Royalty in the News » Prince Joachim

Joachim & Marie Leave Hospital with Newborn Daughter

Megan M — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:05 +0000

Click here to see more photos at Daylife.com

Three days after she came into the world, Denmark’s newest Princess was taken home by her parents, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.

The media and well-wishers gathered at the hospital’s lobby to cheer for the latest addition to the Danish royal family. Marie looked well rested while Joachim appeared to be ecstatic.

“She has a good appetite and zest for life,” said the proud father.

Joachim also told reporters that his new daughter looks like Marie, whom said it was too early to say. However, the little girl has Marie’s dark hair.

The baby was asleep in her mother’s arms and one reporter suggested she be named “Sleeping Beauty”.

During her hospital stay, Princess Marie was visited by her parents, her in-laws, and her two stepsons – Princes Nikolai and Felix from Joachim’s previous marriage. Even the couple’s 2 1/2 year old son, Prince Henrik paid a visit and got to meet his little sister.

The new Princess is the eighth grandchild of Queen Margrethe II and Henrik, the Prince Consort. She is also tenth in line to the Danish throne.

Her name won’t be revealed until the day of her baptism, which has yet to be announced.

Already, Danish bookies are betting the princess would be named after one of her grandmothers. After all, big brother Henrik is named after his paternal grandfather!

Source: JV.dk, JP.dk

It’s a Girl for Princess Marie!

Megan M — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:48:09 +0000

Denmark’s Princess Marie delivered her second child Tuesday. She had a daughter, and the child weighed 6.45 pounds (2.930 kilograms) and measures 19.6 inches (49 centimeters).

Click here for more pics of the couple

This new addition to the Danish royal family is now 10th in line to the throne.

While this is the second child for Marie, it’s the fourth for husband Prince Joachim. He has two boys – Princes Nikolai and Felix – with his previous wife, Alexandra Manley, whom he divorced in 2005.

Joachim married Marie in 2008, and they had a son, Prince Henrik, in 2009.

This baby was born exactly ten days after her grandmother, Queen Margrethe II, celebrated her 40 years as monarch.

As with Danish royal tradition, the name of this new princess won’t be revealed until her baptism later this year.

Congratulations to Joachim and Marie!

Source: ABC News

Celebrations for Queen Margrethe II’s Ruby Jubilee Continue

Megan M — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:31:45 +0000

Although she officially marked 40 years as head of Europe’s oldest monarchy Saturday, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II continued with the festivities on Sunday.

Click here to see the balcony photos!

The day began with Her Majesty’s 500th State council meeting. She was accompanied by husband Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.

Then at noon, the Queen and the Prince Consort appeared on the balcony of Amalienborg Palace. Between 8,000 to 10,000 Danes gathered below to wish their Queen the best for her ruby jubilee. Some of those people arrived very early in the morning to get a spot.

On the adjacent balconies were her sons, her daughter in laws and her grandchildren – even the twins! Even Princess Marie, who’s on maternity leave and is due any day, was on the balcony.

On the other balcony were the Queen’s fellow Scandinavian royals from Norway and Sweden, as well as the former Greek royals.

In the evening came the gala banquet, with all the tiaras, men in uniform and designer gowns. In attendance were all the Danish royals – save for Princess Marie and the grandchildren, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, plus Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Greece’s deposed royal family including King Constantine, Queen Anne-Marie, Crown Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal.

Speeches were given in honor of Margrethe’s jubilee. Prince Henrik gave this moving speech in honor of his wife:

See the banquet photos here

“Dear Queen, dear wife, dear Daisy. I am the first man in the kingdom to admire you,” he said.”We have over these 40 years shared many good and exciting things together, but also some difficult challenges. But always with dedication and sensitivity. ”

To the attendants, Henrik said, “All we will together with the Danish people celebrate a queen who has dedicated her life to Denmark and Greenland and the Faroe Islands. A monarch who has shown the greatest capacity to carry out her mission in life: to work for Denmark with God’s help, the people’s love, and Denmark’s strength.”

Finally, Her Majesty spoke and expressed her gratitude plus her awe at spending the past four decades as Denmark’s monarch. “They have gone so quickly,” she said.

“The commitment is as strong for me today, but I would like to stress that the obligation has always been driven by joy. The joy is rooted in the heat that has met me and my family everywhere through every year, in celebration and joy as in sorrow, as well as in daily life,” the Queen said.

To her husband, she said: “You, my dear Henri, has stood by me and been of encouragement and inspiration for me in the work that we have been two to perform. This day is your anniversary as well as mine. Together we have seen our sons grow up, marry and enrich us with a whole bunch of grandchildren.”

Continuing, she said:”40 years is more than one lifetime, unmanageable for many years to look forward to for those who are young. But in retrospect it seems to me that they’re gone so fast. Today when I look back over the years, it is with deep gratitude, gratitude for the task which has been entrusted to me, and grateful for everything it has given me,” she said.

To end it off, Queen Margrethe said: “I ask all to rise and speak with me and say God preserve Denmark.”

Sources: Jyllands-Posten, JydskeVestkysten

Queen Margrethe II Celebrates 40 Years on Throne

Megan M — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:51:13 +0000

40 years ago on this day, January 14th, King Frederik IX of Denmark passed away from an illness. His eldest daughter and heir, 31 year old Crown Princess Margrethe, became Queen Margrethe II, head of a monarchy with over 1,000 years of history.

Click here for more pics at Daylife

Today, Her Majesty, her family, and the rest of Denmark celebrated her ruby jubilee. It began with the Queen and her two younger sisters, Princess Benedikte and Anne-Marie, the former Queen of Greece, laying wreaths at the tombs of their parents – King Frederik and Queen Ingrid – at Roskilde Cathedral.

The Queen’s husband, Prince Henrik, her two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, and daughter in law, Crown Princess Mary were also there. Princess Marie is out on maternity leave.

The royal family then boarded a train back to Copenhagen where they were picked up by a horse drawn golden carriage that drove them through the city. Large cheering crowds were there to greet and honor their Queen, affectionately known as Daisy.

At City Hall, reception took place, attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Norway’s King Harald V and Queen Sonja, the former Greek royals, and Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.

During the reception, Her Majesty received a gift from Copenhagen’s mayor and told him the city will have a “special place in her heart” always.

See more photos at SN.dk here

Afterward, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik stood on the balcony where about 5,000 cheered for her below.

A recent poll shows nearly 80 percent of Danes approve of the monarchy, making it perhaps the most popular in Europe. When the Queen took over the institution, it was a lot less popular.

Margrethe has been able to “modernize an ageing monarchy and adapt it to the evolving society,” explained Lars Hovbakke Soerensen, a historian at the University of Copenhagen.

In the evening, a gala concert was held with the Danish royals dressed up. The concert included ballet and music conducted by Markus Lethinen.

Tomorrow, Queen Margrethe will hold her 500th state council meeting with the cabinet, plus attend a church service and banquet.

Sources: Sky News, AP, Deutsche Presse Agentur

Danish New Year Celebration 2012

Megan M — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:44:53 +0000

Every January, the Danish royal court celebrates the new year with a series of gala events. For the first day of the new year, the court invites members of the government and the court.

See gallery of the arrivals at SN.dk here

Prince Joachim was the first to arrive for the banquet and he was solo this year. This is because his wife, Princess Marie, is on maternity leave.

The crown princely couple were scheduled to come next, but there was a delay. So, Queen Margrethe II and husband Prince Henrik arrived. The Queen, who will mark 40 years as monarch later this month, wore a rose colored gown she had worn during the celebrations for her 70th birthday in 2009.

Frederik and Mary pulled up at the palace last. The Crown Princess wore a long sleeved red velvet gown with a train. It was the same gown she wore to the same event in 2007. But back then she was pregnant with Princess Isabella, and for this year, her dress was restitched for her slim figure.

The New Year Court banquet takes place at Christian VII’s Palace at Amalienborg and it features a four-course menu where, among other things, potato soup, pheasant and marcel cake were served.

It has been a tradition, with the exception of a few years, since 1598 for the Danish monarch to celebrate the new year in this fashion.

Sources: SN.dk

Princess Marie Lights Christmas Tree

Megan M — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:58:57 +0000

See more photos here

With her husband and son by her side, Princess Marie of Denmark lit the town of Møgeltønder’s Christmas tree Thursday.

The sight of the lit tree delighted the crowds who sang Christmas songs and danced around the tree.

Santa Claus was also on hand for the event. He took time to meet with the royals and say hello to little Henrik.

Joachim and Marie have much to look forward to early next year. Their second child together will arrive in late January.

Source: JV.dk

Opening of Danish Parliament 2011

Megan M — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:28:47 +0000

The Danish Parliament was officially opened Tuesday, and the royal family of Denmark were there to witness it.

Click here to view gallery at SN.dk

Princess Benedikte, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie were the first to arrive. They were followed by the Crown Princely couple, Frederik and Mary. The group waited a few minutes before the regal couple – Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik – arrived.

As they waited, the five chatted with each other. At one point, Joachim and Marie put their arms around each other. The two are expecting their second child in January.

Then Her Majesty and her husband showed up. The Queen was wearing a pink outfit she has worn a few times before. Its been noticeable that Margrethe has been recycling her clothes more so than any royal in Europe.

Different this year, though, when she greeted members of her family, the Queen kissed her sons and daughter in laws on the cheek, rather than simply shaking their hands.

Inside the Parliament, or Folketinget as the Danes call it, the royal family sat in a balcony and watched as politicians made their speeches opening the political year.

As they do each year, the royals made no secret they were bored during inauguration. Some were even photographed staring off into space or rolling their eyes.

Source: TV2

Danish Royal Family Pay Tribute to Countrymens’ International Efforts

Megan M — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:51:01 +0000

On a rainy Monday in Copenhagen, many of the adult members of the Danish royal family turned up at the Citadel for the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Danes who died while serving abroad for international efforts. 100,000 of Denmark’s soldiers have participated in peacekeeping and fighting efforts since 1949. Some returned home, others didn’t.

Click here for more photos at SN.dk

Queen Margrethe II gave a speech during the inauguration of the monument: “The monument stands in its simplicity as a symbol of the efforts of Danish men and women for many years has made around the world. Here are the names of the many who paid the highest prince who gave their lives. Here we will remember them and remember that Denmark’s efforts have costs that are not made up in dollars and cents,” she said.

Afterward, the Queen laid a wreath underneath the inscription that read: “A Time, A Place, A Human Being”.

The rest of the royals in attendance – Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie – followed Her Majesty in a tour around the octagon shaped memorial. It is divided into three parts: an outer section to be used for future ceremonies, an inner part that lists the places where Danish forces were placed, and a more inner part has the list of the 107 soldiers who died while serving Denmark since 1949.

There is also an eternal flame in honor of those who fell.

This monument was unveiled on Denmark’s Flag Day.

Sadly, another name will be added to the 107 names already listed. A 22 year old soldier was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Sources: Billed Bladet, The Royal Forums, Billed Serie

Denmark’s Prince Nikolai Celebrates 12th Birthday

Megan M — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:31:19 +0000

Click here for Steen Brogaard photos of Nikolai & Felix

This past Sunday, the eldest grandchild of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark marked his 12th birthday. Prince Nikolai, the eldest son of Prince Joachim and the former Princess Alexandra, celebrated his big day with most of the Danish royal family. The ones who were missing were the Queen and her husband, Henrik the Prince Consort, and Crown Princess Mary, who was in Africa, and the royal twins.

This meant Nikolai got to spend time with his youngest brother, 2 year old Prince Henrik, who is the son Princess Marie, Joachim’s second wife. Marie is expecting again, and this could bring another brother or even a sister for Nikolai this coming January.

The birthday boy already has another brother, Prince Felix, age 9.

Nikolai and Felix live with their mother, who is now known as the Countess of Frederiksborg, following their parents divorce in 2005, and their stepfather Martin Jørgensen, who Alexandra remarried in 2007. They both attend Krebs School in Copenhagen.

Nikolai is seventh in line to the Danish throne.

To see photos of the birthday party arrivals, click here.

Princess Marie of Denmark Pregnant With 2nd Child

Megan M — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:30:13 +0000

Just as royal fans of the Danish royals are getting used to the adorable twins of the crown princely couple, they will have another reason to get all fuzzy next year.

Click here for more Joachim & Marie images at Daylife.com

It was announced Wednesday by the Danish Royal Court that Princess Marie, wife of Prince Joachim, is expecting her second child.

Her baby will be due in January 2012 and will be delivered at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.

Joachim and Marie already have a son, Prince Henrik, who was born in May 2009. But this will be the fourth child for Joachim, who already has two boys, Princes Nikolai, age 12 and Prince Felix, age 9, from his first wife, Alexandra Manley.

After this child, there will be eight grandchildren for Queen Margrethe II and her husband, Henrik the Prince Consort.

Congratulations to Joachim and Marie!

UPDATE: Prince Joachim was interviewed today about his expectant wife and he had this to say about his upcoming fourth child: “We hope and, above all, a healthy and happy child. And what sex is – with three boys I would also like to have a girl,” the Prince told Radio Denmark.

When asked about the age span between this child and his oldest, Joachim replied: “I do not think it is a very big problem. The oldest two have bonded magnificently with their younger brother and vice versa, so I can not see why they can not also get along magnificently with number four.”

Source: The Royal Forums Blog, Billed Bladet