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From the Princess Royal.  Signed by her lady-in-waiting, Leonora, Countess of Lichfield.  She was born Lady Leonora Grosvenor, the eldest of 3 children of Robert, the 5th Duke of Westminster & the Hon. Viola Lyttelton. She married Patrick, 5th Earl of Lichfield in 1975.  They had three children, including Thomas, the 6th Earl of Lichfield.  Her brother, Gerald, was the 6th Duke of Westminster, and her younger sister, Lady Jane was married to Guy, 10th Duke of Roxeburghe.  This marriage also ended in divorce.  Leonora's nephews include 7th Duke of Westminster and the 11th Duke of Roxeburghe

The first two cards are from the widow, Diane, Dowager Duchess of Württemberg and the sister, Duchess Sophie of Württemberg, of Duke Carl of Württemberg, head of the Royal House of Württemberg.

@Maison Grand Ducale / Sophie Margue

@Maison Grand Ducale / Sophie Margue

                                                     

@Helmut Fricke

 

@Royal Palace, Belgium

A Princess talks about mental health

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 So who was the first British royal to speak about Mental health?   The Duke of Cambridge?  The late Diana, Princess of Wales?  The Duke of Sussex?   No to all three.  No, not the Duchess of Cambridge.

 The answer is HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught  (1891-1959), who was the first member of the British Royal Family to speak in public about the need for mental health treatment.     The Princess, a granddaughter of King Edward VII, was named the president of the Mental Aftercare Association in 1940.   

[Update: the Daily Express interviewed me about Princess Arthur and her push for mental health treatment.  https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1680599/princess-arthur-of-connaught-royal-family-mental-health-spt  ]

Now known as Together for Mental Wellbeing, this organization is the oldest mental health charity in the United Kingdom.  It was founded in 1879 by Rev Henry Hawkins, the hospital chaplain at an asylum in Middlesex. The original name was The After-care Association for Poor and Friendless Female Convalescents on Leaving Asylums for the Insane, and later adopted the name the Mental Aftercare Association. 

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Princess Arthur was born Lady Alexandra Victoria Alberta Edwina Louise Duff, the elder of two daughters of Princess Louise, the Princess Royal, eldest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and Alexander Duff, 6th Earl of Fife, who was created Duke of Fife and Marquess of Macduff on his marriage by Queen Victoria.   

Princess Louise gave birth to a second daughter, Lady Maud, in 1893.   There would be no further issue, which meant that the Fife dukedom would become extinct when Alexander died.  But in 1900, Queen Victoria recreated the Dukedom, allowing Alexander's daughters and their male descendants to inherit the peerage.  The Marquessate of Macduff became the Earldom of Macduff, which would be the courtesy title used by the heir apparent to the dukedom.   Five years later, King Edward VII bestowed the title Princess Royal on Princess Louise, and he issued a Letters Patent giving the title of Princess and the style of highness to Lady Alexandra and Lady Maud.   

The Duke of Fife died in 1912, and he was succeeded by his elder daughter as the 2nd Duchess of Fife.  In October 1913, she married her mother's first cousin, HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught (1883-1938), only son of HRH Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. 

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 The couple had one son, HH Prince Alistair Arthur of Connaught (1914-1943).  As a great-grandson in the male line, Prince Alistair lost his princely title and style in 1917, when his father's first cousin, King George V issued a Letters Patent limiting the style of HRH and title of Prince or Princess to the children of the sovereign & grandchildren in the male line.  (The eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales was also given the HRH and the princely title.)   The HH (His/Her Highness was dropped.) 

Princess Arthur was a registered nurse, and her training began during the First World War.  She did not merely open hospitals.  During the 1920s and 1930s, Princess Arthur, who was known as Nurse Marjorie, worked in several London hospitals.  She also ran her own nursing home, but it was closed in the 1940s due to her own health.  She suffered from severe arthritis and was largely confined to her own home until she died in 1959.

Princess Arthur took over the presidency of the Mental Aftercare Association at a time when more attention was being paid to mental health treatment.  An article in the British Medical Journal in April 1941 noted that the association was providing diversified care that included cottage housing to assist patients through the "difficult transition from hospital to everyday life."

The Princess spoke at the association's annual meeting on March 23, 1943, where she urged "early treatment of mental patients."  She was sure "that precious time was lost by the failure to realize that a great number of the minor bodily disturbances so common in these difficult times were really the symptoms of an early mental disorder," reported the Times on March 24.

Mr. G. Sargood, the chairman of the Mental Hospitals Committee, said that "public opinion would have to be created that would regard mental disorders in exactly the same way as they regarded any other illness, and not as something to hide and be ashamed of."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other British and European royals have spoken out against mental health stigma. 

However, it was HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught, Duchess of Fife, the great-great-granddaughter of King William IV and the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, who was the first British royal to speak out for the support and treatment of mental health patients.

If you want to read more about Princess Arthur:

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2010/11/princess-arthur-of-connaught.html

 https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/02/hrh-princess-arthur-of-connaught-1897.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2014/01/princess-arthur-has-surgery.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/10/100-years-ago-today-wedding-of-prince.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/10/connaught-fife-wedding-tomorrow.html

https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/working-royals-harry-meghan-history-what-might-happen-next-careers-jobs-work-queen-money/

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2025/09/princess-arthur-of-connaught-ascot-1930.html

If you liked this, perhaps you can buy me a cup of coffee

The family grows for Grand Duke George and Princess Victoria

 

Grand Duke George of Russia and his wife, Princess Victoria Romanovna have added to their family. 

They recently adopted two dogs, Busia, a 12-year-old nearly blind Japanese Chin who has spent most of her life as a breeding dog in a puppy mill, and Kali a 5-year-old female Husky, who has lived in a shelter since being rescued as a puppy.

The two dogs join the couple's Japanese Chin, Zhong, 5, who no doubt will show his new siblings how to get the best treats from mom and dad!

Princess Victoria is due to give birth to her first child, a boy, later this month.

all 4 photos courtesy of HSH Princess Victoria Romanovna of Russia

Patricia of Connaught to marry Michael of Russia

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 October 7, 1906

Marriage has been arranged between Grand Duke Michael of Russia, 28, and Princess Patricia of Connaught.  Michael is the younger brother of Nicholas II and his future bride is the niece of King Edward, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The betrothal occurred during the grand duke's recent trip to Copenhagen and Scotland. He left Copenhagen and "went directly to join the imperial party in Finnish waters and receive his brother's formal approval of the engagement."  Michael was "heartily congratulated by all the members of the imperial family."  He plans to leave Russia "in a day or two," and return to London, where the engagement will be announced after King Edward has given his consent.

His last visit to London was during the Boer war, when "feeling ran high and he was received with some hostility."  It is expected that the public's reaction will be very different when the official announcement is made of his "approaching marriage with the most popular of English princesses."

Grand Duke Michael has been one of the most "eligible royal bachelors in Europe," but he never "figured prominently in matrimonial gossip."  Several years ago there was talk of an engagement with his cousin, Grand Duchess Helen, who has since married Prince Nicholas of Greece.

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Princess Patricia and Grand Duke Michael have known each other since childhood and "frequently met at the reunions of the Danish royal family."
Princess Patricia will be expected to "embrace the orthodox Russian faith, but the difference between the Anglican church is so small as to present no insuperable objections."  There are close ties between the British and Russian reigning houses. Grand Duke Michael's mother, the Danish-born Dowager Empress Marie, is the younger sister of Queen Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII.
Two of Patricia's first cousins have married into the Russian imperial family.  Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine is the wife of Nicholas II,  and her older sister, Elisabeth, is the widow of the assassinated Grand Duke Serge.

There are also reports that a marriage is being arranged between Grand Duchess Elisabeth and Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich.   Grand Duchess Elisabeth, who is in her 40s, is said to have an "attractive personality."

Princess Patricia of Connaught is the third and youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.  She is one of the most "popular and probably the best looking of the younger of the British princesses.  The news of the engagement  is not yet official, but a "proposed alliance between the imperial and royal houses will prove popular."

The 20-year-old princess "has opinions of her own and strength of character enough to stick to them"  This was made apparent a few years ago when "her marriage to King Alfonso was mooted."  Despite family persuasion "she resolutely declined to entertain the suggestion," stating that she would never marry anyone she didn't love, "even to become a queen."

The Princess has traveled abroad numerous times and accompanied her father to India and South Africa.  She is very active in "social and charitable activities."

[The report was denied later in the day.  

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2010/10/patricias-betrothal-denied.html  ]

More from Joachim and Marie

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This past weekend Prince Joachim and Princess Marie met with a reporter from the Danish newspaper, B.T.  It was the first time they left their home in three days.

Prince Joachim, the younger son of Queen Margrethe II, said he had been only five days to talk to his family about the Queen's decision.  Lene Balleby, the head of the palace's communications department, disputes this statement, telling the press that the Prince had known about the Queen's decision since last May.  

[I used Google Translate to translate this article from Danish into English.]

The French-born Princess Marie has acknowledged that their relationship with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary is "complicated."   

Have you heard from the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?

"No," says Princess Marie.

Prince Joachim responded: "No, unfortunately,"

How is your relationship?

"As it is," says Princess Marie.

"As it can be," adds Prince Joachim.

"It's complicated, namely. That's it,' says Princess Marie.

Has the Queen tried to talk to you?

"Unfortunately not," says Prince Joachim, adding:  "It's also family. Or whatever we want to call it.'

Communication between the Danish Royal House and Prince Joachim and Princess Marie appears to have completely broken down.

When asked about the Queen's original press last Wednesday, Princess Marie said:  "We would have liked to have had time to talk about it."

What do you think this is about?'

Prince Joachim and his wife share their disappointment  with the stripping of their children's titles with B.T.'s reporter, Jacob Heinel

"That's a good question. I don't think it's modern to have some injured children,' says Princess Marie as she mentions the slimming down of the royal family.

 Prince Joachim interrupts his wife by adding: "The reality must still be: whether you modernize or slim down, it must be done in a proper way. It's about children. Orderliness and children. It is a very heavy matter."

All four of Joachim's children will lose their title of Prince or Princess of Denmark and the style of HH (His or Her Highness) on January 1, 2023.  Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena will be styled as Counts and Countess Monpezat, a title in the Danish nobility that 

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 Joachim was quiet in his response to a question about his children's reaction to the loss of titles.

"I don't know how they feel if they have to think it through. Now is preparation time. We didn't have that."

Since 2019, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie and their two children have lived in France as their roles in Denmark have largely evaporated.  The prince studied at a French military academy, which led to the position of defense attaché at Denmark's embassy in Paris.

Princess Marie said in an interview in 2020 that it was not their decision to move to France.  They had moved from their home, Schackenborg to Copenhagen where they expected to take on more duties.  Instead, they found that they were not being offered as many duties as they had expected.

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Princess Marie, we talked a few years ago that it was not your choice to move to France. Do you see this as part of a winding down of your family's role in the Royal House?

"Yes of course. But we have an active role in the Royal House, and I think that you should remember that. But we have always told our children that they must be independent and that they will not get appanage, but it is something else to take away a name," she said.

How do you proceed from here?

Marie's answer: "I do not know. We'll have to see."

The couple said they have a good relationship with all four children.  Nikolai and Felix are from Joachim's first marriage to Alexandra Manley.

"We have two lovely children here. And then we have two lovely children - I don't want to say on the phone every day. But we have a closeness. We are one and the same core,'' he said

Princess Marie acknowledges that names and titles are of course not the most important thing in a time when war and an energy crisis are unfolding on the European continent.

"I want to emphasize that of course there are some much more serious things in the world, especially these days. It is a bit strange to have to talk about your children's names and titles when we are facing some very serious challenges. But you have to remember the way children think. Children's conditions. And that is what is decisive," she said.

Prince Joachim noted it is "important to remember that the world of children is different from that of adults."

They have a different view of the world. And it is very close. In my job, my thoughts are often out in the big world. But right now we have given a full defense for our children. They also need to rest now,' he says.

Princess Marie said it will be difficult for the family to find peace because the Queen's decision has been reported in nearly every country. 

During the interview, a French woman approaches Joachim and Marie and tells them "that their children will always be princes and princesses to her." Joachim and Marie are left speechless and both begin to cry as the woman's words of comfort touched them deeply.

Joachim wanted to make clear that he and his wife are not considering leaving the Danish royal house, but will continue to do their "work in their own way," even of the family is "divided like never before," according to the B.T. reporter.

"We have never had any doubts about it. I hope no one doubts that,' says Princess Marie.

Prince Joachim added: "That's exactly what we do, after all. In each of our positions, we are representatives of Denmark and Danish interests. And the Royal House. And the Royal House's interests."

They also stated that they are done with talking about the family conflict and want to move on.

https://www-bt-dk.translate.goog/royale/prins-joachim-og-prinsesse-marie-til-bt-forholdet-til-kronprinsparret-er?_x_tr_sl=da&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=da&_x_tr_pto=wapp

The first official photo of the King & Queen and the Prince & Princess of Wales

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This is the first photo of King Charles III & Queen Camilla with the Prince and Princess of Wales.  It was taken on September, the day before Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

Will Martha Louise be next to lose her Princess title?

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The Norwegian weekly magazine, Se og Hor, reports that King Harald V has held "crisis" meetings with his son and daughter, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Martha Louise.  Although the Palace has not confirmed these meetings, the magazine has "learned" that the king is considering removing Martha Louise's title of Princess.

In 2019,  Martha Louise, in discussions with her family, decided she would no longer use her title in her business activities, and would only use the title when she represented the Norwegian royal family.   

 It is also possible that the Princess will choose to relinquish the use of the title of her own volition.  She agreed to relinquish her appanage and the style of Her Royal Highness in January 2002, after announcing she was starting her own business.  King Harald issued an edict making her decision official.  She married Norwegian writer Ari Behn in May 2002.  They had three daughters. Maud Angelica, Leah Isidora, and Emma Tallulah, before the couple divorced in 2017.  Two years later on Christmas Day,  Ari Behn committed suicide.

Martha Louise announced in May 2019 that she was involved with an American self-proclaimed shaman, Durek Verrett.  This relationship has caused controversy in Norway, especially, as the Princess and her boyfriend, organized seminars "The Princess and the Shaman." These seminars and other business deals were seen as exploiting Martha Louise's title.  Not long afterward, she announced that she would no longer use her title in her business endeavors.  It is likely that family pressure, especially from the King, led Martha Louise to make this decision. 

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Martha Louise and Durek Verrett announced their engagement in June 2022.  A recent poll conducted by Norstat for NRK a Norwegian broadcasting company,. showed that 51% of those polled do not want Martha Louise to continue to represent the Norwegian royal House.  33% of those polled were neutral or had no opinion while 13% thought that the princess was doing a good job.  Three percent responded with a "don't know."

Shortly after the poll results were published,  Erik Stephansen, the political editor of Nettavision wrote: "The same consideration should be given to Märtha Louise: She should be stripped of her titles and relieved of her royal duties as soon as possible. After that, she can live happily ever after with her Durek, without us having to worry."" 

The magazine believes that the meetings took place before Martha Louise, 51, traveled to Canada.

Se og Her is a popular celebrity news magazine.

Spokespersons for the Palace and Princess Martha declined to comment to the magazine. 

https://www.seher.no/kongelig/nye-detaljer-om-krisemoter/77333786

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/10/norwegian-publisher-pulls-shamans-book.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/06/king-harald-confirms-conversation-with.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/crown-prince-haakon-talks-about-sisters.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/martha-says-she-will-live-with-shaman.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/will-martha-louise-give-up-her-title.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/martha-and-durek-talk-about-their-love.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/church-changes-mind-says-no-to-princess.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2019/05/princess-martha-louise-announces-she-is.html

A new statement from Queen Margrethe II

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Oh what a silly silly person!!

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There is a clueless person on Instagram with the moniker Montenegro_91. She posted the information on a Princess Beatrice fan page. 

montenegro_91

Don’t think Charles would be that awful of a person. Seems to be fake news started by (royalmusings) who seems to hate Princess Beatrice. Already called that nasty women out with a lie before

 I have no idea who this dimwitted fan girl is but reading comprehension is not one of her strengths.  I usually do not like to call out crazies, but this fan girl is so off-base.

So is the creator of the fan page who thinks Beatrice is a Chancellor of State.  It is actually Counsellor of State -- and no, granny did not give the girls their titles.  

I included Mrs. M91's typos, but I removed the name of my Instagram account as I do not use it for royal news apart from posting photos. 

Let's get a few things straight, Mrs. M91.  I do not hate Princess Beatrice.  

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 In fact, I have written and tweeted that the two York girls should have been working royals as both would have done well.  I have talked about it in several interviews in the last few years. 

Beatrice and Eugenie's futures were decided by the Way Ahead group in the late 1990s. This group was made up of senior royals, advisers, and others.  One of their ideas was to remove the Princess' titles - and have them styled as daughters of a duke, Lady Beatrice, and Lady Eugenie.  There is a precedent for this: HH Prince Alastair of Connaught.   This recommendation was vetoed but implemented for Edward's children.

Mrs. Monty missed all the salient points in my blog post, Will Beatrice and Eugenie be Alastair-ed?"  

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2022/09/will-beatrice-and-eugenie-be-alastair-ed.html

She also needs to read this article I wrote in 2016, especially the last paragraph.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-to-do-about-york-princesses.html

I never stated that Charles would take away titles.  I wrote about the precedent if it did happen, as well as the historical perspective, but also stated that I do not advocate for this idea.

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There is also the precedent of HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught, who relinquished her HRH and the title Princess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.  This was done in February 1919 when she married the Hon. Alexander Ramsay.  George V issued a Royal Warrant that allowed Patricia, the youngest of the three children of the TRH The Duke and Duchess of Connaught, to be styled as The Lady Patricia Ramsay, with the precedence before the Marchionesses of England.

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 The princesses are patrons of a dozen or so organizations.  The Court Circular does not acknowledge when Beatrice and Eugenie visit their organizations.   Their patronages are not included in the Royal Family's official charities database.  Neither Princess has a profile on the British monarchy's official site.  

These are the facts. The two princesses are not working royals.  It is unlikely that King Charles III will ask his nieces to take on official duties.  It is also likely that the 2019 Trooping of the Colour was the last balcony appearance for the two princesses, as well as other members of the extended royal family.

The Charities and Patronages database has not been updated since the Queen's death, but as you can see from the link below the York Princesses are not included.   The Duke of York was removed from the database within the last year.

https://www.royal.uk/charities-and-patronages?mrf=2940&page=6

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will continue to be Princesses without Portfolios.   They have loving husbands, children, nice homes, and well-paying jobs.  They do not represent the Crown, however.   A fact, not an opinion.

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.