The recent divorce of Prince Joachim of Denmark and Princess Alexandra was a sad event in what is traditionally one of the world�s most popular and much loved monarchies.  A fairy tale gone awry, what seemed to be a love match almost a decade ago is now over. What makes this royal divorce stand out from all the other royal divorces during the past ten years, is that this one was conducted in what was outwardly a very civilised manner. 

The smoothness of the dissolution in no way diminishes the sadness seen in the face of the once vibrant and cheerful Princess Alexandra.  For well over a year the Princess looked pensive and preoccupied at a number of engagements, although she continued her work and duties as if born to the job.  What it does suggest, however, is that while we do not know what happened to their marriage and probably (rightfully) never will, the catalyst for the disintegration of what appeared to be a happy marriage must have been significant. 

The engagement of Queen Margrethe�s second son came as something of a surprise to Danes.  The Prince was working in Hong Kong when he met the pretty British Hong Kong born Alexandra Manley and, unlike that of his brother Frederik, the courtship was relatively quick.  However, away from the constant glare of the Danish press, Prince Joachim made use of the comparative freedom to get to know Alexandra. 

Danes fell in love with Alexandra as soon as the engagement was announced.  In what I can vouch to be an outstanding feat, she learned Danish quickly, further endearing her to the population.  In no time at all, she became the country's Darling, helped undoubtedly by her superb style, pretty face and vivacious personality.  

Unlike Mary Donaldson, Alexandra did not have the opportunity to live very long in Denmark before her marriage to ease her way into Danish culture and society, which was vastly different from her life in Hong Kong.  She lamented in an interview on her fortieth birthday that her exploration of Copenhagen consisted of a walk along Str�get (the walking street) a day before her wedding.  That said, her transition from city dwelling businesswoman to princely farmer's wife and royal lady looked effortless. 

Much about Joachim and Alexandra�s wedding was beautiful, not the least of which was seeing a Prince from Europe�s oldest monarchy marry a person of mixed Asian and European parentage.  Rightfully, not much was made of the couple's different backgrounds but it was hard not to believe that perhaps the world was growing up.  Like most countries today, Danes are not all gigantic blondes but a melange of ethnicities from Greenland to Iran, Poland to Somalia.  The entrance of a woman from Hong Kong into the Danish Royal House probably helped secure a place for the monarchy in Denmark well into the future. 

Soon after the wedding, the two emerged as a dutiful couple, with some even suggesting a preference for them as the country�s future monarchs.  Rather a harsh comparison for poor Frederik who, not being married, was merely enjoying some of the fun most unmarried men his age did but nevertheless Joachim and Alexandra�s apparent marital happiness and the way in which Alexandra settled into royal life, impressed some in the country. 

Royal weddings tend to send a country into momentary insanity but royal babies, or the thought thereof, have a more profound effect on the population.  Monarchies depend on future generations for continuity and Joachim and Alexandra gave Denmark two heirs in Princes Nikolai and Felix. Both princes are styled Highness, rather than Royal Highness, as the latter is used only for the heir apparent and his or her children.  Despite this, until Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary�s child is born in October, Joachim and Alexandra�s sons remain very close to the throne and as a result, must live in Denmark. 

For some months before last year�s royal wedding, Alexandra appeared more introspective and she and Joachim were seen less and less together in public.  Only weeks after Mary and Frederik�s marriage, Amalienborg Palace announced the separation and eventual divorce of Prince Joachim and Princess Alexandra.  The announcement informed the public of what this would mean and left nothing to speculate.   

Alexandra would keep her royal status until the couple divorced, following which she would be styled Her Highness and would continue with her duties before and after the divorce.  The couple would have joint custody of the children and Alexandra and the two princes would live at Amalienborg Palace.  Only weeks after the announcement, Alexandra bought a house in Copenhagen, where she and her sons will live once renovations are completed.  

Unlike Britain during the respective tumultuous divorces of the York and Wales couples, Denmark left Joachim and Alexandra alone to sort through what was undoubtedly a tremendously difficult period for both and their sons.  Polls showed that while the population was saddened by the split of two prominent and popular members of the royal family, they understood the fragility of marriage in a society where almost one in three marriages, ends in divorce. 

After the announcement, Joachim and Alexandra frequently photographed together at official family engagements. Alexandra appears to have been deliberately kept a member of the Royal House and did not disappear from sight. The couple and royal family somehow successfully managed to present a dignified front, whatever lay underneath.   

Certainly, no small credit for the way the divorce was handled must be given to Queen Margrethe.  Clearly she respected not only her son but also her daughter-in-law, mother of her grandchildren.  Perhaps she also enjoyed the benefits of hindsight resulting from the badly handled divorces in Britain but it also seems clear that the Danish royal family have a pragmatic way of looking at not only their role and responsibility to Danish society but also their understanding of modern life. 

That said, Princess Alexandra has always realised the importance of her role and takes her duties and the many responsibilities she has taken since her marriage, seriously.  There is little doubt that Queen Margrethe appreciates Alexandra's proven dedication as after the divorce, the Princess not only remains part of the Royal House but in a gesture of the Queen's esteem was created Countess of Fredriksborg in her own right.  And, while the titles and inclusion in the Royal House may change should Alexandra decide to marry again in the future, for now Her Highness Princess Alexandra, Countess of Fredriksborg continues to be an active member of the royal family.           

HH Princess Alexandra:  http://tinyurl.com/7j8a4

- Gioffredo