Prince Joachim and Princess Marie skip Christmas with the royal family

In Denmark, King Frederik and Queen Mary are preparing to celebrate Christmas at Marselisborg Castle in Aarhus from December 23 to 26, alongside Queen Margrethe, who served as monarch for 52 years but abdicated in January. They will be celebrating this occasion without Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, who have chosen to spend the holiday with Princess Marie's family. Their absence follows a tumultuous period in which Queen Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim's children of their royal titles in September 2022, leading to strained relations within the royal family. Despite a resolution with the family, the dynamics remain tense, particularly as Prince Joachim expressed concerns that the decision harmed his children and suggested that communication was lacking prior to the public announcement. The Danish royal household did not provide specific reasons for the couple's absence this year, only stating they would celebrate with their own children and family. This year's Christmas marks a significant moment for King Frederik and Queen Mary as they celebrate their first holiday season as monarchs, steering the royal family into a new chapter following the previous Queen's abdication. As the royal family navigates these changes and challenges, royal commentators have noted that Queen Margrethe is focused on future-proofing the monarchy, with Crown Princess Mary being highlighted as a key asset for the family's stability and relevance in modern times. However, the complexity of familial relationships will likely continue to affect the royal family as they adapt to their new roles and the resulting implications for their public image and duties.