General News about Joachim, Marie and Family 2: August 2009 - January 2011

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by isabelle 53

I appreciate your comment, but i often felt that many people don't like her here anyway

In Denmark?

She's not unpopular, not at all, if that's what you mean.
Pretty and sweet are probably the keywords, when most people think about her.
And she's now entered the stage where people are interested in genuinely getting to know her

She's still the new girl and she goofed a little in regards to the press initially, but she has clearly learned her lesson.
She is of course still finding her own position as a Princess and wife/mother and she has some pretty formidable women to be compared against, i.e. Alexandra, who did really well as a princess and now Mary.

But then she can take things easier and be more relaxed and informal than both Mary can and Alexandra could. (Because she had all the attention focused on her).

[Katelle]

Yay you made my day again Muhler. Thank you! I've been away for awhile because of french holidays, and what a pleasure to be back and to have something like this to read.
Anyway for Isabelle's concern, I also think that Princess Marie is not that hated in Denmark. It's just that people don't know that much about her, at least for the two first years of her marriage to Joachim. Because now I have the feeling that they are even more than open to the press than the crown prince couple, aren't they?
I think that it was not easy for Marie to walk in Alexandra's shoes, no matter what, as a second wife to Joachim, comparisons are inevitable. Even the Crownprincess had to bear with that. But she found her way. And Marie will.
I think that Marie could have done some things differently. For example: learning danish as soon as she knew that she would marry Joachim. I am not criticising, but I think that if you want to win over the Danes and to be accepted as their own, you should really try to speak danish. I am wrong Muhler? Alexandra did master the language on her engagement day. Mary didn't but the first words out of her mouth were in danish, and people must have appreciated her efforts.
But now I think everything is fine Princess Marie, she sounds so sweet.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Katelle

Yay you made my day again Muhler. Thank you! Because now I have the feeling that they are even more than open to the press than the crown prince couple, aren't they?

but I think that if you want to win over the Danes and to be accepted as their own, you should really try to speak danish. I am wrong Muhler?

You are welcome, Katelle.

And I think you are absolutely right. The key to understand the Danes and Danish mentality is to realise that we are basically a tribe or a large village. Certainly outside the two or three largest cities.
It's important to be accepted by the tribe and to do that you will have to conform even more, than you would in say Paris and also to learn the language and not to be too different from the other tribal members.
That's not always easy! But once you are considered a member of the tribe, you get "protection" to some extent. The tribe will keep quiet is say La Marie should be staggering home to Schackenborg, deaddrunk. I'm exaggerating of course, but you get my meaning, right?

Mary has been accepted as a member of the tribe and so was Alexandra.
But some are never accepted. Prince Henrik has never really been accepted as "one of us", despite his work and all that. And one of the reasons is very much his poor mastery of spoken Danish.
He clearly understands Danish extremely well but when he speaks Danish, it's toecurlingly bad. - And that's a major irritant among many Danes.

I believe it's wise that Frederik and Mary maintain some distance to the press. Maintain some aloofness or mystique, because of their position.

Joachim and Marie in particular, have different roles, they can alow themselves to be more open. They've got more freedom, more room to goof, if you will.

[Lumutqueen]

I think that they are allowed to be more open than the CP. They live different lives, and have different roles.
I understand that Marie is still "easing" into her royal, the language is an issue for me, I think she should have learnt it before marriage. They had dated for sometime.
For me inparticular, I quite often compare Marie and Mary and I don't see it as a bad think, because they are both danish princess' and yes they have different roles but the job description is similar.
And on matters of fashion, Mary always wins.

[iceflower]

Here are some more pics of the interview Marie has given:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 ** Pic 5 ** Pic 6 ** Pic 7 **

Please let me know in case I've overseen that one of the
links already included them, I can only remember one of the pics..

[UserDane]

Marie is .... adorable! I can't think of any other single word to describe her Thank you for the pictures Iceflower.

[carlota]

Originally Posted by UserDane

Marie is .... adorable! I can't think of any other single word to describe her Thank you for the pictures Iceflower.

i agree userdane, she looks very sweet in those pictures.

[dazzling]

The pictures are lovely. Marie looks quite happy & very confident in them. I like how she is not overdone/overdressed in the pictures.

Do we know what was asked or what they talked about? Did they focus on a specific topic?

[missjane]

CP Mary will always be my favourite, but Marie will always be a close second. I think she is charming and these photos are lovely.

[antonieta]

Originally Posted by missjane

CP Mary will always be my favourite, but Marie will always be a close second. I think she is charming and these photos are lovely.

Couldn't agree more.
These are exactly my thoughts.

[Muhler]

Summary of article in Billed Bladet #22, 2010.
Derfor må Marie blive hjemme - That's why Marie must stay at home.
Written by Annelise Weimann.

Who writes about the reasons why la Marie will not go to Victoria and daniel's wedding.
First and foremost because Joachim is Regent (actually Rigsforstander) while the rest of the DRF is in Sweden. (*)
Marie could go on her own, if she wanted to, in reality she will not go without her husband. It may even be seen a bit akward and perhaps a bit imposing if she were to go alone to the wedding of people, she hardly knows. (**) marie has after all only met Victoria a few times and Joachim haven't got close relations with the Swedish royals anyway.

(*) There must always be a Regent on Danish soil, if the Monarch is away.
Danneborg doesn't count.
She is a residence in Danish territorial waters.
In international waters, she is Danish territory.
In the territorial waters of a foreign country, she is considered a sort of embassy. - The same rules apply to her as to any other warship.

(**) I disagree in that respect. I wouldn't find it akward nor imposing. But I can certainly understand why she wouldn't go without her husband. - To someone she hardly knows.

[rylt11]

Although Victoria did attend Joachim and Marie's wedding, it seems that the real friendship is between Victoria and Frederik, and now Mary.

I did not realize that Joachim wasn't on the same friendship level with her as his brother.

Marie will come into these circles gradually, especially if a great deal of her time is at Schackenborg, taking care of her child, performing her royal duties, helping her husband look after the estate, and learning Danish.

I do think we'll se her at the wedding of Joachim's cousin, though, correct? Or is this to be in Germany, with the same rules applying, that someone has to stay behind as regent?

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by rylt11

I do think we'll se her at the wedding of Joachim's cousin, though, correct? Or is this to be in Germany, with the same rules applying, that someone has to stay behind as regent?

You mean Nathalie's church wedding?
It shall be in Germany, and someone will have to stay again.
But because that will be a family occasion she may feel more comfortable going on her own.
But to be quite honest I do not understand why she cannot go with Frederik and Mary.

[lyndaW]

Didn't Joachim & Marie name baby Henrick after the oldest Bernadotte "cousin" to honor the Swedish side of the family ??
I also agree, why wouldn't her BIL, Frederick ask her to join them...............the only way Marie is going to know the rest of the Royals is if she gets included

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by lyndaW

Didn't Joachim & Marie name baby Henrick after the oldest Bernadotte "cousin" to honor the Swedish side of the family ??
I also agree, why wouldn't her BIL, Frederick ask her to join them...............the only way Marie is going to know the rest of the Royals is if she gets included

Henrik is after his paternal grandfather, Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark.
Carl is possibly after Count Carl Johan Bernadotte, the last surviving great-granduncle of the little prince, who attended his christening; Carl is also the Danish form of Charles, which is the name of Marie's brother, and also one of Prince Henrik's godparents.
Joachim is after his father, Prince Joachim.
Alain is after his maternal grandfather, Alain Cavallier.

[THECLERK]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Summary of article in Billed Bladet #22, 2010.
Derfor må Marie blive hjemme - That's why Marie must stay at home.
Written by Annelise Weimann.

Who writes about the reasons why la Marie will not go to Victoria and daniel's wedding.
First and foremost because Joachim is Regent (actually Rigsforstander) while the rest of the DRF is in Sweden. (*)
Marie could go on her own, if she wanted to, in reality she will not go without her husband. It may even be seen a bit akward and perhaps a bit imposing if she were to go alone to the wedding of people, she hardly knows. (**) marie has after all only met Victoria a few times and Joachim haven't got close relations with the Swedish royals anyway.

(*) There must always be a Regent on Danish soil, if the Monarch is away.
Danneborg doesn't count.
She is a residence in Danish territorial waters.
In international waters, she is Danish territory.
In the territorial waters of a foreign country, she is considered a sort of embassy. - The same rules apply to her as to any other warship.

(**) I disagree in that respect. I wouldn't find it akward nor imposing. But I can certainly understand why she wouldn't go without her husband. - To someone she hardly knows.

Dear Muhler,

The word " la" before a female name is extremely vulgar in French.

As to Marie, don't you think that in fact, Danes do not like Joachim, since he divorced and that is reversed upon his new wife?

It seems also that Joachim is more " french" than his brother and that deserves him.

It is just my humble opinion, viewed from a French woman.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by THECLERK

Dear Muhler,

The word " la" before a female name is extremely vulgar in French.

As to Marie, don't you think that in fact, Danes do not like Joachim, since he divorced and that is reversed upon his new wife?

It seems also that Joachim is more " french" than his brother and that deserves him.

It is just my humble opinion, viewed from a French woman.

Thank you for your opinion.

I had no idea la Marie would in any way be considered vulgar. In fact it's the first time I've heard that. Out of curiosity why is that?

La Marie is very much meant as an endearment and it has in the last couple of years become a sort of tradition. Had Marie been German I would have called her die Marie.
I hope you will forgive me if I call her la Marie in the future or perhaps petite Marie? Our Marie?
It's just that Princess Marie in so many ways remind me of a funny and sweet younger sister I simple have to tease.

It's true that Joachim after the divorce was unpopular. He was basically blamed for the whole thing. Especially as Alexandra was so popular.
Things have now reached a more balanced view I think in the sense that people realise that it takes two to divorce.
Joachim has never been particular popular. He is too unapprochable or perhaps too aristocratic.
He is however very respected as someone who fullfills his role and duty as a royal very well.
I'd even say more so that Frederik.
Frederik is popular and well liked personally.
Frederik is respected as a devoted husband and caring father and for what he has achieved personally. Sirius, military and so on.
But less so as a royal. Many, including myself, feel that Frederik is less talented from nature in his role as royal than Joachim. In the sense that he is shy and uncomfortable in public and not particularly elequent.
In contrast to Joachim who is elequent, is confident and looks and behaves like the royal he is.
Frederik on the other hand is much, much better at interacting one on one with people. He is more folksy if you like.
And one thing more, which is important in my opinion, he is very good indeed with children. Even better than Mary.

Our Marie appears to be a very sweet, funny and likable person. She is who she is and that princess-stuff, that's a lot of fun and she just does it.
And of course that reflects on Joachim, who is also seen as a devoted husband and the way he and Alexandra handled their divorce and share their children has also given him some respect. Personally I doubt I would have the same tolerant attitude towards Martin Jørgensen as Joachim has. That is a maturity I admire.

It is impossible not to compare Mary and Marie, even though I'm reluctant to do so. They are different persons and they complement each other well. There is a role for both of them in each their different way, I believe.
I have elsewhere compared Marie to someone's younger sister. Funny and likable but also someone you would tease and protect.
Mary I have compared to someone's mother. Someone you like very much but in a different way. Because she is at the same time someone you respect very much as a mature woman.
Do you get my meaning?
It's not the easiest thing to explain.

I hope that answered your questions Theclerk.

ADDED: Yes, Joachim is much more "French" in every way than Frederik. Joachim is also extremely fond of France and French culture. In that respect he is very much his father's son. Even though he otherwise resemble his mother in looks and behaviour.

[michelleq]

Can't Princess Elisabeth act as regent? She is part of the Royal Family. Or is her health still in question.

Has Elisabeth ever acted as regent?

[lyndaW]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Thank you for your opinion.

I had no idea la Marie would in any way be considered vulgar. In fact it's the first time I've heard that. Out of curiosity why is that?

La Marie is very much meant as an endearment and it has in the last couple of years become a sort of tradition. Had Marie been German I would have called her die Marie.
I hope you will forgive me if I call her la Marie in the future or perhaps petite Marie? Our Marie?
It's just that Princess Marie in so many ways remind me of a funny and sweet younger sister I simple have to tease.

It's true that Joachim after the divorce was unpopular. He was basically blamed for the whole thing. Especially as Alexandra was so popular.
Things have now reached a more balanced view I think in the sense that people realise that it takes two to divorce.
Joachim has never been particular popular. He is too unapprochable or perhaps too aristocratic.
He is however very respected as someone who fullfills his role and duty as a royal very well.
I'd even say more so that Frederik.
Frederik is popular and well liked personally.
Frederik is respected as a devoted husband and caring father and for what he has achieved personally. Sirius, military and so on.
But less so as a royal. Many, including myself, feel that Frederik is less talented from nature in his role as royal than Joachim. In the sense that he is shy and uncomfortable in public and not particularly elequent.
In contrast to Joachim who is elequent, is confident and looks and behaves like the royal he is.
Frederik on the other hand is much, much better at interacting one on one with people. He is more folksy if you like.
And one thing more, which is important in my opinion, he is very good indeed with children. Even better than Mary.

Our Marie appears to be a very sweet, funny and likable person. She is who she is and that princess-stuff, that's a lot of fun and she just does it.
And of course that reflects on Joachim, who is also seen as a devoted husband and the way he and Alexandra handled their divorce and share their children has also given him some respect. Personally I doubt I would have the same tolerant attitude towards Martin Jørgensen as Joachim has. That is a maturity I admire.

It is impossible not to compare Mary and Marie, even though I'm reluctant to do so. They are different persons and they complement each other well. There is a role for both of them in each their different way, I believe.
I have elsewhere compared Marie to someone's younger sister. Funny and likable but also someone you would tease and protect.
Mary I have compared to someone's mother. Someone you like very much but in a different way. Because she is at the same time someone you respect very much as a mature woman.
Do you get my meaning?
It's not the easiest thing to explain.

I hope that answered your questions Theclerk.

ADDED: Yes, Joachim is much more "French" in every way than Frederik. Joachim is also extremely fond of France and French culture. In that respect he is very much his father's son. Even though he otherwise resemble his mother in looks and behaviour.

Muehler, thank you for the above, but Joachim takes after his Father in being very French, so why is Henrik giving Chateau deCaix to Mary (who doesn't speak or understand French or the customs) and Frederick who is just so-so with French. Joachim's three sons will treat French as a second or third language and understand the French customs, and probably have as good understanding of farming to protect this beautiful Chateau. It would help make up to Joachim as always being left behind in everything due to being the Spare.....

[queen dolly]

No, princess Elisabeth has never acted as regent (rigsforstander).

Before anyone can act as rigsforstander you have to be presented in council of state and swear to the constitution.

Princess Elisabeth has never done, and I don't think it will be done now.