The Swedish Princess Victoria is in the Netherlands this week. In addition to the planned activities, she will undoubtedly also have a (short) meeting with the Dutch royal family; the heir apparent is Amalia’s godmother. To what extent do the two royal houses resemble each other? And are there big differences?
On June 7 and 8, Victoria will visit Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam. The theme of the visit is sustainability, innovation and equal rights. The 44-year-old crown princess was actually supposed to come to the Netherlands in November, but then the daughter of King Carl Gustaf (76) had to cancel her trip due to the corona measures.
As crown princess, Victoria takes on many royal duties and supports her father in his work. She studied political science and history. The plan was to do that in Sweden. But after she shared in the media that she was suffering from anorexia, she faced massive press attention. That is why she decided to continue her studies in the United States and continue to recover from her eating disorder.
The Swedish press is more often on the trail of the family. The media reported early this year about a possible divorce between Victoria and Prince Daniel. The couple responded publicly to this, something they normally don’t do quickly. They spoke of “gossip press”, to which the Swedish media reacted incensed.
The popularity of the Swedish royal family is declining, just like in our country. For example, the most recent annual overview of the Swedish royal family was viewed by less than a million people, a low point in viewing figures. According to a survey of the Swedish population, Victoria is the most popular royal of the Swedish royal family. King Carl is a lot less popular.
In contrast to the Netherlands, there is no media code in Sweden, so photos can be taken and published of members of the royal family. Members of the royal family are therefore more often in the public eye there. Also, for example, photos are taken during their vacations. In the Netherlands, members of the royal family are not allowed to be photographed just like that. Also, the photos may not be shared in the media.
Victoria with her husband Daniel and daughter Estelle.
Victoria with her husband Daniel and daughter Estelle. Photo: BrunoPress
Sweden’s Amalia
In 2010, Victoria and Daniel Westling married, whom she met around 2002 as her personal trainer. They got engaged in 2009. Shortly after, Daniel was stricken with kidney disease. He received a donor kidney from his father and will have to take medication for the rest of his life. The couple has two children: Estelle (10, the heir apparent) and Oscar (6).
It is not yet possible for a woman to become queen in Sweden for very long. Until 1980, the next male descendant was chosen as heir to the throne. That was changed more than forty years ago and since then the birthright applies, so that women also qualify for the throne. This made Victoria crown princess and she is therefore the ‘Amalia’ of Sweden.
When her father abdicates or dies, she becomes queen. After Victoria, her daughter Estelle is the next heir to the throne. Just like in the Netherlands, a king or queen can decide to abdicate the throne. However, King Carl Gustaf has said that he wants to die in armor.
Purely ceremonial role
The King of Sweden has had a purely ceremonial role since executive power was transferred to the Council of State in 1975. For example, bills can be passed without the king’s consent.
The king does enjoy immunity from criminal charges. That corresponds to the Netherlands, where King Willem-Alexander is also inviolable and the ministers bear responsibility for his governmental actions.
Willem-Alexander does have a bigger role in terms of content than his Swedish colleague. He consults weekly with the Prime Minister and signs laws, decrees and treaties. He also appoints ministers and state secretaries.
Victoria with her father King Carl and her mother Silvia.
Victoria with her father King Carl and her mother Silvia. Photo: BrunoPress
Good friends with the Dutch royal couple
The Swedish royal family maintains a good relationship with the Dutch. That relationship goes back a long way. The Dutch princess Louise van Oranje-Nassau married the Swedish crown prince Karel in 1850. Victoria is the godmother of Amalia, who was also a bridesmaid at the wedding of Victoria and Daniel.
Willem-Alexander is in turn the godfather of Victoria’s daughter Estelle. Victoria and Daniel are good friends with Willem-Alexander and Máxima. They are also invariably on the guest list at birthday parties, for example.