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

[eya]

The Palace make annoucement that Prince Henrik is suffering from Dementia

H.K.H. Prins Henriks helbred | Kongehuset

 

[Osipi]

In a way I'm relieved although I wouldn't want to wish dementia on my worse enemy. It explains a lot of Henrik's behavior, the Queen's refusal to take public action against her husband's public rantings and his family's continuing support behind him. It is perhaps one of the hardest things to go through watching a once strong and active family member losing a big part of who he was.

 

[Nordic]

The Palace make annoucement that Prince Henrik is suffering from Dementia

H.K.H. Prins Henriks helbred | Kongehuset

HRH Prince Henrik's health | The Danish Monarchy - Front Page
Communiqué de presse | The Danish Monarchy - Front Page

 

[O-H Anglophile]

I'm sorry for the Danish Royal Family having to experience and deal with this. On the other hand, Prince Henrik's statements, in the context of his condition, are much more understandable. Many of us expressed the thought that something more had to be going on, some since his sudden retirement.

 

[melina premiere]

For me, it was not a surprise , I guessed that he could suffer of dementia, it explained his strange behaviour.
I widh that all the family stayed united around Prince Henrik and will support the queen Margreth because it is so hard to live near a person who is suffering of dementia

 

[Pranter]

The Palace make annoucement that Prince Henrik is suffering from Dementia

H.K.H. Prins Henriks helbred | Kongehuset

This is what I suspected...hopefully the family can continue to manage his situation without too much stress/upset.


LaRae

 

[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.

 

[Pranter]

Ok so is he in France (saw he was going to France recently)?


LaRae

 

[O-H Anglophile]

I think the family knew Henrik has not been functioning normally for some time, but it took this last public rant to realize they needed to have a formal diagnosis for a public statement.

Ok so is he in France (saw he was going to France recently)?


LaRae

He was in France with the Queen some weeks ago and suddenly taken back to Denmark and hospitalized, where they tested him. I hadn't seen anything more recently about France but maybe I missed it.

 

[LibrarianDaisy]

As other members have said on here, I feel almost relieved that dementia has been diagnosed. On the other hand, having had relatives who suffered from the same illness, I feel for the Queen and the rest of the family. At least Prince Henrik will be getting the best of treatment and will be well looked after. I'm glad to hear Denmark has a press with some morals and that he will be left alone.

I've always felt that QM and PH marriage was always a meeting of minds as much as anything else so I think this is really tragic

 

[carlota]

does this diagnosis then mean he has dealt with dementia for a long time? because he has been making public, rather embarrassing comments for a while now. i mean, i am sure they don't want to trick us because of his latest comments into thinking he didn't mean what he said, but, given his history, there is no guarantee that such comments would not have surfaced if he were sane.

sad news for the queen and her family. i am sure they will shelter henrik now and extract him from the public scene to prevent any unpleasant behaviour from occurring in public view.

 

[wyevale]

MUCH is explained [and is forgivable] because of this..

My sympathies to the Queen and the Family in the difficult period that lies ahead, and which they must have experienced since the ghastly illness began to manifest itself in the Prince's behaviour.

 

[Skippy]

I get the feeling that Queen Margrethe is used to much more concerning her husband than what the public has seen and that she has learnt to ride that wave. She has backbone.
Of course it's a shame that her own husband has felt the need to express himself in the way he did, but she gets a lot of "poor Queen Margrethe, how disgraced she must feel"-esque phrases here where I feel that we have only seen the tip of the iceberg and she is someone who just lets the storm blow over.

Chauvinist France versus liberal Denmark. As for Prince Henrik's condition, I don't know what to say since I have no experience with dementia.

 

[Blog Real]

This is very sad news.
Surely he will have the best care, and he will be well treated. It will be difficult for the family to have to attend to the degradation of a person with this diseas.

 

[Hannelore]

Poor Henrik, it must be so hard to realize (now and then) what's going on with your brain and health, and not being able to do anything about it. Sad to see this awful disease touching such an intellectual and cultured man... I hope he won't suffer too much

 

[Biri]

Is it the same as Alzheimer's disease?
So tragic!
Prayers for him and his family.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I'm so sad and sorry to read this, and it explains so much about Queen Margrethe and her attitude during the latest crisis.

But I am also relieved because now I can cease all criticism of HRH and simply commend the poor man and his family to God in my prayers.

 

[Muhler]

Lene Balleby from the court has today said that PH's dementia will not change the burial plans. I.e. he will not be entombed at Roskilde.

The reason is that PH's wish not be entombed there is not recent.

Efter demens-diagnose: Prins Henriks ønsker for sin begravelse er uændret - politiken.dk

 

[Dman]

Just heard the news. Terrible news and my thoughts are with the Danish royal family and Prince Henrik at this time. Tough months ahead.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Is it the same as Alzheimer's disease?
So tragic!
Prayers for him and his family.

Biri, I am often confused about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's myself. I only know that both are progressive and the symptoms almost identical.

 

[Emme]

Biri, I am often confused about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's myself. I only know that both are progressive and the symptoms almost identical.

It can be confusing. Unfortunately, in the past five years, both my father Nd mother-in-law have suffered various forms of dementia.

Dementia defines a group of symptoms that affect cognitive ability - for example, memory and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia that one can suffer from. There are other manifestations of dementia, i.e. Lewey bodies dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson’s-related dementia.

In short, all Alzheimer’s diagnoses are dementia, however not all diagnoses of dementia are Alzheimer’s.

does this diagnosis then mean he has dealt with dementia for a long time? because he has been making public, rather embarrassing comments for a while now. i mean, i am sure they don't want to trick us because of his latest comments into thinking he didn't mean what he said, but, given his history, there is no guarantee that such comments would not have surfaced if he were sane.

The exact timing of the onset of PH’s dementia will probably never be known. However, changes in personality and cognitive abilities can begin to appear many, many years before diagnosis. Oftentimes, the changes seem slight and random - no major cause for concern. It’s often after a diagnosis is made that family and friends look back with an “ah hah” moment, and past actions become clarified.

 

[Muhler]

Reactions are pouring in. - All of them expressing sympathy for both PH and QMII - and praising the decision to go public with his diagnosis.

Lene Balleby has explained why the court go public: "We do that becuase the Queen trust that the Danes will understand the situation the DRF and especially the Prince is in".
https://www.bt.dk/royale/kongehuset-derfor-fortaeller-vi-om-henriks-sygdom

https://www.bt.dk/leder/grund-dronningen-maa-have-staaet-over-for-sit-livs-svaereste-valg
The editor-in-chief of the tabloid BT, on his blog express a deep sympathy for QMII and PH, and also express a sense of relief of behalf of PH, now he can be protected against himself, because according to press-ethics:
"The press-ethical rules say that we must show particular concern for people who are unable to assess the effects of their own statements. Therefore the announcement from court is the best protection of the Prince - against himself".
Before this the press were not and should not be obligated not to pass on what PH said.

The editor hope this will put even more focus on dementia and that the DRF will help do just that.
And ends by saying that PH should now be remembered for the good he has done for DK over the years.

 

[Empress Merel]

Not a surprise. Erratic behaviour is definitely not uncommon when it comes to those suffering from Dementia.

 

[annekasmum]

Biri, I am often confused about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's myself. I only know that both are progressive and the symptoms almost identical.

Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms including memory loss, confusion, mood changes and difficulty with day-to-day tasks.
There are several different types of dementia, depending on which part of the brain is involved. Alzheimer's is the commonest type of dementia in the UK.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Whilst I feel sorry for PH, and those that will witness his decline. I understand that his decision to release information about his burial and the out and out disrespect for his wife and son have been well established, but I will never understand why the court allowed the confirmed thoughts to be published.

It makes no sense to me, as he still looks like a bitter old man trying to get his own way. Now, call me cynical, but releasing this statement attempts at gaining some sort of pity from it after the huge backlash he received.

People may say i'm insensitive but I can well reason that this is why we are hearing about this diagnosis now, because Henrik thought his retirement would spark sympathy, then when he didn't get it he pushed his lack of power, and now this.

It's a real shame that the previous information had to come to light, he could have simply retired, illness announced and when he wasn't buried at Roskilde we would have seen it as his personal choice. Whereas now we all know its just to spite his wife.

 

[Muhler]

The serious news media have talked to the editor-in-chief of the gossip magazine Se & Hør. (The serious papers tend to loathe the gossip press, you know. - Or least would like to see themselves well above the gossip press...)

To politiken he says:
Se og Hør fortryder intet, men vil i fremtiden dække prins Henrik med »stor forsigtighed« - politiken.dk
Niels Pinborg:
"You must to be extremely careful when you talk to and describe people who can be so weakened that they cannot be held accountable for what they say. We are also going to show such considerations now".

Another gossip mag, Tæt På, has removed a video from their site of PH ranting away about his position in the DRF.

To Jyllands Posten, Niels Pinborg says:
Se og Hør: Vi kommer til at dække prinsen anderledes - Indland
"We will look at the Prince and the coverage of the Prince in another way as we have until now. Both from a common sense of decency, which we actually try to live by at Se & Hør.
But also because the law says that you much show extended consideration to people who suffer from a severe illness, and that we will as well.
I can't categorically say that we for example will not quote him for saying - it's a nice weather today - if we meet him on a day the weather is nice".

Whilst I feel sorry for PH, and those that will witness his decline. I understand that his decision to release information about his burial and the out and out disrespect for his wife and son have been well established, but I will never understand why the court allowed the confirmed thoughts to be published.

It makes no sense to me, as he still looks like a bitter old man trying to get his own way. Now, call me cynical, but releasing this statement attempts at gaining some sort of pity from it after the huge backlash he received.

People may say i'm insensitive but I can well reason that this is why we are hearing about this diagnosis now, because Henrik thought his retirement would spark sympathy, then when he didn't get it he pushed his lack of power, and now this.

It's a real shame that the previous information had to come to light, he could have simply retired, illness announced and when he wasn't buried at Roskilde we would have seen it as his personal choice. Whereas now we all know its just to spite his wife.

Oh you are not cynical.

PH had his faults, which obviously were exaggerated by his illness.

The court basically had no choice. They could keep silent and read quotes in the press by PH, that would no doubt become ever more bizarre.
Now that's under control.
That the DRF (and not least PH) at the same time is showered in sympathy is a bonus.

They will not lie about his diagnosis. That would be an even bigger PR-disaster than having PH roaming around freely! Not to mention that the public and the press would lose confidence in the court - and indeed the DRF.

 

[MidwestMom]

It can be confusing. Unfortunately, in the past five years, both my father Nd mother-in-law have suffered various forms of dementia.

Dementia defines a group of symptoms that affect cognitive ability - for example, memory and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia that one can suffer from. There are other manifestations of dementia, i.e. Lewey bodies dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson’s-related dementia.

In short, all Alzheimer’s diagnoses are dementia, however not all diagnoses of dementia are Alzheimer’s.

My own mother suffered from dementia for years before we got the official diagnosis of Alzheimer's. In its later stages, Alzheimer's patients often suffer Trans-ischemic attacks - TIA's, sometimes called mini-strokes. I'm sure that the DRF will continue to support not only PH, but also each other, as he becomes less and less the person they know and love.

 

[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.

 

[Nordic]

People may say i'm insensitive but I can well reason that this is why we are hearing about this diagnosis now, because Henrik thought his retirement would spark sympathy, then when he didn't get it he pushed his lack of power, and now this.

Lene Balleby (press office) says to Ekstra Bladet, that the diagnosis came this week and the press release has been made as quickly as possible.

Kongehuset: Fik diagnosen i denne uge – Ekstra Bladet

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms including memory loss, confusion, mood changes and difficulty with day-to-day tasks.
There are several different types of dementia, depending on which part of the brain is involved. Alzheimer's is the commonest type of dementia in the UK.

Thanks very much annekasmum . I remember when my grandmother had it, she seemed to change overnight. We were in despair, it was so painful to watch her change and suffer.