Prince Henrik's Plans for his Final Resting Place: August 2017

[Nordic]

Yes and no.

Should QMII die first, Frederik will become king and outrank everybody else, Mary will as queen also outrank both PH and Joachim.
In state matters and constitutional matters Joachim will normally outrank PH, but there is actually nothing to hinder Frederik from appointing his dad Rigsforstander, instead of Joachim, when he is abroad.
In formal settings, i.e. when the DRF receive official guests the order will be: Frederik, Mary, PH, an adult Christian, Joachim, Marie, Nikolai, Benedikte.

In state and constitutional matters because Joachim can be Rigsforstander but PH not?

Why would PH (in formal settings) come after the, then, regent couple if Christian is an adult, the crown prince and the next in line?

 

[Muhler]

In state and constitutional matters because Joachim can be Rigsforstander but PH not?

Why would PH (in formal settings) come after the, then, regent couple if Christian is an adult, the crown prince and the next in line?

Joachim would normally be appointed Rigsforstander before anyone else, even Mary. But again the law only says that if the crown prince/ss is in Denmark he/she will automatically take over from an absent monarch, for everybody else it's really up to Frederik to appoint who is to act as Rigsforstander. The current tradition is that it's the next in line for the the throne, but he is free to appoint say Mary if he wish to. - So is QMII for that matter.
Example: Frederik is away sailing in Australia later this month. QMII will for whatever reason prolong her stay in France. Normally QMII would appoint Joachim as Rigsforstander or Benedikte, but she could also appoint Mary is she wanted to.

And now I can't contain myself anymore in regards to what Lally Hoffmann said.

There are as I see it right now, two possibilities:
A) We are seeing a mental meltdown of PH (dementia probably) and the DRF is caught off guard, both on a personal level but also to some extent on a PR level. Because PH leaked his decision to the press.
- In other words, what was said by Lene Balleby is the truth. What they didn't add was: because PH is going ga-ga and we really don't know how to proceed right now!
The problem is of course that the wording Lene Balleby and the DRF members agreed on, while being the truth, comes out and is interpreted differently by us, than by the DRF who know PH and what is wrong with him. It's a typical case of: I know what I mean when I write something - But everybody else may not...

B) We are talking about an extremely self-absorbed person. A mega-egocentric, who on top of that is so selfish that he is unwilling and unable to consider anyone but himself. It's now an obsession bordering on insanity. It's an ongoing process that has developed for years. From a character-flaw in his personality to an all consuming obsession.

- Right at this moment it's to me 50-50 as to which option it is.

Does anyone know something about megalomania and how it progresses?

 

[Nordic]

Joachim would normally be appointed Rigsforstander before anyone else, even Mary. But again the law only says that if the crown prince/ss is in Denmark he/she will automatically take over from an absent monarch, for everybody else it's really up to Frederik to appoint who is to act as Rigsforstander. The current tradition is that it's the next in line for the the throne, but he is free to appoint say Mary if he wish to. - So is QMII for that matter.
Example: Frederik is away sailing in Australia later this month. QMII will for whatever reason prolong her stay in France. Normally QMII would appoint Joachim as Rigsforstander or Benedikte, but she could also appoint Mary is she wanted to.

Yes, this is all quite clear to me but you said "In state matters and constitutional matters Joachim will normally outrank PH".

Is that related to Joachim serving as rigsforstander at times but PH not or, put it this way, Joachim outranks PH when he is rigsforstander but otherwise not?

 

[Rudolph]

People Magazine calls Henrik 'The worlds most bitter royal'

"Prince Henrik of Denmark is taking his bitterness to the grave."

Read more: Prince Henrik of Denmark Won't Be Buried Next to His Wife

 

[Muhler]

Yes, this is all quite clear to me but you said "In state matters and constitutional matters Joachim will normally outrank PH".

Is that related to Joachim serving as rigsforstander at times but PH not.

Joachim can sit on the throne, i.e. become king.
PH and Mary can be appointed rigsforstander, but not sit on the throne. In that sense Joachim outranks in constitutional matters.

To illustrate: QMII is dead, Frederik is king.
By some incredible tragedy Frederik and all M&F's children die in an accident, while Mary happens to be Rigsforstander, say because Joachim is trekking in Antarctica.
The second Frederik and his children are declared dead, Joachim becomes king. But Mary will remain Rigsforstander until Joachim comes back and takes over. In that way he outranks Mary constitutionally speaking.

There are plenty of what-if scenarios to illustrate the possibilities.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Are there any husbands of Queens who have been granted the title of King Consort?

The title of kings consort in Europe was King instead of King Consort, just as the title of queens consort in Europe is Queen instead of Queen Consort.

The royal decree under which Prince Francisco de Asís María de Borbón, husband of Queen Isabel II of Spain, was granted the "honorific title" of King and the style of Majesty: http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1846/4411/A00001-00001.pdf

Even as late as the 19th century, Fernando II of Portugal was King jure uxoris and not merely a consort, by virtue of his marriage to Queen Maria II, but only as long as his wife was alive and after their first child was born (the same rule , I believe, would have applied to the husband of Princess Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil, if she had ascended the throne). An example of a true "King Consort", who was not a co-monarch himself, is King Francis of Spain (husband of Queen Isabella II).

The jure uxoris title of King was not always in correlation to the status of co-monarch; in Portugal and Brazil, the Constitutions allowed the husband of the queen regnant or empress regnant to take part in the administration of the country after his first child was born, but Fernando II was never promoted to co-monarch.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

----------------


Any suggestion that he is de facto equal to QMII is dismissed by PH. According to his logic "with which he has painted himself firmly in the corner" him not being king, means that he is not equal to QMII and as such is not really a part of the DRF.

Here it is again--he wants to be "King" and if he can't be King than he is not part of the DRF. Selfish, stupid, egotistical and throwing a temper tantrum because he can't get the toy he wants.

I'm sure Prince Philip had some of these same feelings, but it seems as he has aged he has become more and more a support to his wife and Queen. So sad for the DRF and the people of Denmark.

 

[Mbruno]

The title of kings consort in Europe was King instead of King Consort, just as the title of queens consort in Europe is Queen instead of Queen Consort.

The royal decree under which Prince Francisco de Asís María de Borbón, husband of Queen Isabel II of Spain, was granted the "honorific title" of King and the style of Majesty: http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE//1846/4411/A00001-00001.pdf



The jure uxoris title of King was not always in correlation to the status of co-monarch; in Portugal and Brazil, the Constitutions allowed the husband of the queen regnant or empress regnant to take part in the administration of the country after his first child was born, but Fernando II was never promoted to co-monarch.

Actually, the title of "queen consort" doesn't exist officially either., Letizia's official title is also simply "Queen", not "Queen Consort". The qualification "consort" is just a manner of speaking, as we also say "queen regnant" or "queen dowager".

As for a King jure uxoris, I said effectively a co-monarch, which they were. That is evidentiated by the fact they were numbered like a reigning king, whereas a "King Consort" like King Francis was not.

 

[camelot23ca]

And now I can't contain myself anymore in regards to what Lally Hoffmann said.

There are as I see it right now, two possibilities:
A) We are seeing a mental meltdown of PH (dementia probably) and the DRF is caught off guard, both on a personal level but also to some extent on a PR level. Because PH leaked his decision to the press.
- In other words, what was said by Lene Balleby is the truth. What they didn't add was: because PH is going ga-ga and we really don't know how to proceed right now!
The problem is of course that the wording Lene Balleby and the DRF members agreed on, while being the truth, comes out and is interpreted differently by us, than by the DRF who know PH and what is wrong with him. It's a typical case of: I know what I mean when I write something - But everybody else may not...

B) We are talking about an extremely self-absorbed person. A mega-egocentric, who on top of that is so selfish that he is unwilling and unable to consider anyone but himself. It's now an obsession bordering on insanity. It's an ongoing process that has developed for years. From a character-flaw in his personality to an all consuming obsession.

- Right at this moment it's to me 50-50 as to which option it is.

Does anyone know something about megalomania and how it progresses?

Whether or not Henrik has something diagnosable like dementia, (which would change how I view this whole situation and make me much more sympathetic towards the Prince), I think it's clear he's been beyond reasoning with for quite some time now. I say this because the DRF, as a family and as an institution, obviously has no control over the situation. If there was conflict, but Henrik was acting rationally, they'd be able to come up with a more coherent strategy for dealing with whatever his issue is. A rational person might publicly lash out once but can usually eventually be talked down with sensible interventions by family and friends. Most of all, a rational person can be made to understand that it does no one any good for these sorts of issues to be made public, instead of being dealt with as a family behind closed doors.

Judging by the clumsy way the Danish court has dealt with the issue I would say they've been put in the position of reacting to Henrik periodically and unexpectedly blowing up. The way QM announced Henrik's retirement, for example, made no sense. And now the statement from the spokeswoman, which IMO was also a bad move.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

As for a King jure uxoris, I said effectively a co-monarch, which they were. That is evidentiated by the fact they were numbered like a reigning king, whereas a "King Consort" like King Francis was not.

There have been a number of princes consort and queens consort in Europe who were likewise effectively co-monarchs; my point was that the jure uxoris title of King is not dependent on being a co-monarch.

 

[polyesco]

Another must read.

TV2's very experience royal reporter Lally Hoffmann has spoken to PH today, off camera, and she is here trying to convey what is on PH's mind.

Being as unbiased as possible it seems to me that it's difficult for her to put words to what he has told her, so this is not easy to translate. So if anyone feel my translation is off the mark or feel I have left something significant out, please say so, because this is pretty significant.

---------------

PH is sorry about the debate, but he stands by his views.

PH is taking stock of his life now.
"What he is saying with the message is that what is important/on the table now, is my life - my family life. My relationship to the family and not least to the Queen".

Lally Hoffmann (LH) believes there is a good deal of self-criticism (She really means self-reflection IMO) in these statements.
"It's after all not about him not getting this or that and - no one understood me. - It's also the fact that he hasn't lived up to that. That is, in other words he would like to have the remaining years for himself and do what he think is important.

PH has got a good deal of criticism over the years and according to LH this is something that got under his skin/hurt him to some extent.
"He has joked him way through quite a lot, but he is after all also a sensitive person. Also, there is also a self-criticism. Now he has gone all the way in the sense that he does not want to be buried in Roskilde Cathedral, because it again in a way represent the monarchy and not him as a man".

Some believe this damages the monarchy, but that has not been considered by PH when he made his statements.
"He looks at it as something purely private and in that context we must not forget that the family - and not least the Queen - they accept/are in acceptance with his wishes. It think it's a serious self-reflection, more than anything else and unfortunately one has to say that the Prince has not been aware of how much this also affects the DRF/ make people question the DRF/consider the DRF".

Lally HOffmann in the video leaves the impression that PH has not understood the public reaction.

----------------

This is based on the TV2 news on TV at 19.00.

Lally Hoffmann explains that it was off camera because the court said so.
PH emphasize that he loves his wife and that his issue is not with QMII as his wife.
Any suggestion that he is de facto equal to QMII is dismissed by PH. According to his logic "with which he has painted himself firmly in the corner" him not being king, means that he is not equal to QMII and as such is not really a part of the DRF.

-----

I sure have an opinion about this! But in order to leave this post as unbiased as possible, I'll wait about saying what I think.

ADDED: As I see it: PH is reflecting on his life and position in life, also in regards to the DRF. And doing so without having considered the public reaction or the consequences of his statements. It has not even been on his mind.

Thank you muhler.
His huge ego did not let him think of others, just himself.
If he had not leak the news himself, this issue would remain with the family .
But he wanted the attention, for people to feel pity for him that he is not titled king.
People instead see it as it is, a huge disappointment for his wife. And putting his sons and family in hard situations.
He can do all the reflection he wants, we all do, but he brought the news up. And did not even consider that he is wrong.

Lets be clear, the titles can be changed tomorrow, princess consorts for the wives of kings. But Henrik would not be happy, as he would stay a prince and not king.
Even if he got titled king consort, the Crown Prince, Frederik, would still take over at events when the Queen is not present. It is Frederik, that attends State Councils and government meetings with the Queen, not the spouse Henrik.

 

[Mbruno]

Thank you muhler.
His huge ego did not let him think of others, just himself.
If he had not leak the news himself, this issue would remain with the family .
But he wanted the attention, for people to feel pity for him that he is not titled king.
People instead see it as it is, a huge disappointment for his wife. And putting his sons and family in hard situations.
He can do all the reflection he wants, we all do, but he brought the news up. And did not even consider that he is wrong.

Lets be clear, the titles can be changed tomorrow, princess consorts for the wives of kings. But Henrik would not be happy, as he would stay a prince and not king.
Even if he got titled king consort, the Crown Prince, Frederik, would still take over at events when the Queen is not present. It is Frederik, that attends State Councils and government meetings with the Queen, not the spouse Henrik.

Why is everybody assuming though that PH wants to attend State Councils, or otherwise perform other constitutional duties of the Head of State (which BTW he could do when serving as interim regent) ? As far as I know, PH never asked to be a co-monarch; his only complaint, if I recall it correctly, was that, to quote his own words recently, Máxima for example was addressed as "Queen" and "Majesty", while he was only a "Royal Highness" , and that, in his view, was unfair. I tend to believe that "King Consort" would be enough to satisfy him.

 

[Muhler]

I think you are both right, Polyesco and camelot23ca.

In my opinion, and my opinion is revised all the time, based the info coming in, PH has always been an egocentric, overly aware of his own position and been a megalomaniac. Such people tend to be very touchy.
And that has indeed been the pattern all through his life here in DK. It began to surface for real in the mid 90's and exploded for the first time at the New Year Court.
Okay, QMII accommodated him by bestowing him the title of Count of Montpezat and his sons as well, so he too would have a family line. He also got his own apanage and he got the title of Prince Consort.
- All of it very reasonable actually. All that lacked IMO was that PH would get his old name back and be Henri. It was silly and provincial back in the 60's to change his name.

Most men would be very pleased with this. But not a megalomaniac. A megalomaniac will not be satisfied until everybody else basically worship him! There are no one above or beside a megalomaniac.

That has I now think always nagged him. Now in the last couple of years it's really breaking out as an obsession! Perhaps spurred on by dementia? My wife won't rule that out.

There are a lot of me and my in Lally Hoffmann's summary of her conversation with PH I noticed. He is perhaps now in a state where his previous character flaws are no longer under control. That is in regards to him being egocentric and a megalomaniac, because he profess that he loves his wife while apparently being totally unable to comprehend that he is hurting her and that she and the public cannot understand his views. Which to him are perfectly rational and reasonable.
So he acts like a child: If I can't get may way, I'll hold my breath and die and then you'll be sorry!

The problem is of course that while he is indeed clearly irrational, he is probably not yet in a stage where he can be declared out of his mind. I think most Danes at this stage would be vetted by the municipality in order to set them up for a place at a retirement home. (The majority of Danes in retirement homes nowadays suffer from various forms of dementia, otherwise they live in senior-homes or as far as possible in their own homes).
That may also be the purpose of the no less than three healthcare workers who have been employed to look after him. But there is a limit to what they can do without breaking the law.

There are no doubt times where PH is fairly rational and other times where he pulls a stunt like this!
The odd things is that people in the earlier stages of dementia have their clear moments where they are often horrified about what they say and do. But I don't have the impression that PH has had such clear moments or perhaps he is desperately trying to hold on to the illusion that there is nothing wrong with him?

- In a sad way I sincerely hope that this is what is wrong with PH. Otherwise there is absolutely no excuse for him left IMO!

 

[tommy100]

So he wants the title but not the responsibility? I assume he wants every husband to take their wife's title? So Dr Jayne Doe's husband becomes Dr John Doe even though he doesn't have any qualifications? Should Professor's spouses get to carry their titles? The man is deranged IMO and now seems quite happy to embarrass his wife and family in the media.

 

[Nordic]

Why is everybody assuming though that PH wants to attend State Councils, or otherwise perform other constitutional duties of the Head of State (which BTW he could do when serving as interim regent) ?

What are the "constitutional duties of the Head of State that PH could do when serving as interim regent", that you are referring to?

PH is not a member of the State Council and could not attend them.

 

[Iain]

Philip, Duke of Edinburgh became Prince Consort.

Are there any husbands of Queens who have been granted the title of King Consort?

Actually, Prince Philip has never been given the title Prince Consort. Why not is anyone's guess because Victoria's husband Albert had that title.

In Scotland, Henry Stuart, husband of Mary I, had the title King Consort.

 

[wyevale]

he is indeed clearly irrational, he is probably not yet in a stage where he can be declared out of his mind.

If he is indeed at this stage, then why [oh why] has the family and Court not prevented his access to the Media ? 'Loose cannon' that he is, he can do [and has done[ a great deal of damage to his reputation, that of the family and the Nation.
Surely the Court and the Government could exercise a greater level of control to prevent such outbursts ?

 

[Rudolph]

Queen Victoria had this to say on the subject

'It is a strange omission in our Constitution that while the wife of a King has the highest rank and dignity in the realm after her husband assigned to her by law, the husband of a Queen regnant is entirely ignored by the law.'

 

[Mbruno]

So he wants the title but not the responsibility? I assume he wants every husband to take their wife's title? So Dr Jayne Doe's husband becomes Dr John Doe even though he doesn't have any qualifications? Should Professor's spouses get to carry their titles? The man is deranged IMO and now seems quite happy to embarrass his wife and family in the media.

I get your point, but I don't think the comparison applies. We are not talking about professional or academic titles that are awarded by examination and/or depend on the successful completion of a course of study. Royal titles are not obtained by merit either; QMII would be queen just for being the firstborn child of a king, whether she was "qualified" or not.

 

[Muhler]

If he is indeed at this stage, then why [oh why] has the family and Court not prevented his access to the Media ? 'Lose cannon' that he is, he can do [and has done[ a great deal of damage to his reputation, that of the family and the Nation.
Surely the Court and the Government could exercise a greater level of control to prevent such outbursts ?

The problem is that unless he is officially declared out his mind he can't be detained or prevented from speaking with whomever he wants to.
If people around him lock him up or physically restrain him they are committing a criminal offense. - I.e. committing an act of violence or detaining someone against their will.

The only ones who has the authority to use force against him or even detain him are his PET officers, but even they won't do that unless he is doing something very dramatic.
Embarrassing himself and the DRF is not a criminal offense or a physical danger to himself or others.

 

[Madame Verseau]

Unless Henrik was forced into the marriage, he knew full well that he would have the lesser title when Margrethe ascended to the throne. He may believe his wife didn't fight hard enough with the government to have him titled king; but it's still no excuse to have this spill out on the streets and embarrass the DRF. Have the title, style and address of HRH Prince Consort taken from him since he thinks it's beneath him; and when the time comes send him back to France at his blood family's expense for the burial.

I wonder if this is starting conversations within other European governments that have constitutional monarchies. What to do for the consort when the heir to the throne is an heiress? How will pre-eminence be handled, as well as the title? The next queen regnant coming up would be Victoria of Sweden. I assumed it was worked out before the marriage what Daniel's title and rank would be when she takes the throne, and he understands. How will be things be settled for Ingrid Alexandra (Norway), Elizabeth (Belguim), Catharina Amalia (Netherlands) or Leonore (Spain)? (Leonore's position changes if the king and queen have a son, I believe.)

 

[Mbruno]

What are the "constitutional duties of the Head of State that PH could do when serving as interim regent", that you are referring to?

PH is not a member of the State Council and could not attend them.

Muhler said that PH could be appointed interim regent when QMII is absent from the country, just as Frederik or Joachim.

In Sweden, on the other hand, Queen Silvia for example cannot be regent pro tempore as the regent pro tempore has to be the next available adult in the line of succession under the Instrument of Government. It is only when there is no one available in the line of succession that someone else, typically the Speaker of the parliament, serves as regent under a government order

I wonder if this is starting conversations within other European governments that have constitutional monarchies. What to do for the consort when the heir to the throne is an heiress? How will pre-eminence be handled, as well as the title? The next queen regnant coming up would be Victoria of Sweden. I assumed it was worked out before the marriage what Daniel's title and rank would be when she takes the throne, and he understands. How will be things be settled for Ingrid Alexandra (Norway), Elizabeth (Belguim), Catharina Amalia (Netherlands) or Leonore (Spain)? (Leonore's position changes if the king and queen have a son, I believe.)

There is no official decison in Belgium yet as far as I know , but in the Netherlands and in Spain, it is currently official that the husband of the reigning queen is only a prince and an HRH. I suspect it will be the same in Belgium, in Norway, and even in Sweden (the fact that Daniel is only "Prince of Sweden" and not "Crown Prince of Sweden" is already an indication that they are not going for gender equality).

As Duc said, it will be quite odd indeed: in a few decades, it is possible that only the consorts of the monarchs of the UK and Denmark will have the style of "Majesty", while all the others will be HRHs. Maybe a debate will be sparked then.

 

[Muhler]

Muhler said that the PH could be appointed interim regent when QMII is absent from the country, just as Frederik or Joachim.

In Sweden, on the other hand, Queen Silvia for example cannot be regent pro tempore as the regent pro tempore has to be the next available adult in the line of succession under the Instrument of Government. It is only when there is no one available in the line of succession, that someone else, typically the Speaker of the parliament, serves as regent under a government order

A minor correction:

When QMII is abroad, Frederik automatically becomes Regent, if he is in DK. And that's because he's the Crown Prince.
If Frederik is also abroad, then a Rigsforstander is appointed. And that could be PH. Normally it's the next in line in the succession, but Queen Ingrid has acted as Rigsforstander for QMII. - Presumably Benedikte was not available or Queen Ingrid was used because she had so much experience.

 

[Nordic]

When QMII is abroad, Frederik automatically becomes Regent, if he is in DK. And that's because he's the Crown Prince.
If Frederik is also abroad, then a Rigsforstander is appointed. And that could be PH. Normally it's the next in line in the succession, but Queen Ingrid has acted as Rigsforstander for QMII. - Presumably Benedikte was not available or Queen Ingrid was used because she had so much experience.

Could be, but has never been during the past 50 years, AFAIK.

 

[duchessrachel]

If you go to 'Map of the Danish Royals' in the topic listing, you'll find the 'Royal Library sub-forum' where several books are listed. However, according to what I have read here, the one by Trine Villeman should be taken with a grain of salt. Amazon has both the Kindle and hardcover version, but the hardcover is very expensive. Actually, I have learned most of what I know about the DRF (and Danes in general) from the posts on this forum. So take some time and scroll through the various topics and discussions, and you'll get lots of information. Happy reading!

Thank you so much!! I have only been interested in the BRF in the past, but Royal Forums had really piqued my interest in other royal families and I want to learn all I can.

 

[Slavey]

Disrespectful

I simply feel that HRH has benefited greatly from his marriage to Denmark, which I remember with great fondness. His very public press release is a direct insult to The Queen, HIS queen, and to the nation. Regardless of his "love" for Denmark, he has insulted the nation with his boorish, childish, and "macho" attitude toward his role.

 

[Queen Claude]

If he is indeed at this stage, then why [oh why] has the family and Court not prevented his access to the Media ? 'Loose cannon' that he is, he can do [and has done[ a great deal of damage to his reputation, that of the family and the Nation.
Surely the Court and the Government could exercise a greater level of control to prevent such outbursts ?

It seems to me that the reason this became an international story is because of the statement made by Lene Balleby, the head of communications for the Danish Royal Court. From what I am able to piece together the media had some kind of inkling what was going on, there may have been an article written, but Balleby putting it all out there is what led to the story getting so much coverage. My question is why did the Danish Court decide to be so open about the matter?

 

[Muhler]

It seems to me that the reason this became an international story is because of the statement made by Lene Balleby, the head of communications for the Danish Royal Court. From what I am able to piece together the media had some kind of inkling what was going on, there may have been an article written, but Balleby putting it all out there is what led to the story getting so much coverage. My question is why did the Danish Court decide to be so open about the matter?

Because that's the truth?

Because that's what PH had already told the press?

Perhaps they thought that damage control is easier, if they simply stick to facts and the truth?

Perhaps they hope for more understanding from the press (and the public) if they are fairly open and truthful from the beginning.

They could have said that PH for private and personal reasons do not wish to be buried at Roskilde Cathedral, but then the press which most likely have direct quotes from PH, would publish these quotes anyway.
And PH might still happily tell any journalist within earshot his reasons. He sure told TV2's Lally Hoffmann today!

And how do you put a spin on that anyway? Especially as they don't know what he might come up with next!

And it is factual. The same with PH's retirement. PH decided to retire, so that's what QMII told the public.

Time will tell whether that's the best strategy in the long run.

Congratulations on your first post, Slavey

 

[M. Payton]

In viewing and reading about PH over the many decades now there is one thing he loves very much...attention, from his *red* pants to the crazy socks to hunting to just about everything he wants to be the center of everyone's universe.

Well now he got his wish, most of the world is talking about him and he is the center of everyone's universe down to all the news papers, magazines and media in the world and probably in places that have never heard of him, yet he did not think what his behavior has caused his lovely wife, his Queen, the nation he is a *Prince* of, nor this family. This has IMHO *backfired* on him big time and if he wanted sympathy, then he is in for a big surprise for there is NO sympathy for a *whiner* who does not get his own way all over a title that would mean nothing in the long run. There are repercussions to one's behavior and he is going to have to face what he did and there is no turning back or hiding from this. My heart goes out to his wife, QM and his sons and their families for they are the one's paying the price for this. I really hope that the gov and the royal family does something soon to end this for it is past time now before there is more damage done.

 

[camelot23ca]

As Duc said, it will be quite odd indeed: in a few decades, it is possible that only the consorts of the monarchs of the UK and Denmark will have the style of "Majesty", while all the others will be HRHs. Maybe a debate will be sparkled then.

There's no guarantee that all the current monarchies will remain so in a few decades, but however many remain, the last thing any of them will need is debate, either public opinion debate or, even worse, debate at the level of government. It only takes the right set of circumstances and suddenly the monarchy itself is up for debate.

The DRF is lucky there's no sizeable republican movement in Denmark, that Henrik has never been taken seriously, and no actual debate has been provoked.