Prince Henrik, the husband of Queen Margrethe II, has complained to the French newspaper Le Figaro that he is being discriminated against in Denmark because he cannot officially use the title of king, reports Metroxpress.
According to Danish law, the husband of a queen in Denmark can only be called a prince or ‘His Highness’, while the wife of a male monarch is automatically a queen.
Feeling angry
“I even decided to call myself ‘Prince Consort’ to find a place in Danish society as well as for my purpose and position in my work as a prince,” Prince Henrik told Le Figaro.
“It makes me angry that I am being discriminated against.”
“Denmark, which is otherwise known to be an avid defender of gender equality, is apparently willing to treat husbands as less worthy than wives.”
Politicians might help
Prince Henrik’s dissatisfaction with his current title is well known and has been a matter of political debate.
Prior to the general election, most politicians said they were not opposed to Prince Henrik having the title of king.
READ MORE: Political majority willing to give Prince Henrik the title of king
Reflecting on life in France
The 81-year-old prince married the Danish queen on 10 June 1967 and together they have two sons: Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
In 2002, Prince Consort Henrik fled Denmark to reflect on his life at his chateau in Caix in southern France.
He claimed his status in the Danish Royal Family had been downgraded, but after three weeks he returned and resumed his royal duties.
