady Patricia Ramsay with the precedence before the Marchionesses of England.

Princess Arthur of Connaught was the granddaughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.  Her mother was Princess Louise, Princess Royal, who married Alexander Duff, Earl of Fife.  He was created Duke of Fife at the wedding breakfast.  In April 1900, Queen Victoria issued a Letters Patent giving Louise's husband the second dukedom of Fife (and Earldom of Macduff) that would pass to his daughters and their male heirs.  Louise had given birth to a stillborn son, Alastair, in 1890.

In November 1905, Edward VII created Princess Louise as Princess Royal and raised her two daughters, Lady Alexandra and Lady Maud to HH Princess.  It should be noted that Louise's brother, the Prince of Wales, did not agree with his father's decision to give royal status to Louise's daughters.

Alexandra, a duchess in her own right, having succeeded her father, in 1912, became HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught in 1913.  Her younger sister, Princess Maud (1893-1945) was downgraded in 1923 when she married Lord Carnegie, heir to the Earl of Southesk.  She was styled as Princess Maud when she walked into Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, but when she and her new husband came out, Maud was styled as Lady Maud Carnegie.  

King George V did not issue a Royal Warrant as he did when Princess Patricia married, but he did tell Maud that she no longer could use the title of Princess.  She reverted to the style of a daughter of an earl.  Her husband succeeded his father in 1941.  Maud's new style was Countess of Southesk.

Princess Arthur, Lady Southesk, and the 2nd Duke of Connaught served as Counsellors of State.

Prince Alastair of Connaught was a male-line great-grandson of a sovereign, but his father was the only son of a younger son of Queen Victoria.  In the new Letters Patent, male line great-grandsons would bear a courtesy title if the father had a dukedom or was styled as a younger son of a duke.  The three-year-old was the heir apparent to his mother's dukedom and second in line to the dukedom of Connaught and Strathearn.  It was decided that he would be styled as Earl of Macduff, until 1942, when he succeeded his paternal grandfather as the 2nd Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.  

A year later, the 2nd Duke died as a result of hypothermia in Ottawa, Canada. He was 28 years old.  Sir Alan "Tommy" Lascelles, private secretary to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II wrote: "the wretched young Duke of Connaught, whom his regiment (Greys) have had to get rid of, as he is wholly incompetent." 

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 The Connaught and Strathearn titles reverted to the Crown.  Alastair's first cousin, James, then Lord Carnegie, succeeded to the Fife dukedom when Princess Arthur of Connaught died.

Prince Alastair ceased to be a prince when the 1917 Letters Patent was issued. 

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 A new Letters Patent could mean the loss of royal status for Beatrice and Eugenie.   Which means they could be Alastair-ed.

I am not advocating a change or suggesting that King Charles III will do this.  All I am doing is offering the historical precedents in case it does happen. 

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2021/11/who-are-counsellors-of-state.html

Evening Telegraph August 10, 1914

Times August 11, 1914

                                        

Times August 26, 1914

Aberdeen Journal July 17, 1917

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