Copenhagen - Danish Prince Joachim and his French-born wife, Princess Marie, are expecting their first child, the palace said Monday.

The new prince or princess was due in early May 2009, the statement added.

Prince Joachim, 39, is the youngest son of Queen Margrethe and fourth in line to the Danish throne.

He married 32-year-old Marie Cavallier on May 24 at a church near his estate in southern Jutland.

Prince Joachim has two sons, nine-year-old Prince Nikolaj and six-year-old Prince Felix, with Hong Kong-born Alexandra Manley who he divorced in 2005. (dpa)