Princess Marie of Denmark, a prominent member of the Danish Royal Family, is currently navigating one of the most significant chapters of her royal life from across the Atlantic. As of late 2025, she and her husband, Prince Joachim, have confirmed an extended stay in Washington, D.C., a move that has placed her and her family firmly in the global spotlight. This decision, extending their time in the United States until at least 2027, solidifies her role as a key international representative of the Danish Crown, balancing official duties in Denmark with a new life abroad.
The French-born royal, officially Her Royal Highness Princess Marie of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, continues to champion a range of important causes, demonstrating a commitment to her adopted country even from a distance. Her recent activities, including significant public engagements in Denmark in 2025, highlight her dual focus: maintaining close ties with Danish society while supporting her husband's diplomatic career in the US. This unique transatlantic position makes her one of the most intriguing figures in modern European royalty.
Detailed Biography and Profile
Princess Marie’s journey from a French commoner to a Danish Princess is a modern royal fairy tale, marked by a strong educational background and a career in business before her marriage to Prince Joachim, the younger son of Queen Margrethe II.
- Full Name: Marie Agathe Odile Cavallier (Birth Name)
- Title: Her Royal Highness Princess Marie of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat
- Date of Birth: 6 February 1976
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Parents: Alain Cavallier and Françoise Grassiot
- Siblings: Three half-brothers (Benjamin and Gregory Grandet; Edouard Grassiot) and one half-sister (Laurence Grassiot).
- Education:
- Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil (Switzerland)
- Babson College, Boston, Massachusetts (International Business and Economics)
- Geneva School of Economics (Economics)
- Marymount Manhattan College, New York City (Arts)
- Pre-Royal Career: Worked in advertising and marketing, including as an assistant to the CEO of a company in Geneva. She also taught French.
- Spouse: Prince Joachim of Denmark (Married: 24 May 2008)
- Children:
- Count Henrik of Monpezat (b. 2009)
- Countess Athena of Monpezat (b. 2012)
- Stepson/Stepdaughter: Count Nikolai of Monpezat and Count Felix of Monpezat (from Prince Joachim's first marriage).
The Extended American Chapter: Life in Washington D.C.
The decision by Prince Joachim and Princess Marie to prolong their stay in the United States has been a major talking point for the Danish Royal Family. The couple initially moved to Washington D.C. in 2023 for Prince Joachim’s role as the Defense Industry Attaché at the Danish Embassy. This posting was recently extended, confirming their residence in the US capital until at least 2027.
This extended chapter is a testament to Prince Joachim’s success in his diplomatic and military career, but it also fundamentally reshapes Princess Marie’s day-to-day royal duties. While she is no longer based at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, she has adapted to a transatlantic schedule, often returning to Denmark for specific, high-profile engagements related to her patronages.
Living in the US capital has provided the family with a degree of privacy and normalcy, especially for their children, Count Henrik and Countess Athena, who are attending school there. This shift in location has allowed the family to thrive outside the constant scrutiny of European royal life, while still fulfilling their responsibilities to the Crown.
The move also followed the highly publicized decision by Queen Margrethe II to streamline the monarchy, which resulted in the removal of the 'Prince' and 'Princess' titles for Prince Joachim's four children, who are now styled as Count and Countess of Monpezat. Princess Marie and Prince Joachim, however, retained their titles.
Princess Marie’s Key Royal Duties and Patronages
Despite the distance, Princess Marie remains a highly active and visible working member of the Danish Royal Family. Her patronages focus on critical social and cultural issues, demonstrating her dedication to Danish society and global humanitarian efforts.
Championing Food Waste and Sustainability
One of Princess Marie’s most recognized causes is the fight against food waste. She is the patron of the organization Stop Wasting Food (Stop Spild Af Mad), a role that aligns with her commitment to environmental and economic sustainability. Her involvement often sees her participating in events like the Copenhagen Cooking festival, which she attended in August 2025 with her children, Count Henrik and Countess Athena.
Her passion for this issue extends beyond Denmark, positioning her as a leading royal voice in the global sustainability conversation. This focus on practical, impactful charity work has earned her widespread respect.
Humanitarian and Educational Commitments
Princess Marie’s humanitarian work is extensive, with a significant long-term commitment to DanChurchAid (Folkekirkens Nødhjælp), an organization she has been a patron of since 2011. Her work with DanChurchAid has involved field trips to countries like Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Uganda, providing her with firsthand insight into global poverty and disaster relief.
Other vital patronages include:
- The Prince Henrik School (Prins Henriks Skole): Reflecting her French roots and the school’s bilingual focus, this patronage is a natural fit.
- The Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA): She has been actively involved in supporting DEMA, including a visit to their Birkerød facility in August 2025, underscoring her commitment to national safety and preparedness.
- Danish Home of Chicago: In a nod to the Danish diaspora, Princess Marie participated in the inauguration of a new wing at the Danish nursing home in Chicago, highlighting her role in connecting with Danish communities abroad.
The Future Role of the Countess of Monpezat
As the Danish monarchy undergoes a period of generational transition, Princess Marie’s role is evolving. Her extended stay in the US, while driven by Prince Joachim’s career, has inadvertently elevated her profile as a transatlantic royal. She and Prince Joachim are seen as modern royals who are successfully balancing traditional duties with personal and professional ambitions.
Their life in Washington D.C. offers a unique perspective on diplomacy and international relations, allowing the couple to foster strong ties between Denmark and the United States. This international experience is invaluable to the Danish Royal House, positioning Princess Marie as a key figure for future diplomatic engagements.
Ultimately, Princess Marie of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, embodies the modern royal: educated, career-driven, and committed to her patronages, all while maintaining a strong family life despite the geographical challenges. Her continued visibility and active participation in Danish life, even from afar, ensure that her influence and dedication to the Crown remain unwavering as she helps shape the future of the monarchy.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Derick Ryan PhD
- Username : sigurd.hane
- Email : kellen53@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1983-06-10
- Address : 202 Langosh Mall Suite 963 North Shannyside, MD 50960
- Phone : 434.781.6079
- Company : Runolfsson-Kshlerin
- Job : Brake Machine Setter
- Bio : Magni vel ut officia voluptatem et nesciunt officia. Natus provident natus quia itaque magnam voluptas aspernatur. Illum nesciunt placeat eos vitae dolorum ut. Incidunt officia quo quis in.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@reinger2002
- username : reinger2002
- bio : Officia eum molestiae quod quis fugiat sed occaecati.
- followers : 5612
- following : 38
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/lucinda3540
- username : lucinda3540
- bio : Cum ea nesciunt aspernatur dolorem illum molestias. A labore quis et quis possimus.
- followers : 5588
- following : 2591