Prince Joachim of Denmark, aged 53, along with his wife Princess Marie and their two children, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, are set to make a significant move across continents.
Recent reports from local media indicate that the Danish royal family is preparing to relocate to Washington, DC, as Prince Joachim has secured a new position in the defense industry based in the United States.
The decision to uproot their lives comes as the prince's current role as a defense attaché in Paris is expected to conclude in June, prompting the imminent relocation in the latter part of the year.
The impending move to the US signifies a potential further distancing of Prince Joachim from Denmark, particularly following a period of upheaval within the Danish royal family.
This turbulence emerged after Queen Margrethe II, Joachim's mother, decided to revoke the prince's four children's prince and princess titles, including those of Henrik and Athena.
While the Danish Royal Courts Communications Department has not officially confirmed the relocation plans, the ramifications of the family's shifting dynamics are palpable.
In a notable announcement made in September, Queen Margrethe II declared that her grandchildren, including Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena, would no longer hold highness titles starting from January 2023.
Despite asserting that this adjustment aims to grant the younger generation more autonomy and freedom to shape their futures independently of royal constraints, Prince Joachim openly criticized his mother's resolution, emphasizing the negative impact on his children.
Acknowledging the breakdown in communication within the royal family preceding the controversial decision, Prince Joachim admitted to ongoing efforts to mend familial relationships.
Reflecting on the lack of dialogue that preceded the upheaval, he expressed optimism about the prospects for reconciliation and unity within the royal household.
The evolving dynamics within the Danish monarchy have also led to adjustments in holiday plans, with Queen Margrethe opting to celebrate Christmas at Marslijsborg Castle in Aarhus alongside close companions, while Crown Prince Frederik and his family embark on a trip to Australia.
Meanwhile, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie have chosen to spend the festive season on a prearranged journey abroad with their children, although the specific destination remains undisclosed.
Following the retraction of their royal titles, Joachim emphasized the abruptness of the decision, revealing that he had minimal notice before the public announcement.
The subsequent reactions from both Prince Joachim and his former wife Alexandra underscore the emotional toll of the royal family's restructuring, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by its members amidst these transformative developments.
