Prince Joachim's frank parenting admission after children stripped of titles: 'They will thank me for that – one day'

Prince Joachim of Denmark has spoken about his family's life in the US and the opportunities it has given to his two youngest children.

The Danish royal relocated from Paris to the US with his wife, Princess Marie and their two children, in March 2023 as he took on a new role as defense industry attaché at the Danish Embassy in Washington DC.

The 56-year-old told the Danish publication DK he and his wife are excited for his children to attend school in the US and take on challenges.

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The couple share two children – Count Henrik, 16, and Countess Athena, 13. Prince Joachim also shares two children with his former wife Alexandra Manley – Count Nikolai, 25, and Count Felix, 22.

"The USA is a land of opportunity, and it's also super exciting for our children to go to school here," he said.

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"The fact that they are here gives me the peace and ballast to be able to give 110 per cent to the effort here."

He said he is happy his younger children are "challenged in a great way, and it's something they enjoy".

The family was previously based in Paris from 2020 until 2023 where Prince Joachim served as Military Attaché at the Royal Danish Embassy in Paris before their move to the US.

"I think that if I look at the very long term, four years in Paris [and then] over here, I think that will be well spent, and I also think that they will thank me for that – one day," he added.

Prince Joachim's children were stripped of their royal titles in 2023 by Queen Margrethe.

The Danish monarch made the shock move before stepping down from the Danish throne in January 2024.

She explained at the time she decided in order for them to "shape their own lives, without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation to the Royal House of Denmark entails".

Instead of prince and princess titles, Prince Joachim's children are now known as Count or Countess of Monpezat.

"It is my duty and my desire as Queen to ensure that the monarchy always shapes itself in keeping with the times," Queen Margrethe said in a statement at the time.

"Sometimes, this means that difficult decisions must be made, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment.

"This adjustment … I view as a necessary future-proofing of the monarchy.

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"I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother.

"But, as a mother and grandmother, I have underestimated the extent to which much my younger son and his family feel affected.

"That makes a big impression and, for that, I am sorry."

Prince Joachim commented at the time that his family were "all very sad" over the decision.

He told Ekstra Bladet: "They… find themselves in a situation they do not understand."

The four children of her eldest child, King Frederik, and his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, have retained their royal titles.

King Frederik ascended to the Danish throne upon his mother's abdication.

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Newly titled Count Nikolai shared his feelings about the change of title with 9honey Royal Reporter Natalie Oliveri in 2023.

"Hmmm… I think in the future I will be freer, but I've never felt limited before," he said.

"So for me, as I mentioned before, it hasn't changed anything yet. I think in the future it will make a difference."

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