Prince Joachim returns to Denmark in 2027, after his contract as defence industry attaché at Denmark’s embassy in Washington, D.C. expires at the end of August. In interviews reported by Danish media, Princess Marie said the family is looking forward to moving home, while adding that what comes next “time will tell”.
Why Prince Joachim’s Washington posting ends in 2027
Prince Joachim has been based in Washington since autumn 2023, working as Defence Industry Attaché and Deputy Defence Attaché at the Danish embassy. The position is time-limited, and according to DR’s royal correspondent the family had initially expected to return earlier, before the contract was extended to run through August 2027.
The timing matters beyond the family’s private plans. Joachim and Marie are considered working members of the Danish royal house, meaning they represent the monarchy and hold a number of patronages. In Denmark’s constitutional framework, Joachim can also serve as regent (rigsforstander) when King Frederik is abroad.
What a defence industry attaché does for Denmark and the USA
The role is an unusual one for a royal in international terms, but it sits within Denmark’s broader push to deepen defence-industrial ties with close allies.
As defence industry attaché, Joachim works as a liaison between Danish authorities and parts of the American defence sector. In practice, Danish media describe the job as connecting Danish ministries with counterparts and companies, supporting Danish defence firms in building networks, and contributing to cooperation projects relevant to Denmark’s security policy.
In his day-to-day work in Washington, Joachim reports to the Danish ambassador, while the posting is anchored in the Ministry of Defence (Forsvarsministeriet). The Royal House has previously described the Washington assignment as part of Denmark’s effort to strengthen defence industrial cooperation with the USA and Canada.
How the move affects the royal family’s public role in Denmark
Princess Marie told Billed-Bladet that she looks forward to returning to her work and patronages in Denmark. The couple’s children, Count Henrik (16) and Countess Athena (14), are expected to remain in the USA until the move, with the family framing the timeline around schooling: Henrik is set to finish upper secondary education and turn 18 before the relocation, while Athena is expected to start upper secondary education in Denmark.
The return could also make it easier for the couple to resume a more regular schedule of domestic engagements, after several years in Paris (2020–2023) and Washington (since 2023). At the same time, the family has not indicated what Joachim’s professional role will be after August 2027.
A family timeline: Paris, Washington and the return to Denmark
Prince Joachim, the younger brother of King Frederik, moved to Paris in 2020 and worked as defence attaché before taking up the Washington position from September 2023. Danish outlets have reported that the family has described the years abroad as positive, with Joachim saying he has enjoyed the embassy role.
If the plan holds, the move in 2027 will bring the family back into Denmark’s day-to-day public life at a time when the monarchy is still adjusting to recent changes, including a tighter definition of “working royals” and a renewed focus on how the institution balances tradition, public duty and private family decisions.
