Queen Margrethe II made a bombshell announcement in September, stripping four of her grandchildren of their royal titles.

Prince Joachim – her son and the father of Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, who will lose their prince/princess and His/Her Highness titles come 1 January – said the move was relayed to him with five days notice.

The queen's decision has resulted in increased tension within the firm, made ever worse by Joachim's comments on the matter to a Danish tabloid.

Queen Margrethe's decision was in keeping with other royal families who are also slimming down their monarchies.

She defended her decision Monday, which she previously said was in the best interest of the grandchildren affected, adding it would allow them to live normal, everyday lives.

Click 'read more' to learn more about the Danish line of succession.