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Denmark's Prince Henrik renounces title as Prince Consort

Xinhua, April 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

The husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, has renounced his title as Prince Consort due to his retirement from official duties, it was reported Thursday.

As a result, he is no longer to be called Prince Consort, according to Danish TV2 news.

"It is His Royal Highness' own decision to change his title to the less formal Prince Henrik. Prince Henrik believes that it is brought into line with the current situation after retirement," said Lene Balleby, communications officer at the Royal Court.

The 81-year-old prince is now a non-reigning male member of the Danish royal family, according to TV2.

Queen Margrethe II announced her husband's retirement in her annual New Year's speech, saying he would give up most of his official duties with immediate effect as from Jan. 1, 2016.

"My husband has made the decision that the time has now come for him to 'slow down' -- or, if I may use a common Danish term -- to retire," the Queen said during the televised broadcast.

Prince Henrik was granted the traditional title of Prince Consort Henrik when his wife acceded to the throne five years after their marriage in 1967. Endit