The Prince Consort of Denmark, Henrik, is to radically reduce his royal engagements. The decision, taken by the prince, was announced by Queen Margrethe in her New Year's speech.
Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark is to retire with immediate effect
Henrik is now 81 and earlier this year he had to miss his wife's 75th birthday celebrations because of illness. The queen said in her speech that her husband had decided to 'slow down' and used the word 'retire'. The change will take effect almost immediately although it isn't yet known if that means the prince will miss the annual New Year's celebrations set for tomorrow.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark during her 2015 New Year's speech during which she announced that her husband is going to 'retire'
Henri Marie Jean Andre de Laborde de Monpezat was born on June 11th 1934 in Talence in the Gironde in France. His parents, Count Andre de Laborde de Monpezat and Renee de Laborde de Monpezat, took him to the country now known as Vietnam as a baby where his father ran a business. The man who would become consort of Denmark spent his early years in the Far East before moving to Paris when he was 18 to study at the Sorbonne. Henri de Laborde de Monpezat served in the French Army before beginning a career at the French Foreign Ministry. It was while he was doing this job that he met and fell in love with a Danish woman called Margrethe - who was heiress to her country's throne. The couple married in Copenhagen in 1967 and Henrik's life changed completely, overnight.
Henri de Laborde de Monpezat with his bride, the then Princess Margrethe of Denmark, in 1967
Everything that the new prince had known until then underwent an alteration. His French name, Henri, changed to Henrik and the religion he had known all his life was altered too - he had been raised a Catholic but now became a member of the Church of Denmark. He left his job and changed his nationality as well. He learned to speak the language of his new country and to walk a step behind his wife, who became Queen of Denmark less than five years after their marriage and when the couple had two young sons, Frederik (who was born 1968) and Joachim (born in 1969).
Henrik of Denmark with his wife and some of their grandchildren in 2014
The prince carved out a role as consort, with a string of causes to which he is devoted - among them wildlife. He is also known for his love of culture and has written a memoir as well as several volumes of poetry and musical scores. He is also known for his strong personality - in 2002, he fled to France after claiming he had been snubbed and demoted to 'number three'. When the queen fell ill and couldn't host the traditional New Year receptions that start the royal year in Denmark, Henrik and his sons took charge. But when the guests were called forward to meet their royal hosts, it was the Crown Prince who was given precedence. Henrik was said to be unhappy but that changed to rage when it was reported widely afterwards that it had been Frederik who had hosted the whole event. Henrik's spent several days in France with Margrethe and Frederik there to try and appease him. He eventually returned to Denmark. And his unhappiness was partly calmed by the decision to cal his sons and grandchildren 'Count of Monpezat' as one of their titles.
Queen Margrethe II and Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark
Now, a new role awaits as he retreats into a more background life. His wife has said how grateful she is for his support through her long reign. It may not be on display so much now but there is little doubt that Margrethe will still be counting on her husband as her reign continues.
