Translation of a Q&A in Billed Bladet #22, 2012.
Where a Maria Gonzalez ask why Nikolai and Felix, weren't sitting with Joachim and our Marie.
DRF expert and historian Jon Bloch Skipper replies:
You are not the only one who has asked this question. Several readers even hint that the two Princes were even disowned in public in connection with the christening of Princess Athena and that there should be a difference between "your" and "my" children in Prince Joachim and Princess Marie's relationship.
I completely disagree with that. Anyone who have followed the family from Møgeltønder know that Prince Joachim adores all his children and that Princess Marie is as fond of Felix and Nikolai as if they were her own children.
There isn't a hint of a conflict at Schackenborg Manor.
I think that the two Princess were seated like they were due to the layout of the church and because Prince Joachim over time percieve them as being so big that they don't necessarily have to be seated next to dad and bonus mother.
Apart from that Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix arrived to the church along with the Regent Couple. You can hardly call that being disowned.
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Summary of article in Billed Bladet #22, 2012.
En stor glad dag - A big happy day.
Written by Henrik Salling and Trine Larsen.
When Joachim met our reporter, Henrik Salling, at some point after the christening, he asked: "How were the odds on Athena"?
Henrik Salling: We weren't even close. Not one single member on the editorial board guessed that name.
What were the feelings of J&M at the christening?
J: "It was a splendid day with a fantastic mood which you only find in Møgeltønder. Møgeltønder was in festive mood. Not only we who live there on a daily basis noticed that, but also our guests".
Joachim adds that they..."were glad that the family, especially those who came from far away sat the village from its best side. Idyllic, serene/good atmosphere, sunny and full of happy people.
It was a delight to gather the entire family. Both the Danish and the French. They show up faithfully". (*)
Joachim laughs and adds: "No they are of course very delighted to come and for that we are very, very glad.
To celebrate our daughter was really lovely and on top up that with sun from above. It was a big, happy day".
Prince Henrik was also asked about the christening. Among other things he told about his family tradition, where the patriarch of the family bless/christen the children with garlic and wine. That was also the case with Athena. That also wards off danger and illness.
PH: "It was lovely to be at the christenings. Both were very grand and very moving.
The christening in Sweden was incredibly evocative and even though it was somewhat bigger it was still very touching and very nice".
One of Athenas names is Marguerite, which PH appreciated a lot: "That was a very sweet and fine gesture. Naturally we are pleased and I think it was a very fine name my grandchild got. Different and very beautiful".
Princess Athena is also Komtesse of Montpezat, I.e. an umarried daughter of a count.
(*) Here (jokingly) in the sense that: When there is free food on the table, you can bet they'll show up!