Nikolai of Denmark, the royal rebel taking over fashion with Benedikte Thoustrup

Born into one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Nikolai of Denmark has remained close to his royal family, yet chosen to distance himself from some traditional royal duties to focus on one of his greatest passions: fashion.

Born Nikolai William Alexander Frederik, he is the eldest son of Prince Joachim of Denmark and his ex-wife, Countess Alexandra of Frederiksborg. He is also the grandson of Queen Emerita Margrethe II and nephew of the reigning monarchs, King Frederik X and Queen Mary.

Since 2022, following a decision by his grandmother to strip several grandchildren of their royal titles, he has held the title of Count of Monpezat.

Choosing his own path:

Like many royals, Nikolai underwent military training at the age of 18, but he only lasted two months at the academy. In 2018, he publicly announced that the military wasn’t for him and that he didn’t feel at home in that world. His focus was already on the catwalk.

© nikolaitildanmark/Instagram

That same year, he made a surprising debut on the runway, walking for Burberry in London and later for Dior in both Paris and Tokyo. “I’ve always considered myself a free spirit,” he confessed in an interview with Numéro. Even while building a modeling career, he continued his Business Administration studies at Copenhagen Business School, from which he graduated in 2024, successfully balancing academia and fashion.

© Stephane Cardinale – Corbis

After his first modeling gigs, he signed with Scoops Models in Denmark in 2019 and has since built an impressive portfolio, appearing in campaigns and fashion editorials. He is now also signed with two additional agencies, one in Australia, where he currently resides with his girlfriend, and another in Copenhagen, broadening his international reach. At one point, he even shared representation with top Spanish models like Juan Betancourt and Xavier Serrano.

© Victor VIRGILE

Inspired by his grandfather:

When it comes to style, Nikolai credits his fashion inspiration to his paternal grandfather, Prince Henrik of Denmark, admitting that when  he sees his photos, he thinks, “What an icon,” he said to Euroman, explaining that he only knew him during his “final years, but in his younger photos, he looks like James Bond.” Much like Henrik, Nikolai favors classic tailored looks, but with a modern, trend-forward twist.

© nikolaitildanmark/Instagram

A Royal love story with Benedikte Thoustrup:

While she doesn’t come from royal blood, Benedikte Thoustrup has been Nikolai’s rock since they were teenagers. The couple met at Herlufsholm School, an elite Danish boarding school, and have been inseparable ever since.

© benediktethoustrup/Instagram

“Our story started at boarding school; we had classes together. We were just friends for the first year and a half—I always thought he was incredibly funny and admired his intelligence,” Benedikte shared in an exclusive interview with FASHION. 

© Edward Berthelot

“Near the end of our second year, he invited me on a walk to the local gas station, which was sort of the unofficial way to ask someone out at our school. It’s funny how something so casual has turned into what we have more than seven years later.”

Also a graduate of Copenhagen Business School, Benedikte is now making her mark in the fashion industry as a content creator. With over 68,000 Instagram followers, her chic, elegant style has caught the attention of several brands, leading to collaborations and special appearances.

© benediktethoustrup/Instagram

Last summer, she made her runway debut at Copenhagen Fashion Week, walking for OpéraSPORT’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, an event Nikolai attended, cheering her on from the front row. The couple frequently attends events together, and not just in Denmark. 

Earlier this year, they were spotted in Milan as special guests of Armani, and this very week, they’ve made their red carpet debut at the Venice Film Festival, invited through their growing connection with the Italian fashion house.

© Matt Jelonek

Far from royal protocol, but never detached from his heritage, Nikolai of Denmark has forged a unique path, uniting legacy with personal freedom. Alongside Benedikte, the stylish and supportive duo are becoming fixtures in both the Nordic and international fashion scenes.