Prince Henrik of Denmark has decided that he will not be buried next to his wife, Queen Margrethe, because he was never given the equal designation of king.
Prince Henrik, 83, had complained at length about his prince title but his decision appeared to make it clear that he was still unhappy about it, the BBC News reported. Prince Henrik and Queen Margrethe have been married since 1967, noted National Public Radio.
The queen reportedly has accepted her husband's decision, the BBC News stated.
"It is no secret that the prince for many years has been unhappy with his role and the title he has been awarded in the Danish monarchy," the Royal Danish House's director of communications told the tabloid BT, according to the BBC News.
"For the prince, the decision not to be buried beside the queen is the natural consequence of not having been treated equally to his spouse – by not having the title and role he has desired," the statement continued.
The website The Local pointed out that in 2002 Prince Henrik was angry that the Royal House refused to let him greet guests alone during a New Year's event after the queen took ill and could not attend. The Royal House instead had his son, the Crown Prince Frederik take his mother's place, noted The Local.
"I have always said that I should be a partner, but I am not considered as a partner because I'm not on the same level as my wife which is completely un-understandable [sic]," Prince Henrik told public broadcaster NOS, according to The Local.
"All the queens in the history of the world have made their husbands king consort. Why should I be under my wife?" the prince continued.
Prince Henrik, who retired from public life last year, is a native of France, born Henri Marie Jean André de Laborde de Monpezat in 1934, reported CNN. His decision means that he will not be buried at the Roskilde Cathedral, where Queen Margrethe will be laid to rest, noted the broadcaster.
"The Prince's decision does not change The Queen's funeral plans," said a statement from Denmark's Royal House. "It has been laid out in the media that The Prince wishes to be buried in France. This is not correct. The Prince's wish to be buried in Denmark remains, but the circumstances are not yet in place."
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