After reflecting on the emotional impact of losing his royal titles, Count Nikolai of Denmark has now shared one of the most heartbreaking moments of his life. The death of his beloved grandfather, Prince Henrik.
The Danish royal’s candid revelations come in his new documentary series, which has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about royal productions.
Just weeks after opening up about Queen Margrethe II’s decision to strip him and his brother of their prince titles, Nikolai is now speaking about the loss of the grandfather he considered one of his greatest supporters.
Prince Henrik, who spent years advocating to be treated as an equal alongside his wife, Queen Margrethe II, never became king and was often described as one of Europe’s most misunderstood royal consorts.
© Robin Utrecht PhotographyThe emotional confession:
Prince Henrik died on February 13, 2018, plunging the Danish royal family into mourning. By that time, he had already stepped back from royal life after voluntarily relinquishing the title of Prince Consort.
For Count Nikolai, however, the public loss was deeply personal.
© Julian Parker“Many people probably felt they had lost their Prince Consort, but for me, I simply lost my grandfather,” he says in the documentary.
“The fact that other people also had a relationship with my grandfather was very moving and emotional, but at the same time deeply strange.”
© Patrick van KatwijkBalancing grief with a career breakthrough:
At the same time he was mourning Prince Henrik, Nikolai’s modeling career was taking off.
Speaking to TV2, the count revealed that he traveled to London for a Burberry casting, returned home that same day to prepare for his grandfather’s funeral, and then flew back to London just two days later to walk in the fashion show.
© Wendell Teodoro“I traveled to London for a Burberry casting, came home the same day to be ready for my grandfather’s funeral the following day, and then returned to London two days later for the show,” he recalled.
The opportunity marked the beginning of a successful international modeling career that has since seen him work with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. Yet the timing made the experience emotionally overwhelming.
© Wendell Teodoro“It’s difficult to find the balance between being euphoric and sad, and then becoming euphoric again,” he admitted.
A grandfather who brought the family together:
Nikolai’s latest reflections also highlight the close relationship he shared with Prince Henrik during the prince’s final years.
© Julian ParkerThe eldest grandson of Queen Margrethe II has often described Henrik as a unifying figure within the royal family who reminded everyone that royal life did not always have to be formal.
“My grandfather meant, to me and I think also to the younger members of the family, being a unifying figure,” Nikolai says. “Not everything has to be so formal and forced. There is also time to enjoy family and peace.”
© AFPOver the years, Nikolai has continued to honor Prince Henrik’s memory through heartfelt social media tributes, sharing previously unseen family photographs and even recreating some of the images they took together at the family’s Château de Cayx vineyard in southern France, one of Prince Henrik’s favorite retreats away from royal protocol.
With this latest testimony, Count Nikolai once again underscores the enduring bond he shared with his grandfather, revealing how Prince Henrik’s influence and love continue to shape the Danish royal family long after his passing.
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