Count Nikolai of Denmark marked his 27th birthday on Friday, and the Danish Palace was quick to share a sweet post for the royal, despite stripping him of his royal titles in 2022.
The Palace's social media accounts shared a stunning photo of the royal posing in France. The birthday boy wore a checkered shirt and beige chinos, while also boasting a stylish wristwatch.
Nikolai appeared to have already kicked off his birthday celebrations early as he was seen near a half-filled wine glass, with a bottle seen in a cooler. A stunning vineyard stretched out behind him as Nikolai posed in a courtyard.
In a caption, the Palace posted: "Congratulations to His Excellence Count Nikolai, who today celebrates his 27th Birthday. The birthday picture of the Count was taken this week in France."
© InstagramFans were quick to celebrate the handsome royal's birthday, as one commented: "Happy birthday to his excellence Count Nikolai of Denmark," while a second added: "Congratulations on your Birthday, Count Nikolai."
A third posted: "You're still making Denmark proud - happy birthday."
Why did Count Nikolai lose his titles?
Upon his birth, the royal was known as Prince Nikolai, but at the end of 2022, his royal titles were stripped by Queen Margrethe.
At the time, Margrethe explained the decision was to help the children to be "able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by" their royal titles. Despite the drastic change, the former Danish monarch confirmed that all four royal children will maintain their places in the order of succession.
The Danish Royal Court said in the statement that "The Queen's decision is in line with similar adaptations that other royal houses have implemented in different ways in recent years."
Reflecting on the loss of his title in 2023, Nikolai told Nine.com.au: "I think in the future I will be freer, but I've never felt limited before. So for me… it hasn't changed anything yet. I think in the future it will make a difference."
© Instagram / @detdanskekongehusNikolai hasn't let the lack of title hold him back from anything, and has been a model since 2018. In 2024, he graduated from the Copenhagen Business School with a Master of Science in Merchandising, and in 2026, he made his film debut in Doktor Glas.
Speaking to Vogue Scandinavia, he said: "The Dr. Glas film was a project that I have really enjoyed working on. Working alongside such a talented team in a fun and new setting has really given me the courage to express myself freely on set.
© Getty Images"It's all still very new to me, seeing myself in a feature film for the first time. Before I decide anything about the future, I need to see the final result and take it all in."
