Prince Joachim of Denmark
Early Life
Prince Joachim of Denmark was born on June 7, 1969, in Copenhagen University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is the younger son of Queen Margrethe II and her husband, Prince Henrik. His elder brother is Crown Prince Frederik.
Joachim was baptized at Århus Domkirke on July 15, 1969, with his full name announced as Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian. He was named after his paternal grandfather, André de Laborde de Monpezat, his maternal grandfather, King Frederick IX, and his maternal great-grandfather, King Christian X.
Education
Prince Joachim attended Krebs' School, a private preparatory school in Copenhagen. He then continued his studies at the École des Roches, a French international school in Normandy, France. He graduated from the Royal Danish Military Academy in 1988, where he trained in the Royal Life Guards.
Career
After his military education, Prince Joachim began his career in the Danish Defence. He served in the Royal Danish Army, the Royal Danish Navy, and the Royal Danish Air Force. He holds the rank of major in the army, lieutenant commander in the navy, and captain in the air force.
In 1993, Prince Joachim took over the management of the Schackenborg Castle, which was given to him by his mother, Queen Margrethe II. He ran the estate until 2014, when he sold it and moved to Copenhagen.
Prince Joachim has also been involved in various business ventures, including the automobile industry. He is known for his interest in classic cars, and he has participated in several car races.
Personal Life
Prince Joachim has been married twice. His first marriage was to Alexandra Christina Manley, now Countess of Frederiksborg, on November 18, 1995. They have two sons together, Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix. The couple divorced in 2005.
In 2008, Prince Joachim married his second wife, Marie Cavallier, now Princess Marie of Denmark. They have two children together, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena.
Public Role
As a member of the Danish royal family, Prince Joachim has represented Denmark at various state and royal events both domestically and internationally. He is also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Danish Red Cross and the Danish Refugee Council.
Titles, Styles, and Honors
Prince Joachim holds the title "His Royal Highness Prince Joachim of Denmark, Count of Monpezat". He has received several Danish and foreign orders and decorations, including the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest-ranked honor.