Prince Joachim and his family will return to Denmark next summer when his contract as defense industry attaché at the Danish embassy in Washington D.C. expires in August. Princess Marie confirmed the move in a recent interview, expressing enthusiasm about resuming her work and patronages in Denmark after years abroad.
Contract Ending Brings Prince Joachim and Family Home
The royal family’s return has been anticipated since Prince Joachim accepted the position in Washington. His role as defense industry attaché and deputy defense attaché was always set to be temporary. According to DR’s royal house editor Karen Lerbech Bomholt, these types of positions are term-limited.
The contract was originally supposed to end this year. However, it was extended last year to run through August next summer. Princess Marie told Billed-Bladet that the family looks forward to coming back to Denmark and resuming their royal duties.
As she explained, the experience of living abroad has been exciting and allowed them to support Denmark internationally. The family is eager to return home and see what the future holds.
Understanding the Attaché Role
As defense industry attaché, Prince Joachim reports to the Ministry of Defense in his official capacity. In his daily work in the United States, he reports directly to the Danish ambassador in Washington D.C.
His primary function serves as a bridge between Danish ministries and the American defense industry. He also assists Danish weapons manufacturers in establishing contacts with potential customers in the United States. This role has kept him deeply involved in transatlantic defense cooperation.
The position requires maintaining relationships across government and private sector organizations. Prince Joachim has reportedly enjoyed the work and thrived in this capacity during his time in Washington.
Working Members of the Royal House
Karen Lerbech Bomholt notes that the family’s return likely relates to their status as working members of the Danish monarchy. They will most likely continue in these roles when they come back to Denmark.
The family has lived in the United States since fall 2023. Before their American posting, they spent three years in the French capital of Paris from 2020 to 2023. According to Prince Joachim himself, the years in Washington have been positive ones.
Prince Joachim and His Life in Washington
Last year, DR visited Prince Joachim in Washington D.C. to learn more about the family’s life abroad. He expressed satisfaction with his position and indicated that the family had adjusted well to their American surroundings.
The children have been attending school in the Washington area. Count Henrik, now 16, has shown particular aptitude in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. His younger sister, Countess Athena, is 14 years old.
The return timeline allows Henrik to complete his current studies before the family relocates. He will turn 18 around the time of the move. Athena will then be able to start gymnasium in Denmark, which aligns well with the Danish education system.
Years Abroad and Title Changes
The family’s time outside Denmark has now stretched to nearly seven years. They initially left for Paris in 2020 when Prince Joachim took up his position as defense attaché. That three-year posting was followed by the move to Washington in summer 2023.
During their time abroad, Henrik and Athena experienced significant changes to their royal status. They lost their prince and princess titles and now hold the titles of count and countess as grandchildren of the monarch. This change occurred while the family was living outside Denmark.
Financial and Political Aspects
Both the 2020 departure and the 2023 move to the United States required political approval. Prince Joachim receives an annual apanage of approximately 4 million Danish kroner, which is roughly $580,000 in American currency. The Danish government granted approval for both postings despite some controversy surrounding the arrangements.
The financial support continues as part of his official duties representing Denmark abroad. His work in the defense industry sector has been viewed as beneficial for Danish interests in both France and the United States.
Earlier Uncertainty About Timeline
In a TV 2 interview conducted last summer, Prince Joachim mentioned a desire to eventually return to Denmark. However, he did not rule out the possibility of staying abroad longer if circumstances warranted. Princess Marie’s recent statement to Billed-Bladet provides the first firm timeline for their return.
Multiple Danish media outlets have confirmed the details without contradiction. The announcement brings clarity to a question that has been circulating in Danish royal circles for some time. Interestingly, the timing works well for both the children’s education and the family’s royal obligations.
Prince Joachim is Looking Forward to Danish Life
Princess Marie emphasized her excitement about returning to her work and patronages in Denmark. She acknowledged that living abroad has been a valuable experience that allowed the family to represent Danish interests internationally. At the same time, she made clear that they are ready to come home.
The family will need to reestablish themselves in Denmark after such a long absence. They will likely need to find housing and help the children transition back to Danish schools and social circles. Despite these practical challenges, the overall tone from the family has been positive about the upcoming move.
What happens after their return remains to be seen. As Princess Marie noted, time will tell what the future holds for the family once they are back on Danish soil. For now, the focus remains on completing Prince Joachim’s current assignment and preparing for the transition home next summer.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Monarchy Royal Heritage and Modern Role
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Prins Joachim og familien flytter hjem til Danmark
