Inside their exciting return home

Just one day shy of her 50th birthday, Princess Marie of Denmark, wife of Prince Joachim, sat down with Denmark’s Billed Bladet for an interview, revealing news that took the kingdom by surprise. The family will be returning home after living in the United States since 2023.

Princess Marie confirmed that she, her husband, and their two children, Henrik, 16, and Athena, who recently turned 14, will be leaving Washington D.C., where Prince Joachim has been serving as a defense industry attaché. The move is scheduled for August 2027, when the prince’s current contract comes to an end.

In her interview, Princess Marie explained that the family’s focus is on making the most of the years ahead. She confirmed that they will remain in the United States for another year and a half so that their children can complete their schooling, with Henrik finishing high school at 18 before the family returns to Denmark, where Athena will begin secondary school.

Marie also offered insight into her children’s academic interests, noting that Henrik is passionate about chemistry, physics, and mathematics, though he will need to put in a lot of effort to pursue them further.

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Princess Marie is eager to return to Denmark and resume her professional work there, while also reflecting on the “exciting” experience of supporting Denmark from abroad.

Before relocating to the U.S. in 2023, Prince Joachim’s family, which had two older children from a previous marriage to Countess Alexandra, lived in Paris for three years (2020–2023). Speaking with TV2 last summer, the prince hinted at the family’s “desire to come home,” though he emphasized that all options were still open.

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Since King Frederik X ascended the throne, the bond between the brothers has noticeably strengthened. After Queen Margrethe removed the princely titles from Joachim’s four children, Frederik has made a point of involving him more in official duties.

Joachim and Marie have participated in New Year’s Eve dinners, and the king recently honored Joachim’s older sons, a move widely interpreted as a heartfelt gesture, signaling a renewed closeness and a desire for the family to play a larger role in royal life.

© Dan Mariegaard

Looking ahead, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are preparing for an exciting new chapter as they plan their return to Denmark, closing the American chapter of their lives while keeping their family’s priorities front and center. 

© DET DANSKE KONGEHUS

After several years abroad, they are eager to reintegrate into Danish life, support their children’s education, and reconnect with the royal duties and traditions that have shaped their family. 

With their move set for 2027, the next few years promise a thoughtful balance of adventure, personal growth, and renewed ties to home, a chapter that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in family and heritage.