Danish Baptism: Lille Pige Becomes Athena
Today we learn the name of Denmark’s newest Princess – Athena Marguerite Françoise Marie [see video].
Athena, who was born January 24, 2012, is the second child for Prince Joachim and Princess Marie. Their son, Prince Henrik, was born May 4, 2009.
Athena is the name of the Greek goddess of wisdom, a tribute to the Danish royal family’s ties to Greece (Queen Margrethe’s sister Anne Marie is the former Queen of the Hellenes).
Marguerite is the French spelling of Queen Margrethe’s name.
Françoise is the name of Princess Marie’s mother.
… and of course, Marie for the new princess’ mother.
The little princess is the first girl for Prince Joachim, who has three boys in all. His two eldest, Princes Nikolai (1999) and Felix (2002), are from his marriage to Alexandra Manley, now Countess of Frederiksborg.
Today, the Danish royals and their extended family celebrate a new life and the latest chapter in their dynasty. Congratulations!
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