Even though marrying a prince or king seems kind of like the dream, it's worth it to take a step back and remember that a marriage is still a marriage, thorns and all, and a tiara and royal title aren't prerequisites for happiness (marital or personal). Denmark's Princess Marie got engaged to Prince Joachim back in 2008 and was plenty happy beforehand, thankyouverymuch.
"I'd been fending for myself for years, and it felt overwhelming that suddenly everyone apparently had an opinion about me. I had a great life—I didn't need to be rescued by some prince from Denmark," she told a Danish newspaper (reported via People).
Princess Marie with Prince Joachim at Princess Sofia's wedding this summer
"There was no doubt in my heart that I loved him, but I had my life. I was happy, and I had my pride. I simply was not ready to get married and take on the responsibility it would be to become part of the royal family," she said. "I was not prepared that attention could be so negative."
The princess was raised in a wealthy French family, so there's no tale of a hardscrabble upbringing. She did go through her parents' divorce when young and it made an impact on her and her future thoughts on marriage. She was cautious when the prince popped the question, though (clearly), all worked out for the couple.
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