In a rare and candid interview with Denmark’s TV2 in June 2025, Prince Joachim of Denmark shared insight into his family’s current life in Washington, D.C., and addressed a key question that has lingered since their move abroad: Will they return home to Denmark?
“We have a desire to come home,” Joachim said. “But we also do not rule out the possibility of staying abroad.”
This comment marks one of the few public reflections from the prince since a turbulent chapter began in 2022, when Queen Margrethe II—his mother—stripped his four children of their royal titles, altering their positions within the Danish royal family and prompting a series of life changes for Joachim and his wife, Princess Marie.
Background: A Royal Shake-Up
In September 2022, Queen Margrethe II announced that Joachim’s four children would no longer carry the titles of prince or princess. Instead, they would hold the titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, a move she described as part of efforts to streamline the monarchy. The decision affected:
- Count Nikolai (born 1999)
- Count Felix (born 2002)
- Count Henrik (born 2009)
- Countess Athena (born 2012)
At the time, Prince Joachim voiced disappointment and confusion, stating that the family was not adequately informed and that his children were deeply affected. In response to public reaction, Queen Margrethe later issued an apology, stating she had “underestimated” the emotional impression of the change.
A New Life Abroad
Following the title change, Joachim and his family relocated from Paris to the United States in 2023, where he took up a position as Defense Industry Attaché at the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C. His new diplomatic post was established under Denmark’s Ministry of Defense and marked the continuation of his military and international service career.
In his TV2 interview, Joachim explained how life in the U.S. has developed over time for the family. He noted that:
- His two youngest children are well-adjusted to life in the U.S. and enjoy their schools and friendships.
- The family is staying active, with everyone “busy in our own way.”
- Time together is intentionally prioritized, especially given the distance from home.
Despite adjusting well, he acknowledged a persistent emotional connection to Denmark:
“It is at home in Denmark that we have our largest social base.”
Desire to Return
Joachim’s remarks suggest the possibility of returning to Denmark in the near future. His diplomatic assignment is expected to conclude in 2026, and the family may then choose to reestablish themselves in their home country. However, Joachim made it clear that they are keeping their options open.
He elaborated, saying their return was “on the radar,” but emphasized that nothing has been finalized. Meanwhile, the family takes great care to make the most of trips back to Denmark, using those visits to reconnect with their roots and social circles.
Changing Dynamics in the Royal Family
The atmosphere around the Danish royal family has shifted since Queen Margrethe’s abdication in January 2024, when her eldest son, King Frederik X, ascended the throne. Frederik has taken a more inclusive and reconciliatory approach, particularly toward his brother and nephews.
In May 2025, King Frederik awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog to Joachim’s eldest sons, Nikolai and Felix. The honor, typically reserved for royals or prominent public figures, was widely interpreted as a symbolic gesture of healing following the controversy surrounding their title removal.
These developments suggest that the relationship between Joachim’s branch of the family and the royal court is on a path toward renewal.
Balancing Public Duty and Private Life
Now 55 years old, Prince Joachim continues to walk the line between public service and personal stability. His time abroad has underscored that even members of royal households contend with the same themes many others face: career transitions, parenting, and the longing for familiarity.
Though he serves in an official diplomatic role, the prince also appears focused on maintaining his family’s emotional wellbeing, especially in the wake of the status changes and international relocation. His children are growing up with a hybrid identity—rooted in Denmark, but shaped by life overseas.
In his own words, Joachim referred to his household as a “little nuclear family,” emphasizing the importance of keeping close despite challenges.
The Future After Washington
When Joachim’s current post concludes in 2026, several scenarios may unfold:
- The family may return to Denmark permanently.
- They may extend their stay in the U.S. or take another international assignment.
- Or, they could split their time between two countries—balancing public roles in Denmark with life abroad.
No matter the outcome, Joachim’s interview signals a more open, forward-facing outlook, in contrast to the tension of 2022. His remarks do not convey bitterness, but rather a sense of reflection and resilience.
The Children: Navigating New Identities
Each of Joachim’s children has responded differently to the changes in title and relocation:
- Nikolai, now 25, is pursuing a career in fashion and modeling. He publicly expressed surprise and sadness at the title decision but has continued to work and travel extensively.
- Felix, 22, remains largely out of the spotlight but is similarly building a life independent of royal expectations.
- Henrik and Athena, both minors, are now immersed in American education and culture while still maintaining ties to Denmark.
The removal of royal titles may have distanced them from the formal royal institution, but it also opened opportunities for greater personal freedom and a non-royal path in the public eye.
Ideologue
Prince Joachim’s latest comments reveal a family that has endured significant changes, but which remains grounded and hopeful. His acknowledgment of a “desire to come home” is both literal and symbolic. It signals that while he has taken on international responsibilities, his identity and aspirations remain deeply tied to Denmark.
With Joachim’s diplomatic post ending in 2026 and King Frederik showing signs of reconciliation, the next chapter for Joachim, Princess Marie, and their children is likely to bring them back into closer alignment with the Danish royal family—even if not formally within its inner circle.
Ultimately, this story is not just about royalty. It is about family, change, and the emotional weight of belonging—no matter how global one’s life may become.
