Denmark’s Prince Henrik dies

French-born Prince Henrik of Denmark has died at 83. He was the husband of Danish monarch Queen Margrethe II.

Prince Henrik became known when he publicly vented his frustration at not being the social equal of his wife or their son. He was known for being frank and forthright.

A statement from the royal palace said that Henrik died on Tuesday in his sleep, with his wife by his side.

“His Royal Highness Prince Henrik died Tuesday, February 13 at 23.18 at Fredensborg Castle.”

Henrik became prince consort in 1972, when Margrethe acceded to the throne.

Health

His health had seriously worsened during the last week. He had just returned home after being in hospital since 28 January for a lung infection.

In September 2017, Henrik was diagnosed with dementia.

He retired from public service in 2016, and the following year he revealed that he did not want to be buried next to his wife because he was never made her equal.

Traditionally, royal couples are buried together in Roskilde Cathedral, west of Copenhagen.

The palace statement did not give details of where Henrik would be buried.

Henrik and the queen had two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.