Prince Henrik Diagnosed with Dementia: September 2017 & Further Health Issues

[Josefine]

Queen Silvia of Sweden's mother had Alzheimer’s. She has done a lot for dementia.
Silvia systrar "silvia nurses" with special knowladge about dementia

[soapstar]

This is such awful news. I can't imagine how painful this is for the family. I hope the media gives them the space and privacy they need.

[duchessrachel]

This is so sad. It does explain why he is behaving in the way he is. I now feel terrible for the bad things I said about him.

[Moonmaiden23]

So do I. I thought he was just being an old brat. We had no way of knowing, even though some posters guessed that he was seriously ill.

[Emme]

It can be interesting to see how personality affects how quickly dementia can be recognized. For example, with my father, it was pretty quick to see. He had always been even-tempered, reasonable, kind, never raised his voice. As part of his disease progression, he became angry, cursed, yelled... it was so difficult to see this sweet man act in this way. It also was a very early clue that something was neurologically wrong.

I would imagine if you are familiar with someone who is perhaps more cranky, or quick to anger, these types of changes would take longer to recognize as something outside of "normal" personality.

In any event, I know that it can take the family a long, long time to come around to the idea. When my mother-in-law began showing signs of forgetfulness and confusion so quickly after my father's death, I was in denial - saying things like, "Well, she is getting older. Or, she was just stressed out from recent travel." Looking back, in my heart of hearts, I think I knew, I just didn't want to accept it.

Each family member will come to it in their own timeline and in their own terms. I can't imagine the difficulties that come with all of this while being in the public eye.

[Muhler]

From Daily Mail: Denmark's Prince Henrik suffering from dementia | Daily Mail Online


I don't think you need to feel that sorry. PH has after all for many years been dissatisfied with his position within the DRF - and expressed that openly.
There is no hint at all that he was anything but a faithful husband, who loved his wife and indeed children dearly and was a great grandfather.
But he was not always a supporting husband and father...

[maria-olivia]

His grand children will see it written in all the newspapers , what a sad situation. Could the RF avoid this ?

[tommy100]

I don't think they could tbh. Henrik seems to be developing a pattern of speaking out in the media, something which is likely exacerbated by his illness. Maybe he forgets he has already said about wanting to be King etc etc, maybe his illness means he fixates on things even more.

Without telling the public and the media this will simply be taken as "Henrik being Henrik", now it will be taken as "Henrik being ill". Likewise the press will probably (and from what others have kindly translated -Muhler for one -it seems already are) being more careful about reporting these outbursts as they will now be bound by ethics on the reporting of the sayings and actions of someone who is not well.

Equally, if the RF wish to keep Henrik from public life, something which seems pretty obvious for someone who is ill with something like dementia, they can not really do so without saying why. If Henrik's condition becomes more serious they may have to (indeed may already) hold him against his will and that needs to be made clear and explained.

IMO the only other option was to privately tell the press so they know why Henrik is saying what he is but then the RF would be at the mercy of someone in the media not breaking the news at any point or indeed holding it against the RF for something in return. Also these days "the media" means anyone with a phone so it would be impossible to hope it wouldn't come out.

This way everyone knows what is going on, the media and public will now I suspect largely leave Henrik alone with the odd report about how he is getting on etc.

[Iain]

I'm very sorry to hear the news but it does shed light on recent events. I think it's right that the Royal family have gone public with this, there is no use trying to hide things and it means that people are more understanding.

[Ish]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

I agree it would be silly to hide his diagnosis and I praise them from coming forward. But Dementia isn't something that happens over night, he's had this for a while. In that time he's "been allowed" to talk to the press about his burial, and the situation surrounding that which I don't think should have happened.

He has no respect for his wife, family or the country he should have served in my opinion and it's so sad because Margrethe obviously loves her husband dearly.

I think quite the opposite here.

As you said, dementia doesn't happen overnight - posters here have speculated for some time now that Henrik is experiencing some sort of dementia/mental decline. Therefore it's reasonable to think that his actions for some time now have been affected by his mental state.

I definitely agree that Henrik's behaviour has come off as extremely disrespectful to his wife and sons, and I think that in all likelihood this is a part of his personality. However, the more vocal aspect of it that we've seen for the last few years is, in my opinion, likely caused by his illness.

The people that should be criticized here are not Henrik himself - who is not in complete control of his mind, let alone his actions - but rather the Royal Household, who have continued to allow Henrik to have such a public voice. If they had taken steps to remove his ability to issue press releases, then things like the public statement that he doesn't wish to be buried with his wife would have been handled very differently.

Now, in defence of Margrethe and her children, it can be hard to deal with a loved one who has dementia, and to put in the necessary restrictions, especially when the dementia is undiagnosed. And in defence of the household staff, it's hard to prevent your boss (or your boss' husband) from doing something, no matter how ill advised it is.

[Lumutqueen]

Actually you've agreed with my main point Ish in that he shouldn't have been allowed to speak his mind, when clearly not in full control over it.

It's a real shame he did damage to the RF that was wholly un-necessary.

[royal rob]

Just what I thought all along hope they can enjoy time with him now before it gets worse

[ladongas]

When a person in your family starts showing signs of dementia- or just odd behaviors- you don't immediately shut them up or shut them away. You keep an eye on them, but you don't just immediately confine them.

Yes, they may become unbearably rude or cranky, or just crustier than ever. Many people have unpleasant personalities all their lives, but we don't shut them away just because of that. They're rude and confrontational with bank tellers and shop assistants and other strangers, and with their spouses and other family members. It's embarrassing and frustrating for everyone they encounter.

But being unpleasant isn't a crime, and even a Prince must be allowed freedom to live his life. Not every person who "can't get along with anyone" will develop dementia, but many of them will become estranged from their families and friends (if any).

So, until Unpleasant Person, whether a prince or a plumber or a musician or a shoemaker, becomes a danger to him/ herself or others; or until he strips naked in the street or becomes a chronic shoplifter-- he/she can't be locked away or denied the right to live his life.

Every day when you are out and about, you encounter people with forms of dementia, and you likely never notice it. They will embarrass their families, and break their hearts, but you can't lock them away because it's convenient to do so. Even if it's the Queen's husband...

You manage and protect them as best you can, and certainly PH will generally be accompanied by aides, or caregivers. And the press will remark that PH was seen riding in the park, or attending a concert, or appearing at family events. He might occasionally 'slip his handlers' and get into mischief, and that's a burden his family must bear.

But you don't lock him away.

[CrownPrincessJava]

It is extremely sad news that Prince Henrik has been suffering from dementia. As many other posters have stated, this diagnosis is not a surprise, given his latest outbursts.

I pray that he and the family find solace and peace, especially when Prince Henrik is at the advanced stage

Originally Posted by Muhler

Thanks Eya.
This deserves a full translation:
It is with deep regret that Her Majesty the Queen has requested Hofmaskallen = Chief of Court to announce:


In connection with a longer examination and latest a number of tests conducted during the later summer a specialist team at Rigshospitalet has now concluded that His Royal Highness Prince Henrik suffer from dementia.

The diagnose results in a weakening of the cognitive functions of the Prince. The extent of the cognitive failure is according to Rigshospitalet greater than what can be expected considering the age of the Prince and and be accompanied by changes in the behavior, reaction-pattern, judgement and as such also influence the interaction with the world around him.
As a consequence of the diagnosis the Prince will in the future to an even greater extent tone down his activities, just as his protections and honorary tasks will be taken into consideration.



It is the wish of the Queen and the royal family that the Prince in the future will be allowed to be left alone to the extent needed by the situation.

(That was a difficult text to translate! There are so many nuances in the text).


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


Well, now we know.
And regrettably as it is, I'm relieved. Both on behalf of the DRF, the country and also PH himself. - He can't help it.
The alternative was much worse.


The press-ethics in DK, means he will be left alone, almost regardless of what his doing from now on. Any reports of erratic behavior will from now on not come from the press but from private sources.
No editor-in-chief will expose a man who is not in his right mind. That's a sure way to be sacked.


I also think that we will see very little of PH from now on.
As I interpret the text the DRF will be setting up a nursing home of their own, presumably at Fredensborg. If they haven't already done that.
He will only appear in public from a distance and without having the opportunity to address the public or reporters.


An interesting question occurred to me: The DRF are in some ways "above the law" in the sense that they enjoy immunity - unless the Parliament intervenes. But it is up to the Monarch to decide what happens to members of the DRF. In a sense QMII may actually be able to keep another member of the DRF confined against their will, even if there is no court order as such.

I imagine it could be a formality to get a court to declare PH unable to look after his own interests on the basis of such a diagnosis.
And this is what is happening or has already happened, I believe.

Danish queen's husband Henrik is suffering from dementia | Daily Mail Online

The news on going international.

It's of course all over the news here in DK.

It means QMII in particular will be showered in sympathy - and PH will most likely be forgiven for his behavior for the past two or three years. People will choose to fondly remember PH for being somewhat eccentric and very colorful.
That doesn't mean his, shall we say, flaws will be forgotten either.
He was after all not suffering from dementia back in 1992, nor when he had his fit after the infamous New Year Court.

Thank you Muhler for the translation.

I wouldn't be surprised if parliament did intervene this time and asked questions to QMII. In Australia, a doctor or any person who believes another person is a danger to themselves or society, can order a mental health evaluation. After Prince Henrik's latest outbursts, I am wondering if someone in the Danish judiciary or parliament didn't start raising questions.

[An Ard Ri]

Its very sad for the DRF but I'm glad it has been made public and hopefully the press will remain respectful in their coverage of the news.

[rominet09]

Originally Posted by ladongas

When a person in your family starts showing signs of dementia- or just odd behaviors- you don't immediately shut them up or shut them away. You keep an eye on them, but you don't just immediately confine them.

Yes, they may become unbearably rude or cranky, or just crustier than ever. Many people have unpleasant personalities all their lives, but we don't shut them away just because of that. They're rude and confrontational with bank tellers and shop assistants and other strangers, and with their spouses and other family members. It's embarrassing and frustrating for everyone they encounter.

But being unpleasant isn't a crime, and even a Prince must be allowed freedom to live his life. Not every person who "can't get along with anyone" will develop dementia, but many of them will become estranged from their families and friends (if any).

So, until Unpleasant Person, whether a prince or a plumber or a musician or a shoemaker, becomes a danger to him/ herself or others; or until he strips naked in the street or becomes a chronic shoplifter-- he/she can't be locked away or denied the right to live his life.

Every day when you are out and about, you encounter people with forms of dementia, and you likely never notice it. They will embarrass their families, and break their hearts, but you can't lock them away because it's convenient to do so. Even if it's the Queen's husband...

You manage and protect them as best you can, and certainly PH will generally be accompanied by aides, or caregivers. And the press will remark that PH was seen riding in the park, or attending a concert, or appearing at family events. He might occasionally 'slip his handlers' and get into mischief, and that's a burden his family must bear.

But you don't lock him away.

My poor Mother had it too and died from it.....for her it became the opposite : much nicer personnality and much more kindness so you can never tell.

BUT it always worsen and then for their protection you are obliged not to let them wander any more, unfortunately

[carlota]

i find it interesting that people say that 'it does explain why he is behaving in the way he is'. henrik always behaved in a fairly controversial manner for years and years now. how come this explains actions that happened decades ago? maybe the situation of his latest remarks (on his burial preferences) is explained, but not his behaviour over the years.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by ladongas

When a person in your family starts showing signs of dementia- or just odd behaviors- you don't immediately shut them up or shut them away. You keep an eye on them, but you don't just immediately confine them.

Yes, they may become unbearably rude or cranky, or just crustier than ever. Many people have unpleasant personalities all their lives, but we don't shut them away just because of that. They're rude and confrontational with bank tellers and shop assistants and other strangers, and with their spouses and other family members. It's embarrassing and frustrating for everyone they encounter.

But being unpleasant isn't a crime, and even a Prince must be allowed freedom to live his life. Not every person who "can't get along with anyone" will develop dementia, but many of them will become estranged from their families and friends (if any).

So, until Unpleasant Person, whether a prince or a plumber or a musician or a shoemaker, becomes a danger to him/ herself or others; or until he strips naked in the street or becomes a chronic shoplifter-- he/she can't be locked away or denied the right to live his life.

Every day when you are out and about, you encounter people with forms of dementia, and you likely never notice it. They will embarrass their families, and break their hearts, but you can't lock them away because it's convenient to do so. Even if it's the Queen's husband...

You manage and protect them as best you can, and certainly PH will generally be accompanied by aides, or caregivers. And the press will remark that PH was seen riding in the park, or attending a concert, or appearing at family events. He might occasionally 'slip his handlers' and get into mischief, and that's a burden his family must bear.

But you don't lock him away.

Thank you for this post. Dementia creeps up- you notice changes in a person but it often takes awhile for it to become serious. My aunt has it and my mother is showing some early signs. My aunt cannot even be left alone,my mother still can take care of many daily functions herself but her personality has changed and she is very judgmental and has no filter. It is a challenge.

[CrownPrincessJava]

Originally Posted by carlota

i find it interesting that people say that 'it does explain why he is behaving in the way he is'. henrik always behaved in a fairly controversial manner for years and years now. how come this explains actions that happened decades ago? maybe the situation of his latest remarks (on his burial preferences) is explained, but not his behaviour over the years.

Prince Henrik's personality is just that - he is narcissistic and self-absorbed. However, his latest outbursts had been increasing. The awareness campaigns for degenerative brain diseases have lead a lot more people looking for and understanding the early signs. I only hoped the intervention in Prince Henrik's case happened a lot earlier.

The news of Prince Henrik's diagnosis has been reported in Australian media: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment...7c687bab05965c

[Thena]

Well, this is not really a surprise after the events of this summer. The entire family has my deepest sympathies.