The American Chapter: 5 Shocking New Realities Of Prince Joachim Of Denmark's Life In The U.S.

Prince Joachim of Denmark has firmly established a surprising new life in the United States, a move initially overshadowed by a dramatic royal controversy but which has now evolved into a long-term diplomatic and family commitment. As of late 2025, the younger brother of King Frederik X is no longer just on a temporary assignment; he and his family have extended their stay in Washington, D.C., cementing an unexpected American chapter for a senior member of the Danish Royal House. This extended relocation, which follows his mother's controversial decision to strip his children of their princely titles, marks a significant and ongoing shift in his royal duties and personal life, offering a unique perspective on a modern European royal living abroad. This article delves into the latest developments, his critical role at the Danish Embassy, and the quiet life he is building with Princess Marie and their children, exploring the five most significant and often shocking realities of his current existence far from the familiar palaces of Copenhagen.

HRH Prince Joachim: A Royal Profile and Biography

Prince Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian, Count of Monpezat, has lived a life of service and duty, though one increasingly defined by distance from the center of the Danish monarchy.

• Full Name: Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian.
• Born: June 7, 1969, at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. (He turns 56 on June 7, 2025.)
• Parents: HM Queen Margrethe II (formerly Queen, now Queen Margrethe II after abdication) and the late Prince Henrik.
• Sibling: HM King Frederik X (older brother).
• First Marriage: Alexandra Christina Manley (now Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg), married 1995, divorced 2005.
• Children from First Marriage: Count Nikolai of Monpezat and Count Felix of Monpezat (formerly Princes).
• Second Marriage: Marie Cavallier (now HRH Princess Marie), married 2008.
• Children from Second Marriage: Count Henrik of Monpezat and Countess Athena of Monpezat (formerly Prince and Princess).
• Current Role: Defense Industry Attaché and Deputy Defense Attaché at the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
• Controversial Title Change: In 2023, his children lost their titles of Prince/Princess and are now only styled as Counts/Countess of Monpezat.

The Extended American Deployment: A Long-Term Commitment

The biggest recent update regarding Prince Joachim is the extension of his tenure in the United States. What began as a two-year professional assignment in 2023 has now been prolonged, signalling a more permanent chapter for the Prince and his family on American soil.

A Critical Diplomatic Role in Washington D.C.

Prince Joachim holds a significant and professional position at the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., serving as the Defense Industry Attaché and Deputy Defense Attaché under the Ministry of Defense. This role is far from ceremonial, involving critical defense cooperation and industry relations between Denmark and the United States. His work focuses on strengthening the strategic partnership in a key global defense hub. This professional commitment is the official reason for the family’s extended stay, positioning him as a working royal with a highly specialized, non-traditional role. The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed that he would continue in this capacity, reinforcing the importance of his work.

The Purchase of a New Home and Settling Down

To accommodate their long-term stay, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie purchased a new house in the Washington D.C. area, reportedly a £3 million property. This move from a temporary residence to a permanent family home underscores their commitment to the U.S. for the foreseeable future, despite previous remarks that the family wished to eventually return to Denmark. The family's relocation has been significant, with the Prince acknowledging the impact of two major moves in six years on his children. However, with Count Henrik and Countess Athena now enrolled in American schools and the family settling into their community, the U.S. chapter has become a stable base.

The Lingering Shadow of the Royal Title Controversy

No discussion of Prince Joachim’s current life is complete without addressing the major royal controversy that preceded and, arguably, precipitated his move to the U.S.: the stripping of his children's princely titles.

The Public 'Snub' and Its Aftermath

In 2022, Queen Margrethe II announced that, as of January 1, 2023, the children of Prince Joachim—Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena—would lose their titles of Prince and Princess, instead being styled solely as Counts and Countess of Monpezat. The stated intention was to allow the children to live more normal lives and to slim down the monarchy. However, the decision was met with public shock and evident distress from Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, who felt the family was excluded from the decision and that the children were being "harmed." This event created a public rift, with many outlets drawing parallels between Prince Joachim’s situation and the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the British Royal Family, dubbing him Denmark's "Harry." While Prince Joachim and Princess Marie have maintained a professional and respectful demeanor, the timing of the U.S. relocation, which occurred shortly after the title change, is widely believed to be connected to the need for a professional and geographical fresh start.

A New Dynamic with King Frederik X

The abdication of Queen Margrethe II in early 2024 and the subsequent ascension of his older brother, King Frederik X, introduced a new dynamic. While the relationship between the brothers and their families was reportedly strained following the title controversy, the transition to a new reign has necessitated a united front. Prince Joachim and Princess Marie participated in the official events, showing their support for the new monarch. However, their continued physical distance in Washington D.C. means they are not front-line working royals in Copenhagen, maintaining a reduced, yet important, role in the larger royal structure.

Upcoming Royal Engagements and Future Outlook

Despite the geographical distance, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie continue to represent the Danish Royal House at major international events, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to royal duty.

Attendance at the 2025 Invictus Games

A key upcoming engagement for the couple is their planned attendance at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. This event, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, highlights the couple's focus on military service and veteran support, aligning with Prince Joachim’s own military background and his current defense attaché role. Their presence at the Invictus Games in 2025 serves as a high-profile international appearance, reinforcing their status as representatives of Denmark on the global stage.

Life as the Count and Countess of Monpezat

The future for Prince Joachim and his family is one of duality: a working diplomatic life in the United States combined with a royal lineage back in Denmark. Their children, now Counts and Countess of Monpezat, are growing up with a unique transatlantic identity, enjoying a degree of privacy and normalcy in the U.S. that might have been impossible in Denmark. Prince Joachim's extended stay in Washington D.C. is a clear sign that his professional life and the family's stability are currently prioritized. The American chapter is proving to be not a temporary retreat, but a significant, long-term phase that is redefining his role within the ever-evolving structure of the Danish Royal Family. While a return to Denmark is still the family's stated hope for the distant future, for now, the Prince is successfully navigating a complex and vital diplomatic career while building a grounded life for his children far from the royal spotlight.