Recommended, 2024

Editor'S Choice

Victoria: Your new life as a queen

Victoria was prepared for her task for years: Sweden's first monarch is a very modern woman.
Photo: Kungahuset.se / Mattias Edwall

The Swedes cheer, but their mother's heart is crying

Although it has been prepared for this day for years, this development was surprising for the Crown Princess.

The ceremony is very solemn: in the sumptuous imperial hall of the Stockholm Palace, the entire government comes together. Everyone is wearing tails. The silver throne is adorned with a ermine-studded purple robe, the crown and the scepter lie on two tables at the feet of Victoria (35), who will soon no longer be a crown princess .

When she addresses her speech, she does it as a queen . The time has come: your new life begins. That it would one day be so far was clear for decades. Only the timing comes as a surprise.

But the abdication of King Carl Gustaf (66) in favor of his daughter Victoria - an unavoidable step. The opponents of the king became more by the day. They left no stone unturned to make the hated monarch in a bad light.

In the summer they brought fake coins in circulation, on which the king is badly insulted. Then the slain reacted with an icy smile. That's what happened to him when it became known that his opponents were behind the scandal book by the author Thomas Sjöberg (54).

Since the book was published two years ago, Carl Gustaf's sympathy has fallen into the cellar. As early as 2011, 56 percent of Swedes wanted him to abdicate. At the same time, the popularity of his daughter Victoria grew with each passing day. Carl Gustaf will have realized: If he does not act, the monarchy is in danger, then it will be abolished.

Victoria is the 75th monarch in Sweden, but the first woman on the throne. She was prepared for this from childhood. She was trained at home and abroad. She may have been looking forward to the duties of a queen. But secretly she may have hoped the date might be later.

Because the thoughts of Victoria and husband Daniel (39) have revolved around since the birth of daughter Estelle in February only to their small family and the new everyday life. Queen and mother of a baby - Victoria's new life as regent will be marked by longing and bad conscience.

She will not be able to share so many important experiences with Estelle and Daniel. She will not hear her daughter's first words because she may be on a state visit abroad. She will not always be approachable if Estelle knees while playing or has problems with the teachers later in the classroom.

It will only be a small consolation for Victoria that mother Silvia (68) wants to be at her side at all times. Silvia, who is then Queen Mother, and Carl Gustaf will retire to the private.

Top