Count Nikolai of Monpezat, the eldest grandson of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, has spoken candidly about his transition from royal life in a new four-part documentary series released in June 2026. The 26-year-old addressed the 2022 decision by the Queen to strip him and his three siblings of their prince and princess titles, describing the experience as feeling like an “exile.”
“Everything changed for me,” Nikolai stated in the documentary, according to reports. “A decision was made on my behalf, and that’s never pleasant, of course.” Despite the personal difficulty, he emphasized a desire to avoid a victim narrative, noting that he is currently focused on “finding my own path” with his new circumstances.
The documentary also highlights the challenges Nikolai faced growing up under intense public scrutiny. He recounted his 18th birthday as a particularly overwhelming event, characterized by unwanted public attention and media presence, which contrasted sharply with his desire for a private, normal celebration. He noted that even during his time at Herlufsholm boarding school, he struggled with the preconceived notions people held about him due to his royal background.
Since stepping away from official royal duties, Nikolai has shifted his focus toward his professional modeling career. Now residing in New York City, he maintains a greater degree of independence. The documentary reveals that while his parents, Prince Joachim and Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, were initially cautious about his entry into the fashion industry, they worked to ensure appropriate professional boundaries were maintained. Today, the Count is actively building a career on his own terms outside the constraints of the Danish royal institution.