HRH The Crown Princess

HRH The Crown Princess

HRH The Crown Princess. Photo: Linda Broström/The Royal Court of Sweden

VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Désirée, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland, born on 14 July 1977.

Duties as heir to the throne

HRH The Crown Princess's duties as heir to the throne

If the King or Queen who is Head of State is not in a position to perform his or her duties, the member of the Royal House in line under the order of succession and able to do so shall assume and perform the duties of Head of State in the capacity of Regent ad interim.

Chapter 5, § 4 of the Instrument of Government

In accordance with the 1979 Act of Succession, which took effect on 1 January 1980, Crown Princess Victoria is heir to the Swedish throne.

The Crown Princess steps in as temporary regent if The King is prevented from fulfilling his duties as Head of State, for example during foreign visits to distant or inaccessible regions.

As heir to the throne, The Crown Princess is preparing for her future role as Head of State, and works – together with The King – to obtain information and deeper knowledge about national and international issues. The Crown Princess takes part in councils and the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs' meetings, and in state ceremonies such as incoming state visits, the Opening of the Parliamentary Session and National Day celebrations.

Her own programme includes engagements relating to sustainability issues, with a focus on the climate, sea and fishing, as well as crisis and conflict management, aid work and international peace promotion.

Together with Prince Daniel, The Crown Princess represents Sweden abroad on official visits, which take place in consultation with the Government.

The Crown Princess is a member of the Church of Sweden.

Biography

HRH The Crown Princess's Biography

The Princess was born at Karolinska Hospital in Solna at 21:45 on 14 July 1977, and was the first child of Their Majesties The King and Queen.

The King and Queen with the newborn Princess Victoria at Solliden Palace in 1977.

The King and Queen with the newborn Princess Victoria at Solliden Palace in 1977. Photo from the Bernadotte Library's image archive.

Following her birth, the newborn princess was witnessed by Speaker of the Riksdag Henry Allard, Prime Minster Torbjörn Fälldin, Marshal of the Realm Gunnar Lagergren and First Lady of the Court Countess Alice Trolle-Wachtmeister.

The Princess was christened by Archbishop Olof Sundby in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace on 27 September 1977. Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld, Crown Prince King Harald (V) of Norway and Mr Ralf Sommerlath were appointed godparents at the christening.

The Crown Princess's christening in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace on 27 September 1977.

The Crown Princess's christening in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace on 27 September 1977. Photo from the Bernadotte Library's image archive.

When The Crown Princess was born, Sweden still had an agnatic order of succession, meaning that only males could inherit the throne, and she was therefore born a princess. Legislation on full cognatic succession was introduced in 1980, meaning that the oldest child inherits the throne, and Princess Victoria thereby became Crown Princess of Sweden.

On 9 January 1980, The King decided to grant The Crown Princess the title Duchess of Västergötland.

Princess Victoria during the Christmas photo session at the Royal Palace in 1978.

Princess Victoria during the Christmas photo session at the Royal Palace in 1978. Photo: Tobbe Gustavsson/TT

The Crown Princess spent her early years living at the Royal Palace in Stockholm's Gamla Stan. In 1981, The King and Queen, The Crown Princess and her newborn brother Prince Carl Philip moved from the Royal Palace to Drottningholm Palace on Ekerö, just outside the capital.

Schooling

In 1982, The Crown Princess started preschool in Västerled Parish.

The Crown Princess starts school.

The Crown Princess starts school. Photo: Jan Collsiöö/TT

In August 1984, The Crown Princess started the first grade at Smedslätt School in Bromma. She continued her primary schooling at Ålsten School. The Crown Princess then began her secondary schooling at Carlssons School in Stockholm in 1990.

In summer 1992, The Crown Princess was confirmed at Borgholm Church on Öland.

The Crown Princess was confirmed at Borgholm Church on Öland in summer 1992. Here, The Crown Princess is pictured with The King and Queen, her siblings and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, one of The Crown Princess's godparents.

The Crown Princess was confirmed at Borgholm Church on Öland in summer 1992. Here, The Crown Princess is pictured with The King and Queen, her siblings and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, one of The Crown Princess's godparents. Photo: Hans T Dahlskog/TT

The Crown Princess began her upper secondary education in 1993, studying the natural sciences and social sciences programme at Enskilda Upper Secondary School in Stockholm. Three years later, in 1996, The Crown Princess graduated.

The Crown Princess graduated from Enskilda Upper Secondary School in Stockholm in 1996, and was driven in an open-top car to the Royal Palace.

The Crown Princess graduated from Enskilda Upper Secondary School in Stockholm in 1996, and was driven in an open-top car to the Royal Palace. Photo: Mark Earthy/TT

Coming of age

I will always remain loyal to The King and to the Riksdag. I will also carefully respect Sweden's constitutional laws.

HRH The Crown Princess's speech on the occasion of her coming of age, 14 July 1995.

The Crown Princess came of age on 14 July 1995. During a ceremony in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace, The Crown Princess gave a speech which was broadcast on TV, in which she promised always to remain loyal to The King and to the Riksdag. That same day, The Crown Princess received the insignia of the Royal Order of the Seraphim.

The Crown Princess's coming of age.

The Crown Princess's coming of age. Photo: Roger Tillberg/Stella

Post-upper secondary education

After completing her upper secondary studies, The Crown Princess moved to France to study French at the Catholic University of the West's International Centre of French Studies in Angers between 1996 and 1997.

In autumn 1997, The Crown Princess studied a specially devised programme to gain a deeper insight into the work of the Riksdag and the Swedish Government.

In spring 1998, The Crown Princess moved to the USA to study political science and history at Yale University. While studying in the USA, The Crown Princess also spent time learning about the work of the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC and the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations in New York.

On returning to Sweden, The Crown Princess enrolled at Uppsala University where she studied courses in conflict resolution and international peace promotion.

In spring 2001, The Crown Princess worked with Sweden's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

She then completed two special study programmes. In autumn 2001, The Crown Princess was based at the Government Offices of Sweden, and she spent the following spring at Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Autumn 2002 saw The Crown Princess learn about the work of the Swedish Trade Council during a practical placement at the Swedish trade offices in Paris and Berlin.

The Crown Princess during her military training at SWEDINT in Södertälje, in 2003.

The Crown Princess during her military training at SWEDINT in Södertälje, in 2003. Photo: Björn Larsson Ask/TT

In 2003, The Crown Princess carried out basic military training at the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre (SWEDINT).

That same year, she also completed a study and work experience programme in agriculture and forestry.

In 2004, The Crown Princess travelled to Saudi Arabia and Hungary with official Swedish delegations. That same year, she also visited UN bodies in Rome and Geneva, carried out study visits to companies in Sweden and continued with her official engagements.

In autumn 2004, The Crown Princess studied at the Swedish Defence University, focusing on Political Science, International Relations and Conflict Resolution.

The Crown Princess's foreign travels on behalf of Sweden continued in 2005, including visits to Australia, Japan and Turkey. The Crown Princess also visited a number of aid projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka during 2005. In autumn 2005, The Crown Princess spent a month at the Swedish Embassy in Beijing.

During 2006 and 2007, The Crown Princess studied the diplomatic programme at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The Crown Princess begins the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' diplomatic programme in Stockholm in 2006.

The Crown Princess begins the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' diplomatic programme in Stockholm in 2006. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

The Crown Princess continued with her studies in Political Science at Stockholm University during autumn 2007 and spring 2008. She also spent a period with Sweden's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

In spring 2009, The Crown Princess completed a bachelor's degree at Uppsala University, majoring in peace and conflict studies.

Family

The engagement between HRH The Crown Princess and Mr Daniel Westling was announced on 24 February 2009..

The Crown Princess and Mr Daniel Westling on the announcement of their engagement in 2009.

The Crown Princess and Mr Daniel Westling on the announcement of their engagement in 2009. Photo: Alexis Daflos/The Royal Court of Sweden

The wedding took place in Stockholm Cathedral on 19 June 2010.

The Crown Princess Couple's wedding on 19 June 2010 drew hundreds of thousands of well-wishers onto the streets of Stockholm.

The Crown Princess Couple's wedding on 19 June 2010 drew hundreds of thousands of well-wishers onto the streets of Stockholm. Photo: Paul Hansen

Having been placed at the disposal of the Swedish Government in the 1960s, Haga Palace became a royal home once again in autumn 2010 when The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel moved in.

The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel's first child, Princess Estelle, was born in 2012. Their second child, Prince Oscar, was born in 2016.

The Crown Princess with her family on Öland in summer 2021.

The Crown Princess with her family on Öland in summer 2021. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Interests and commitments

HRH The Crown Princess's personal interests and commitments

HRH The Crown Princess has long been strongly committed to environmental, climate and sustainability issues. The heir to the throne also takes an interest in young people's health.

International peace efforts

The Crown Princess has a particular commitment to crisis and conflict management, aid work and international peace promotion work. The Crown Princess has taken part in UN initiatives and conferences within this area on several occasions.

The Crown Princess speaks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The Crown Princess speaks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

From a young age, The Crown Princess has enjoyed spending time in nature. The Crown Princess and her siblings learnt early on about the importance of preserving nature and biodiversity – issues that she remains committed to.

To mark her 40th birthday, The Crown Princess carried out walks in all Sweden's provinces. These walks enabled her to discover new parts of Sweden during different seasons, to showcase the wonders of Swedish nature for all those who live and work in the country, and to highlight the importance of exercise and outdoor activities.

The Crown Princess on one of her 25 walks through the provinces of Sweden.

The Crown Princess on one of her 25 walks through the provinces of Sweden. Photo: Raphael Stecksén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Crown Princess’s commitment to environmental and climate-related issues led to the United Nation’s then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointing the Crown Princess as one of 17 Advocates during 2016-2019 for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Crown Princess is now Advocate Emerita for the Global Goals, in which she continues to focus, in particular, on sustainability, the sea and fishing.

In September 2018, The Crown Princess visited New York where she took part in UN Secretary-General António Guterres' meeting with the advocates for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

In September 2018, The Crown Princess visited New York where she took part in UN Secretary-General António Guterres' meeting with the advocates for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Photo: The Royal Court of Norway

The Crown Princess's commitment to the sea and fishing has played a key role in the establishment of Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS), in which the world's ten largest fishing and shellfish companies work together with the support of researchers to achieve a more sustainable industry.

Children's and young people's health

The Crown Princess is also strongly committed to young people's health and wellbeing. To mark their wedding in 2010, the couple established The Crown Princess Couple's Foundation. The purpose is to promote good health and prevent social exclusion among children and young people in Sweden. The foundation's vision is that all children and young people in Sweden, regardless of their circumstances, should be able to grow up into confident individuals with hopes and believes for the future.

The Crown Princess couple during a visit to the Leisure Bank in Upplands Väsby. The Leisure Bank is one of the projects supported by The Crown Princess Couple's Foundation.

The Crown Princess couple during a visit to the Leisure Bank in Upplands Väsby. The Leisure Bank is one of the projects supported by The Crown Princess Couple's Foundation. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

In 2016, The Crown Princess Couple established Generation Pep, an initiative that works based on the belief that all children and young people in Sweden should have the opportunity and the desire to live an active and healthy life.

Crown Princess Victoria's Fund was founded in 1997, and aims to enable children and young people with disabilities and/or chronic diseases to live an active life. The fund is administered by the Swedish Radio Appeal.

The Crown Princess meets camp attendee Sara and youth leader Johanna from the Dare To Be Yourself association.

The Crown Princess meets camp attendee Sara and youth leader Johanna from the Dare To Be Yourself association. Photo: Leroy Media

Personal interests

The Crown Princess likes to spend her free time appreciating Swedish nature and its changing seasons. She enjoys walking and skiing when the opportunity arises. Since her childhood, The Crown Princess has spent her summers on Öland. She now continues this tradition with her own family.

The Crown Princess with her family on Öland in summer 2018.

The Crown Princess with her family on Öland in summer 2018. Photo: Anna-Lena Ahlström/The Royal Court of Sweden

Official portraits

The Crown Princess through the years

Symbols

The Crown Princess' crown

Karl (X) Gustav's hereditary prince crown with blue cap. The crown was made in 1650 by Jürgen Dargeman.

The hereditary prince crown is HRH The Crown Princess' crown.

The Crown Princess' seraphim shield

HRH The Crown Princess' seraphim shield, made by coat of arms painter Bengt Olof Kälde.

The Crown Princess' monogram

HRH The Crown Princess' monogram and The Crown Princess Couple's joint monogram.

Orders

HRH The Crown Princess' orders

List of HRH The Crown Princess' foreign order holdings.

Republic of Austria

  • The Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria, Grand Cross in Gold

Kingdom of Belgium

  • The Order of Leopold, Grand Cross

Federal Republic of Brazil

  • The Order of the Southern Cross, Grand Cross

Republic of Bulgaria

  • The Order of Stara Planina, Grand Cross

Republic of Chile

  • The Order of Merit, Grand Cross

Kingdom of Denmark

  • The Order of the Elephant, Knight

Republic of Estonia

  • The Order of the White Star, 1st Class
  • The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 1st Class

Republic of Finland

  •  Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland

Republic of France

  • The National Order of Merit, Grand Cross
  • The Legion of Honour, Grand Officier

Federal Republic of Germany

  • The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Grand Cross

Republic of Greece

  • The Order of Honor, Grand Cross

Republic of Iceland

  • The Order of the Falcon, Grand Cross

Republic of Italy

  • The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Grand Cross

Japan

  • The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Grand Cordon

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

  • The Order of Al Nadha, Grand Cross, 1st Class

Republic of Korea

  • The Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1st Class

Republic of Latvia

  • The Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class

Republic of Lithuania

  • The Order of Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, 2nd Class

Grand Duchy of Luxemburg

  • The Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolph of Nassau, Grand Cross

Malaysia

  • The Most Esteemed Order of the Defender of the Realm, Grand Commander

Kingdom of Netherlands

  • The Order of the Netherlands Lion, Knight Grand Cross

Kingdom of Norway

  • The Royal Norwegian Order of S:t Olav, Grand Cross

Republic of Romania

  • The Order of the Star of Romania, Grand Cross

Kingdom of Spain

  • The Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross

Republic of Tunisia

  • The Order of the Republic of Tunisia, Grand Officer

The Crown Princess' recent speeches

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