SWEDEN

Sweden: Queen Silvia’s Brother, Walther Sommerlath, has died

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Queen Silvia of Sweden has announced that her brother, Walther Sommerlath, has passed away. He was 86 years old and died on October 23rd 2020 at Karolinska Hospital in Huddinge after a period of illness. He was born Walther Ludwig Sommerlath in 1934 in Brazil.

The following statement was published by Her Majesty the Queen on October 29th 2020: “I and my family feel great sorrow and loss for my brother Walther”. Furthermore, the royal court emphasizes that with regard to Walther Sommerlath’s family, the Royal family ask the media to respect, and understand, that this is a private family matter.

Towards the end of his life, Walter and his wife moved to Sweden to be close to Queen Silvia and the rest of the royal family. Queen Silvia and her brother Walther had close contact throughout their lives and were very good friends. Walter and his wife otherwise lived in Italy, but earlier this year they moved into Drotningholm Castle, where the King and Queen of Sweden live permanently. Walter and his wife lived in a separate house attached to the castle. This was the same house where Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel lived when they were newlyweds.

The Swedish royal court is reluctant to provide any further information as they describe this as a private matter within the family. The Royal Court nevertheless states that the Queen’s brother had been ill for a long time before he died.

The Queen’s brother was always present during major family events in the Swedish royal family. He also had a good relationship with the Swedish king, his brother-in-law and the rest of the royal family. He was a well-liked person. Walter’s son, Patrick Sommerlath, the Queen’s nephew, also lives permanently in Sweden and is a close friend of the royals. Walther Sommerlath also has a daughter, Sophie, who lives in California.

Queen Silvia was the youngest of the family’s siblings, and the only girl. Her other brothers are Ralph de Toledo Sommerlath and Jörg, who died of cancer in February 2006 after a long illness. He was 64 years old.

Featured image: Queen Silvia of Sweden  (Frankie Fouganthin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wiki Commons)

Sweden: Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia visit their duchy of Värmland to see how the county has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia visited their dukedom of Värmland on Wednesday to see how the county has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple posted about their visit on their personal Instagram account, writing, “What a day we had in Värmland today!”

They continued, “Everyone we visited has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. And it’s not over yet; now we have to power up to counteract further spread and the consequences we see at all levels.”

The royal couple’s visit began with a meeting with healthcare professionals to hear how the pandemic has affected healthcare in the county. Carl Philip and Sofia heard from Tanja Ekegren, the County Administrative Board’s Chief of Staff, and Dr Ingemar Hallén, an infection control doctor with Region Värmland, about how their work has shifted in light of the pandemic and steps the medical community has taken to combat the coronavirus.

Carl Philip and Sofia then traveled to Central Hospital in Karlstad to see how the staff there has modified and prepared themselves to treat patients.

The couple shared on their Instagram account, “IVA Nurse Mia touched on her strong stories about how to never cease to constantly stop and show humanity towards all patients – even when it has been at its hardest.”

Next, the royal couple visited the Vikenkyrkan, where the parenting group ‘Outstanding Single’ meets. The couple described this single parenting group as one “where mothers and their children find community and support” and that “in times of isolation was also strong and uplifting.”

The Prince and Princess then visited Karlstad Innovation Park to meet with young entrepreneurs who have created a digital platform, Zimify, to curb loneliness in students. The couple also met with representatives from Ineq Solutions, who have created Buhobox, a “digital tool that will promote preventive work with student health in schools,” according to the Royal House.

The royal couple then travelled to the municipality of Sunne, with the first stop for lunch at Västra Ämtervik, where they dined at Kulinarika, a restaurant and vineyard. They heard how the pandemic has affected the company and food production and met with other representatives from the municipality.

The couple’s final stop was in Berättarladan, where they met with representatives from the Västanå Theatre. They learned how the pandemic has affected the arts community and were treated to a performance of ‘O, children of late times.’ They praised the Theatre as one with a “unique environment, creations and incredible performance.”

The Swedish Royal Family has made a plan to visit all of Sweden’s counties to see how citizens are dealing with the pandemic. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia will next visit Dalarna – where Sofia grew up – on 19 November.

Featured image: Anna Lena Ahlstrom/Kungahuset.se

Sweden: Princess Estelle joins her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother, Crown Princess Victoria to open new Slussbron

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – On Sunday, Princess Estelle joined her grandfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother, Crown Princess Victoria, at the inauguration of the new Slussbron in Stockholm. The new bridge connects the areas of Stadsholmen and Södermalm in the capital.

The Slussbron is part of a larger redevelopment project in the city. The bridge itself is the largest single component in the traffic area. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.

The King gave a speech before cutting the ribbon to officially open the bridge. His Majesty said: “The new bridge is an important milestone, in the Slussen project and in Stockholm’s history. And when it now opens to traffic, it links not only north and south but also today’s and tomorrow’s Stockholm.”

He has followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather in opening a new bridge in the area as King Gustaf V opened the Klöverblads bridge in October 1935. Gustaf V was accompanied by his son, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s grandfather) and Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s father) on that day, and the King pointed to the similarities with that day and Sunday.

He said: “Ladies and gentlemen: In October 1935, the so-called Klöverblads bridge was inaugurated by my great-grandfather, King Gustaf V. Also present at that time was my grandfather Gustaf Adolf, who was then Crown Prince, as well as my father, Prince Gustaf Adolf.

“And today, 85 years and ten days later, I stand here in the company of my daughter, the Crown Princess and little Princess Estelle, ready to inaugurate the new Slussbron – or Guldbron as it has come to be called.”

“We are very happy to be able to participate in this solemn occasion. And very soon, when the ribbon is cut, we will be able to cross the bridge in the company of representatives of the next generation of Stockholmers,” the King added.

Carl Gustaf concluded his remarks saying about the bridge, “May it be of benefit and joy to many generations of residents of the capital and visitors.”

Later, the King got some help from eight-year-old Estelle and Crown Princess Victoria when he cut the ribbon on the bridge. The young royal helped hold the ribbon as her grandfather officially cut the ribbon and declared the bridge open. The King, Crown Princess and Princess Estelle then crossed the new bridge alongside students from Hammarby IF and Bollstanäs SK.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, attendance at the event was limited; there was a live stream online so those at home could follow along. The full ceremony can be viewed here: https://guldfestslussen.se/

Featured image: The Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle look on as the King gives his speech. Photo: Screenshot/Fair Use

Sweden: Schedule for royal visits around Sweden released

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Sweden’s Royal Court has released the schedule for the nine royal visits through the country that will take place this autumn. The family is touring Sweden to visit with those affected by COVID-19, promote tourism and draw attention to various sectors in different areas of society. The first part of the tour will take place from October through the beginning of December; each visit will follow all health recommendations due to the pandemic.

The Royal Court has said, due to the ongoing health situation, dates for the visits could be altered.

The King and Queen are due to start off the tour next week in Stockholm County on 12 October. The Crown Princess Couple then visit Västmanland County on 15 October before heading to Södermanland County on 22 October. They will pay a visit to their daughter, Princess Estelle’s duchy of Östergötland County in November. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia’s first mission is in their duchy of Värmland County on 28 October; they will also visit their son, Prince Gabriel’s duchy of Dalarna County (where Princess Sofia also grew up) in November.

The majority of the tours will be undertaken by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, as the King and Queen only have one scheduled at the moment.

King Carl XVI Gustaf initiated a tour throughout the kingdom by himself, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia. The country’s 21 counties have been divided up between the three families to allow the Royal Family to cover as much ground as possible.

The King and Queen’s youngest child, Princess Madeleine, and her husband, Chris O’Neill, are not able to take part as they reside in Florida. The United States is the hardest-hit country in the world by COVID-19 with over seven million who have been infected. Within the United States, Florida is the third worst-hit state with over 700,000 positive cases.

Featured image: Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel with their children (Anna Lena Ahlstrom/Kungahuset.se)

Sweden: Crown Princess Victoria pushes for transformation of global seafood industry

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Crown Princess Victoria participated in a virtual keystone dialogue with the seafood industry and ocean experts to discuss sustainable fishing practices this week.

In a speech where she advocated for sustainable fishing, Crown Princess Victoria said: “Transforming the global seafood industry is no small task. It is more like turning an ocean liner around: it is difficult, because of its size. But its size is also what makes it worth turning.”

The virtual keystone dialogue was hosted for SeaBOS, the Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship initiative that was created to see if keystone actors have the ability to change the seafood system to be more sustainable.

According to Keystone Dialogue’s official website, SeaBOS “connects the global seafood business to science, connects wild capture fisheries to aquaculture, and connects European and North American companies to Asian companies. The ambition is to lead a global transformation towards sustainable seafood production and a healthy ocean. The initiative will actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular Goal 14 – conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.”

Crown Princess Victoria attended the virtual meeting on Monday and Tuesday this week, joining industry experts—including representatives from the 10 largest seafood companies in the world—to discuss new measures.

Crown Princess Victoria continued her speech, saying that she had been following SeaBOS’s progress, praising them for having the courage to listen to science “and the integrity to let that knowledge guide your decisions. Even when that has meant challenging standard business practices. At the moment, the world needs that kind of leadership. Maybe now more than ever.”

She continued: “We are facing a catastrophic decline in biodiversity, both on land and at sea. Climate change is causing marine species to disappear from their habitat twice as fast as land animals. And rising water temperatures put farmed fish at increasing risk of disease. Meanwhile, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains a huge global challenge.

“Ladies and gentlemen, leaders of the global seafood industry: You are used to working towards clear and ambitious goals. You know the power of honouring your commitments. And you are not afraid to exercise leadership.

“I am convinced that if anyone can achieve a global transformation towards sustainable seafood production and a healthy ocean, you are the group to do it. And if you do that – if you show the world that this can really be done – I know that others are going to follow.

“There is a wide range of industries that depend on the ocean. And many other sectors that depend on other ecosystems and the services they provide. These industries are looking to you right now. They are ready to follow in your footsteps – to take your lead. But they need to know that it will be worth the effort. They need to see results.”

Crown Princess Victoria acknowledged that it will be a difficult task, one that is great and complex, but said “I need to stress how urgent it is that we keep moving ahead, on all fronts.

“This is not the time to postpone important decisions. This is not the time to duck away from responsibility. This is the time to set ambitious and time-bound goals. The time to act – and to turn the ship around. Before it is too late.

“So please, let us show the rest of the world that this can be done. And let us make the most of these coming two days.”

The Royal House noted that when the virtual keynote dialogue ended on Tuesday, several goals were set with deadlines on how to act. Crown Princess Victoria praised the move, saying, “By committing to ambitious and time-set goals, you have shown that SeaBOS is not just a place for nice talks, good intentions and pleasant company.

“No: SeaBOS is a gathering of responsible and action-oriented role models, ready to be bold and to act for the benefit of themselves and the ocean they depend on. The ocean we all depend on.”

Sweden: Crown Princess Victoria supports the Swedish Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon Campaign

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – For the twelfth year in a row, Crown Princess Victoria has been named the patron of the Pink Ribbon Campaign (Rosa Bandet-kampanj) organised by the Swedish Cancer Society. To launch the campaign, the Crown Princess was pictured wearing this year’s pink ribbon.

This week, the Cancer Society launched the Pink Ribbon Campaign in Sweden. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden participated in the launch as the official patron. To mark the launch, the Swedish Royal Court published a new photo of the Crown Princess in which she wears this year’s pink ribbon. The breast cancer awareness campaign runs during the month of October.

The Pink Ribbon campaign aims to raise awareness about cancer, in particular breast cancer, and fund essential cancer research in Sweden. During the month of October, pink ribbons are sold to raise money for cancer research. By wearing the pink ribbon, it is hoped people can raise awareness of the disease and increase public involvement in research. This year’s pink ribbons and bracelets are designed by First Aid Kit, the artist duo and sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. For the sisters the pink ribbons symbolize hope, love and power. The proceeds will go to the best research projects on cancer in the country.

Crown Princess Victoria has long shown her support in matters related to the development of Swedish cancer research. In 2009 the Crown Princess became the patron of the Pink Ribbon Campaign.

“We would like to thank Crown Princess Victoria and everyone else involved in the fight against cancer. Every person’s contribution counts, every fundraiser, every penny, together we make a difference so that fewer people suffer from cancer and more can live a good life after treatment,” said Ulrika Årehed Kågström, Secretary General of the Swedish Cancer Society.

Every year, more than 61, 000 people in Sweden are diagnosed with cancer. Of these, almost 9 000 receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, the most common cancer among women. Every year around 60 men also receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Luckily 8 out of 10 people who suffer from breast cancer survive. However, more research is needed to effectively cure cancer in all cases.

Featured image: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden supports the Swedish Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon Campaign (Victor Ericsson/Kungl. Hovstaterna)

Sweden: Part of Queen Silvia’s dementia project declared illegal by Swedish Court

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Queen Silvia of Sweden has placed herself in the middle of a major housing dispute that revolves around one of the Queen’s most important projects. Last weekend, Queen Silvia was a guest in a podcast with the Alzheimer Life Foundation, on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day.

One of the topics brought up in the podcast was the Queen’s project “SilviaBo”, a project she had been working on for a long time. SilviaBo is located at Drottningholm in Ekerö, and consists of six apartments, where Queen Silvia wants people with dementia to be able to live with their partners. The project was praised by several but some living nearby have been unhappy with the development.

Some neighbours complained to the Swedish Land and Environment Courtdea which deals with, among other things, construction cases. They claimed that the buildings do not fit into the area. The case went in the neighbours’ favour and the houses are now to be regarded as so-called “black buildings”, illegally erected buildings.

In the podcast Queen Silvia took part in, journalist Henrik Frenkel asked whether the queen believed that prejudice against dementia could be behind the conflict with the neighbours. He Majesty replied: “I often think about it. I dare not to ask, because I suspect it is so. I think this is very tiring, and I think it is really disgusting”.

This strong statement has not gone down well with the neighbours of SilviaBo. The Swedish newspaper “Aftonbladet” has been in contact with one of those who was involved in the process against the SilviaBo-project. The neighbour, who has also been in contact with the others involved, reacted strongly to the queen’s insinuation. He says: “It is a statement that is astonishing. There have never been questions and discussions about dementia. What we have done as residents of Drottningholmsmalmen is to protect the place with its historical values”.

The Silvia Foundation has now made a new application for a building permit so that the dementia homes can become a reality. In the new application, however, the size and facades of house have been adjusted.

Sweden: Prince Daniel praises the work of Swedish energy giant

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Prince Daniel of Sweden has attended a major anniversary for one of Sweden’s largest and most important producers of electricity and research on energy.

In a visit on September 21st 2020, the prince helped mark the 120th anniversary of ABB’s operations in Ludvika and the Hitachi ABB Power Grid joint venture ceremony. Hitachi ABB Power Grids is one of the country’s biggest energy producers.

Prince Daniel was shown around the premises of the industrial giant before the ceremony. In his speech, the Prince highlighted the importance of reliable energy services as a key to, among other things, preventing diseases and fighting pandemics.

Prince Daniel gave a speech during the ceremony. His Royal Highness said: “Electricity is not just about keeping the lights on. It is about making the world a safer and healthier place, and tackling the great challenges of our time. In addition, traveling to different parts of the world, it always makes me proud to see pioneering technology developed here in Ludvika, contributing to a positive and sustainable development globally. “

Following the Prince`s speech, the CEO`s of ABB’s, Björn Rosengren, Hitachi’s CEO Toshiaki Higashihara (via link from Asia) and Hitachi ABB Power Grid’s Chairman Toshikazu Nishino spoke and praised the Prince`s involvement in highlighting the effort to create green energy.

The visit to Ludvika ended with the inauguration of the Japanese inspired garden, which also houses the world’s most powerful transformer. The prince was accompanied by Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Baylan Hitachi, representing the Swedish government.

Prince Daniel is also the first Swedish royal to be seen wearing a facemask during large parts of an official engagement. The prince wore a facemask during large parts of the visit. He took it off when he gave his speech but then he was many metres away from the nearest person. A total of fifty people were present during the ceremony. All other guests also wore facemasks.

Sweden: Queen Silvia receives Butterfly Prize for her work towards addiction issues and drug-free policies

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Queen Silvia received the Butterfly Prize on Monday for her work towards addiction issues and drug-free policies from an organisation in Sweden.

The Butterfly Prize is awarded by the Women’s Organisations’ Co-operation Council on Alcohol and Drug Issues, and Queen Silvia’s citation read: “…for her many years of work and personal commitment to the drug issue and for children’s right to a drug-free upbringing. The Queen’s commitment to exploited children is innovative and has given the issues increased attention.

“Throughout her interest in substance abuse issues, HM Queen Silvia has raised the issue of addiction both nationally and internationally.

“Thanks to the Queen’s knowledge and efforts to influence attitudes, new opportunities to improve public health have been opened up. The Queen remains a source of inspiration and support for girls and women of all ages, with different social backgrounds. HM Queen Silvia contributes to a society where health and care are in focus.”

Queen Silvia accepted the prize via video call and delivered a speech. Her Majesty first thanked the organisation, saying, “I will wear this fine necklace with pride.”

She continued: “The butterfly award goes, of course, not only to me, but also to all employees and enthusiasts in Mentor and Childhood. Two foundations that I have founded and which both work for children’s and young people’s right to a safe and positive upbringing.

“When I, together with the WHO, founded Mentor 25 years ago, it was, among other things, to prevent drug abuse among young people. The many trips that the King and I had made, both in Sweden and abroad, had opened my eyes to how brutally alcohol and drugs harm children and young people. Directly and indirectly. Worldwide. And in all social classes.

“Also in Childhood’s work against sexual abuse, we see how children’s vulnerability increases in environments where there is abuse.

“Today’s young people face great challenges. Mental illness is increasing. Drugs and alcohol can be a dangerous consolation. Police also report that drug use among our young people is increasing during the coronavirus pandemic. These are reports that we must take very seriously.

“Working on these issues requires time, patience, and perhaps most importantly: cooperation. Therefore, it feels especially nice to receive this award from an organisation that works as broadly and long-term as you do.

“Ladies, we have a lot left to do, and I’m glad we’re doing it together.”

The Butterfly Prize is awarded in the form of a butterfly necklace, which Queen Silvia wore during the video call with representatives from women’s unions and groups, medical professionals and more.

Featured image: HM Queen Silvia of Sweden (Anna-Lena Ahlstrom/Kungliga Hovstaterna)

Sweden: King and Queen of Sweden return to their Royal Palace after pandemic isolation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia are now back at the Royal Palace in Stockholm after an absence of almost six months caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

As the virus took hold, the royal couple moved to Stenhammar Palace, about 120 kilometres southwest of Stockholm. King Carl XVI Gustaf, 74, and Queen Silvia, 76, have been based there through the spring and summer. It was from here that the King gave his televised address to Sweden as the pandemic worsened. The royal couple have been seen working at the palace regularly, holding video calls.

They returned to the Royal Palace as September got under way, underlining its role as the official home of the Head of State. The King and Queen will continue to use video and digital meetings to carry out engagements but they also plan to hold audiences and events at the Palace, observing social distancing and safety measures necessitated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The first of those events took place on September 2nd when the couple held a meeting with Carl-Henrik Heldin, Chair of the Nobel Foundation, and the organisation’s Director, Lars Heikensten. The King and Queen were photographed sitting at the head of the meeting table with their guests spread away from them.

Queen Silvia also held a meeting, alongside Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, with representatives from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency to hear about ongoing work in Beirut following the explosion there in August which killed at least 190 people and left many thousands injured.

On the same day, Prince Carl Philip oversaw the prizegiving for the ‘Thinking Hand’ arts competition at the Royal Palace. The contest celebrates young artists working in visual mediums.

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