In Great Britain, people are talking about “Operation Menai Bridge” – the code name of the plan for an emergency. Should King Charles III (75) unexpectedly abdicate or die, the change of throne has already been meticulously prepared. Prince William (42) is then to follow in his father’s footsteps.
It is a day that will hopefully be in the distant future. Nevertheless, the royal families are thinking about it. In Sweden, the plan for the day on which Crown Princess Victoria (47) becomes queen does not yet officially have a name, but it exists there too.
King Carl Gustaf wants to give his daughter Victoria time
Carl Gustaf of Sweden (78) was crowned king at just 27 years of age – even before he married his great love Silvia (80). Carl Gustaf, who lost his father as a baby, was not granted a carefree life. His daughter was to suffer a different fate.
Victoria of Sweden was allowed to grow into her role and, at the king’s request, should have enough time to raise her children. This is another reason why experts believe it is extremely unlikely that he will give up the throne one day. Only in the event of his death should the Crown Princess have to take on this responsibility.
Abdications are not common in Sweden
Abdication is not a tradition in Sweden, Denmark and Norway anyway. Queen Margrethe (84) set an example in 2024 when she handed over the scepter to her eldest son Frederik (56), thus initiating a generational change. King Carl Gustaf paid her his greatest respect, but also made it clear that a similar step was not to be expected in Sweden. The palace referred to his speech on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the throne. In it he said: “It is my hope that I can continue to serve our Sweden now and in the years to come. Both in highs and lows. In good times, but also in times of great challenges.”
When Victoria becomes queen one day, it will mean that her father has died. However, she will not have much time to mourn because from that moment on she will be the head of state of her country.
Code name for the day Victoria becomes queen is unknown
As “Dana Press” reports, citing “Svensk Damtidning”, Sweden’s security police have been working under a secret name since that day. It is known that there are also code names for all members of the royal family.
The magazine reports that a ceremony to hand over the throne will take place within days of the king’s death. Beforehand, the new queen will probably appear on the balcony of Stockholm Palace – just as she did after the death of Carl Gustaf’s grandfather.
Before Victoria can be proclaimed queen, the government must meet. At this meeting, the new regent herself will announce her name, title and motto. She will also have to read out her father’s death certificate and take an oath. According to the report, a ceremony will then take place in the Imperial Hall of the palace, with representatives of the Riksdag, the government, the administration, the church and the royal family in attendance.
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy
The symbolism of the change of throne will certainly be similar to that of Carl Gustaf – but a lot has changed since 1973. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy in which the royal family only performs ceremonial duties. In recent decades, many things have been streamlined and modernized. Crown Princess Victoria cannot therefore expect exactly the same process as when her father took office. For example, the silver throne will be dispensed with and there will be no magnificent coronation.
But Victoria will surely give an emotional inaugural speech paying tribute to her father and addressing her people. Her family will surely be at her side.
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