Here’s the thing: On January 1, 1980, a new law came into force in Sweden. Now the daughters would also become heirs to the throne, before it was always the son who became the heir to the throne. King Carl Gustaf is the fifth child of his parents. After four girls, a boy finally arrived. Since his sisters could not become queen, he became king.
King Carl Gustaf had two children in 1980: Princess Victoria (b. 1977) and Prince Carl Philip (b. 1979). Carl Philip was crown prince for seven months, but when the new law went into effect in 1980, Victoria became crown princess. Later, in 1982, Madeleine was born.
The Swedish king now indicates in an interview that he does not consider it wise for the succession to the throne to be changed retroactively. “For the next generation you can accept it—that’s fine. But he’s my son and it was taken from him. He’s weird. You can’t do that.” According to the king it is not fair.
The king will explain his statements later to the press. “A prince was born crown prince. Months later, a decision was made on the new terms.” Yet this never caused a disagreement between Victoria and Carl Philip. “I think he handled it well. I’ve never seen any problems between my kids and they get along well.”
Carl Gustaf’s statements are causing quite a stir. According to critics, the king would not have supported his daughter as crown princess. He is now returning to this in a statement, saying these comments deeply sadden him. “I want to clarify that my answers in the interview should not be interpreted as a criticism of female succession to the throne or to Crown Princess Victoria. Female succession to the throne is a matter of course for me.”
He says he is proud of his daughter. “The Crown Princess is my successor. She is an amazing asset to me, my family and our country. I am proud of her and of her tireless work for Sweden.”
