Joachim and Marie are moving to Paris

[myloveforroyals]

oh, of course. Everybody is aware of that.

I didn't say he was perfect, or try to paint him as duty-bound, non-fail son. Joachim naturally had his private crashes, he is human after all. Both, Fred and Joachim, did what they did privately, but when a head line loomed, and there was money to make, it was Joachim whose negative story was pushed to the forefront. We didn't see that much push for Fred's negative story's in Danish media. Fred got away with crap Joachim never could.

But that's not what I mean. I was talking about his professional live as a represntative of the RF, which is a big part of his identity. When he was on the job, he was on the job. Seriously, committed, and dutiful. And I believe that is the part of his identity that is difficult to let go of.

Daisy does what makes the RF look best, without concern as to advice, warning, or hardship, meaning pushing the popularity of the CP couple, privately & publicly, because they will take over her legacy and her position. And then doing what she did to Joachim.

PeDe, I have read too much about Jokke's and Alex split to believe that he was the diligent, sober representative of the DRF when married to Alex. There were reports that she tired of picking up the slack for the party prince man-child. Unless they were all lies, he has come a long way. I sincerely hope he recovers fully and is capable of working for a living like 99.9999% of people on the planet . Yet, he gets to keep his appanage while earning a salary. Nothing stops him from returning to Denmark, taking up a corporate job and becoming a philanthropist and taking on patronages. Many people who make their own money do that. With Jokke's contacts, intelligence and experience he could land himself a plum job worth more than the apannage he receives from the state. Like Alex he can sit on boards as non-executive director. No need for a pity party. There is enough of that going on in royal circles with 6ths in line.

As far as I know, he isn't earning a salary? I thought the fact that he wouldn't earn a salary while working as Defense Attaché is the reason he kept the apanage? Or did I understand that wrong?

[Paulina]

Where it works fine is e.g. the Netherlands. They got it right. Alexander's brothers were brought up from the beginning with the understanding what would happen when he takes over. That was quite different in DK. Joachim's destiny was always directed by the RF, by others, they put him in position where it suited them, and then dropped him when it suited them, irregardless what it did to him personally.

Plus, I'm not sure Daisy would agree to that, it would mean another scandal for the RF. So sending him off to another country, but still being connected to Denmark works for her, and has to work for him and his family as well, if they want or not.

Once again, I continue to think that the RF in the Netherlands has the smartest, most intelligent members and are the most aligned with one another, and must have dynamite advisors they listen to. They have a smooth operation and it seems every son chose a highly intelligent wife. Even Mabel is liked/respected/considered bright, right?

[PeDe]

oh, of course. Everybody is aware of that.

I didn't say he was perfect, or try to paint him as duty-bound, non-fail son. Joachim naturally had his private crashes, he is human after all. Both, Fred and Joachim, did what they did privately, but when a head line loomed, and there was money to make, it was Joachim whose negative story was pushed to the forefront. We didn't see that much push for Fred's negative story's in Danish media. Fred got away with crap Joachim never could.

But that's not what I mean. I was talking about his professional live as a represntative of the RF, which is a big part of his identity. When he was on the job, he was on the job. Seriously, committed, and dutiful. And I believe that is the part of his identity that is difficult to let go of.

Daisy does what makes the RF look best, without concern as to advice, warning, or hardship, meaning pushing the popularity of the CP couple, privately & publicly, because they will take over her legacy and her position. And then doing what she did to Joachim.

PeDe, I have read too much about Jokke's and Alex split to believe that he was the diligent, sober representative of the DRF when married to Alex. There were reports that she tired of picking up the slack for the party prince man-child. Unless they were all lies, he has come a long way. I sincerely hope he recovers fully and is capable of working for a living like 99.9999% of people on the planet . Yet, he gets to keep his appanage while earning a salary. Nothing stops him from returning to Denmark, taking up a corporate job and becoming a philanthropist and taking on patronages. Many people who make their own money do that. With Jokke's contacts, intelligence and experience he could land himself a plum job worth more than the apannage he receives from the state. Like Alex he can sit on boards as non-executive director. No need for a pity party. There is enough of that going on in royal circles with 6ths in line.

As far as I know, he isn't earning a salary? I thought the fact that he wouldn't earn a salary while working as Defense Attaché is the reason he kept the apanage? Or did I understand that wrong?

that is correct, he does not receive any salary:

Here is the press release of the Danish Ministry of Defense:

“In recent years, Denmark’s defense policy cooperation with France has become ever closer. The hiring of Prince Joachim is done to strengthen cooperation in the field of security policy with France. Prince Joachim joins September 1, 2020.

”In recent years, Danish-French cooperation has been strengthened with several joint missions and efforts around the world. There is no doubt that France is a very close ally and close strategic partner when it comes to the fight against terror and the maintenance of freedom and peace, ”said Defense Minister Trine Bramsen.

Prince Joachim was promoted as Brigadier General and as a Defense Attaché he will refer to the Department of Defense. The Ambassador in Paris is the Defense Attorney General’s daily chief. As part of the priority of Danish-French cooperation, an assistant defense attaché will also be appointed.

Since September 2019, Prince Joachim has followed France’s highest ranking military leadership training at École Militaire. The continuing education in France complements Prince Joachim’s ongoing work in the Armed Forces.

“Prince Joachim has a long association with the Armed Forces and this month, he ends France’s highest ranking military training in leadership in, among other things international conditions. These skills will be brought into play along with his in-depth knowledge of the country, the culture and a strong local network. Therefore, he also has strong prerequisites for the post as a defense attaché, ”says Trine Bramsen.

Prince Joachim will continue to perform certain duties for the Royal House, to the extent that the full-time position as defense attaché allows. The position is filled for 3 years with the possibility of extension.

As Prince Joachim receives the annual allowance, he will not receive salary in the position or otherwise be covered by expenses for housing, school or the like, which normally belong to the position. The Ministry of Defense pays an amount to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which covers the embassy’s usual expenses associated with the position, including expenses for missions, office teams and representation.

The Prime Minister will submit a motion for resolution on the assent of Prince Joachim’s receipt of the annual allowance, as long as he holds the position of defense attaché at the Embassy of Denmark in Paris.

[Miss Marple]

Jokke shows the typical problem of the spare. It would be interesting to hear the whole story and what was the "real" reason for Frodo's move to Verbier at the same time. I think there is a bigger story/fight behind it. It is very unusual for them to spill the beans.

[Paulina]

Maybe in the future the DRF can marry actual Danes.

[Miss Marple]

Maybe in the future the DRF can marry actual Danes.

If there is a future. After Marge is gone, you will have a very dull king and a very self-centered queen and it will take years for the kids to grow up ... There are a lot of really silly rules in that family.. The The.

[PeDe]

Jokke shows the typical problem of the spare. It would be interesting to hear the whole story and what was the "real" reason for Frodo's move to Verbier at the same time. I think there is a bigger story/fight behind it. It is very unusual for them to spill the beans.

ahhh, I forgot about that, Miss Marple. A CP couple temper tantrum...perhaps? Because this whole thing with Verbier didn't make any sense at all from any angle you look at it.

The whole “We see it as a gift for our children that they can share, and a gift they will have for the rest of their lives,” Crownprincess Mary said. The decision follows in the footsteps of Crown Prince Frederik, who went to school in France as a teenager along with his younger brother Prince Joachim." was more than odd. If they would have send Christian and Izzy, I could relate to it, but the way they went about.....

So I agree, there might be something bigger going on that we know of.

[Miss Marple]

There must have been some "behind the scene blow-up". If we can believe Jokke, he was forced to leave (and there is no reason why he should turn against his own mom publicly by not saying the truth). Frodo and Mares seem to have left voluntarily, but very surprsing - leaving Marge alone in Denmark. She managed with the help of her sister (even though the kids had been in boarding school and Mares and Frodo could have flown home - but they didn't). There must have been a massive disagreement, concerning both brothers.

[Chandrasekhi]

oh, of course. Everybody is aware of that.

I didn't say he was perfect, or try to paint him as duty-bound, non-fail son. Joachim naturally had his private crashes, he is human after all. Both, Fred and Joachim, did what they did privately, but when a head line loomed, and there was money to make, it was Joachim whose negative story was pushed to the forefront. We didn't see that much push for Fred's negative story's in Danish media. Fred got away with crap Joachim never could.

But that's not what I mean. I was talking about his professional live as a represntative of the RF, which is a big part of his identity. When he was on the job, he was on the job. Seriously, committed, and dutiful. And I believe that is the part of his identity that is difficult to let go of.

Daisy does what makes the RF look best, without concern as to advice, warning, or hardship, meaning pushing the popularity of the CP couple, privately & publicly, because they will take over her legacy and her position. And then doing what she did to Joachim.

PeDe, I have read too much about Jokke's and Alex split to believe that he was the diligent, sober representative of the DRF when married to Alex. There were reports that she tired of picking up the slack for the party prince man-child. Unless they were all lies, he has come a long way. I sincerely hope he recovers fully and is capable of working for a living like 99.9999% of people on the planet . Yet, he gets to keep his appanage while earning a salary. Nothing stops him from returning to Denmark, taking up a corporate job and becoming a philanthropist and taking on patronages. Many people who make their own money do that. With Jokke's contacts, intelligence and experience he could land himself a plum job worth more than the apannage he receives from the state. Like Alex he can sit on boards as non-executive director. No need for a pity party. There is enough of that going on in royal circles with 6ths in line.

Chandra, so have I, but as I said before, headlines make money. I believe half of the things written about the split, hence looking at the situation form a different ventage point.  

You are right 99.9999% of people on the planet are not royal, born in a system that works differently. Hardly a pity party. Alex was a married princess, Joachim is a born royal - again difference there. If you would contrast/compare Alex/Marie that argument would make sense to me. And in that sense, what value does a Royal Family hold these days. Why not then abolish the monarchical system in total, and let them fend for themselves, like 99.9999% of people on the planet do. Problem solved.

I just see it in a different way than you, and that is good. That's why we are here, to discuss things from all kinds of positions.  

 This statement is a general one: I scratch my head in bemusement that the incredible opportunities royals have access to for better educational outcomes and skills development to increase their chances of being better employed than 99.99999% of the population should the need arise, have not been better utilised.

[Miss Marple]

I live near Salem (the expensive boarding school Prince Philipp attends) and it seems that the kids there are mostly very unmotivated to study because they know that -no matter what second and third level education they achieve- their path in life is set. They give out scholarships to gifted "normal" students to join the classes, citing it is part of their pedagogical concept that the rich kids mix with normal kids but there are rumours it is because otherwise they can't get a learning atmosphere in their classes and someone has to win the prizes for them. 

[Chandrasekhi]

There must have been some "behind the scene blow-up". If we can believe Jokke, he was forced to leave (and there is no reason why he should turn against his own mom publicly by not saying the truth). Frodo and Mares seem to have left voluntarily, but very surprsing - leaving Marge alone in Denmark. She managed with the help of her sister (even though the kids had been in boarding school and Mares and Frodo could have flown home - but they didn't). There must have been a massive disagreement, concerning both brothers.

This is quite the whodunnit,  Miss Marple. Who drove J&M out of town?

Was it Mary with the dagger of the tabloids in Amaliensborg?  
The interrogation of the motive and means:
1. Daisy tolerates Mary, loves Marie.
2. Frodo hates/resents/tolerates Mary, loves his kids.
3. Mary threatening to run-off would have made everyone glad. They might even have paid her to do if the right amount was available. Then Jokke could act as regent until Xtian is old enough to ascend the throne.
4. Frodo is too depressed/medicated to rustle up the energy for a bust-up with his brother.
What could have woken Fred up long enough to exile his brother over the position he has taken little interest in?

  PeDe for the appanage AND salary correction

[periwinkle]

Wow this is kind of a bombshell moment for the Danish royals isn't it? I agree that Joachim is a scapegoat. His mother isn't helping him by keeping him on the government payroll even if her intentions are generous. Fred is a mess and will be a piss poor king unless there's a sporting event he can go to. I wonder how much power Mary has here? She was given the ability to be regent and then not long after Joachim and family went to France. Did Mary strong arm Marge with a threat to reveal secrets if Joachim and Marie weren't sent off into the forest? Mary seems like a bully herself so I wouldn't put it past her. But something is definitely going on. I'm glad to see that Alex will testify for Team Second Son in a future standoff. How old is Marge? The next few years will be interesting because Fred is not going to change and Denmark is going to have a sorry royal family when he is king.

[Paulina]

I will always think Fred's downfall was not being allowed to marry Katja. No one looked at who she was to him and how he was with her. Simpatico by all accounts.

*rear view mirror looking, again*

[Miss Marple]

This is quite the whodunnit,  Miss Marple. Who drove J&M out of town?

Was it Mary with the dagger of the tabloids in Amaliensborg?  
The interrogation of the motive and means:
1. Daisy tolerates Mary, loves Marie.
2. Frodo hates/resents/tolerates Mary, loves his kids.
3. Mary threatening to run-off would have made everyone glad. They might even have paid her to do if the right amount was available. Then Jokke could act as regent until Xtian is old enough to ascend the throne.
4. Frodo is too depressed/medicated to rustle up the energy for a bust-up with his brother.
What could have woken Fred up long enough to exile his brother over the position he has taken little interest in?

  PeDe for the appanage AND salary correction

IMO: Marge.

It comes unexpectatly, but here is my idea why: Society is changing. Hierarchies are flatter, the support for the monarchy dwindles in general and also the idea that someone is born rather than elected in a position becomes more and more alienating. Now with Covid people will look very carefully where their tax money is being spend and for what.

Then you have the DRF - eight children in the next generation. Four for each brother. Let's look at Jokke's family:
(1) Alex: Was incredibly popular and back then it was possible that the Danish people footed the divorce bill which did not come cheap.
     Then the Martin disaster and question: Was she really worth ALL that money?
(2) Nikolai: Does not participate (as not son of heir) but has personal financial advantages from being a member of the DRF (indirectly be-
     cause of dad's money) and lately because it got him a high profile modelling job.
(3) Felix: Just 18. Too young to stir trouble.
So finance might be a reason.

The other reason: Marge is 80. She is clever and knows that someday, most likely within the next decade, king Frodo will follow into her footsteps. And it is clearly visible that king Frodo is not ready. Nor is he motivated to be ready. Most of the time you wonder "what is that guy doing all day?". We saw what he was not doing - last autumn. The world's leaders gathered in Auschwitz - while Frodo was preparing a shooting weekend. That says all that needs to be said. Ironically there was not shitstorm about that. People ignored it - which might have showed Marge: People don't care about the monarchy that much anymore. It largely went unnoticed.

So her cleverest bet was to hope that people would never really ask why king Frodo is keeping a low profile. So she sent Frodo to Switzerland to see if anyone would miss him (of course not, as nothing changed for the Danes). She and her sister started running the show.

That was the moment when she realized - she had to get rid of Jokke and Marie, because, in contrast to gawky Marie and Frodo, they would do a good job and people might realize "why is the brother of the king doing a better job than the king?". So she sent them to France. If Jokke had not spilled the beans it would have looked as if he wanted out - but the truth was - they wanted him out.

So now Frodo and Mares can rule without any "comparison couple" beside them, hoping that Christian and Izzy can help and charm the Danes with their youth and spirit.




 

[Paulina]

Palace intrigue. It never gets boring!