Queen Margrethe II of Denmark apologized after removing royal titles from four of her eight grandchildren, saying she will not change her mind regarding this step. The 82-year-old queen, who earlier this year celebrated half a century on the throne, announced on Thursday that from next year, the children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim, will no longer be known as prince and princess, as the titles of His and Her Royal Highness will be "revoked." Heili von Wildenrath Löfgren, press secretary for Countess Alexandra, the former wife of Prince Joachim, told CNN on Thursday that Joachim and his children were "sad" and "shocked" by the decision, which Queen Margrethe considers a "necessary affirmation for the future." The queen said in a statement: "My decision has long been made, and with 50 years on the throne, it is natural for me to look ahead. It is my duty and desire as a queen to ensure that the monarchy constantly shapes itself in line with the interests of everyone. This means difficult decisions must be made, and it will always be hard to find the right moment."

Also, the queen said she made the "adjustment" to allow younger members of the royal family to live a more normal life, while following a similar decision made by other royal families to reduce the size of the monarchy. She added, "Carrying the royal title involves a number of obligations and duties that will in the future fall on fewer members of the royal family."

Crown Prince Frederik, the queen's eldest son, is first in the line of succession. His eldest son, Prince Christian, is second in the line, with all four of Frederik’s children retaining their titles, while his younger brother Joachim lives in Paris with his wife Princess Marie and their two children Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10 years old.