Prince George is celebrating his 13th birthday today, July 22, but he shares the date with another royal: Count Felix of Monpezat, who turns 24. Count Felix is the younger son of Prince Joachim and his first wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, and a grandson of former Danish Queen Margrethe II.
Title stripping in 2023
Count Felix, his brother Count Nikolai, and their half-siblings Count Henrik and Countess Athena were stripped of their royal and HRH titles in 2023. They are now known as Count or Countess of Monpezat, a hereditary title of Danish nobility, while retaining their places in the line of succession.
Queen Margrethe's statement
Days after the announcement, Margrethe II released a statement saying she "underestimated" how the decision would affect them. She said: "In recent days, there have been strong reactions to my decision on the future use of titles for Prince Joachim's four children. It obviously affects me. My decision has been a long time coming. With my 50 years on the throne, it is natural both to look back and to look forward."
She added: "It is my duty and my wish as Queen to ensure that the monarchy continues to shape itself in keeping with the times... This adaptation, which I see as a necessary safeguard for the future of the monarchy, I want to make in my time."
She continued: "I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother, but as a mother and grandmother I have underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel affected. It makes a big impression, and I'm sorry for that. No one should be in doubt that my children, children-in-law and grandchildren are my great joy and pride. I now hope that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation ourselves."
The ruling did not affect the titles of King Frederik's four children.
