Prince George is celebrating his 13th birthday today, but he is not the only royal marking the special day. Denmark's Count Felix of Monpezat is also celebrating his birthday, turning 24.
Who is Count Felix of Monpezat?
The second child of Prince Joachim and his first wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, Count Felix is the grandson of the former Danish Queen, Margrethe II. He was born on July 22, 2002.
The young Danish royal, his brother Count Nikolai, and their half-siblings Count Henrik and Countess Athena were all stripped of their royal and HRH titles in 2023. Instead, all four of Prince Joachim's children are now known as Count or Countess of Monpezat. The title reflects the hereditary titles of Danish nobility, and despite losing their princely titles, they retain their places in the line of succession.
Queen Margrethe II's statement on the title change
Back in 2023, just a few days after the announcement, Margrethe II released a statement saying she “underestimated” the impact the decision to strip their titles would have on 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 to look both back and forward.
“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.”
