Danish royal family shares photos from Countess Athena’s confirmation in Washington

The Danish royal household has released official photographs from the confirmation of Countess Athena, the 14-year-old daughter of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, which took place in Washington D.C. on Saturday.

Images published on the royal family’s website show Countess Athena in a white dress alongside her brothers—Count Henrik, Count Nikolai, and Count Felix—who wore suits for the occasion. A family portrait also features Prince Joachim and Princess Marie with all four children.

According to Danish media outlet Billed-Bladet, neither Queen Margrethe, King Frederik, nor Queen Mary attended the ceremony, which was held at Georgetown Lutheran Church followed by a private celebration.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Prince Joachim described the day as emotional. “Of course, it’s the biggest event for the confirmand, but it’s also a major moment for her parents,” he told TV 2, adding that he was moved to tears. Countess Athena later said the service “went really well.”

The family relocated to the U.S. in 2023 when Prince Joachim began his role as a defence industry attaché at the Danish Embassy. They are scheduled to return to Denmark in 2027.

Photographs by Zahra Khadir capture the siblings together, including a playful shot of the three brothers carrying Countess Athena in their arms.