Official visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Sweden - Program

Photo: Kungahuset.se

On 30 and 31 January 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will make an official visit to Sweden on behalf of the British government.

On the visit's first day the King and the Queen will welcome the Duke and Duchess to Sweden by providing a lunch at the Royal Palace. During the visit the visit, the Duke and Duchess will visit several different institutions and organizations. The Crown Princess Couple will be the hosts of the couple and also receive the Duke and Duchess at Haga Palace.

 January 30.

• Lunch at the Royal Palace in Stockholm with the Royal Family. 
• Walk to Stortorget. The Duke and Duchess will walk with the Crown Princess Couple from the Royal Palace to Stortorget, during which they will be able to greet people.
• The Crown Princess Couple accompany the Duke and Duchess to the Nobel Museum. Their Royal Highnesses will visit The Nobel museum to get information about the Nobel prize and its history as well as to meet former Nobel Laureates.
• Reception at the British Embassy in Stockholm. with the participation of Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

 January 31: 

• Visit to Karolinska Institute and Matthew School. The Crown Princess Couple and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Karolinska Institute and Matthew School with the aim to learn about work in the fight against mental illness among children and youth; 
• Visit to "NK" (Nordiska Kompaniet). Their Royal Highnesses visit the department store NK in order to take part in an interactive exhibition on British design. They also meet representatives of British design and fashion companies that operate in Sweden to learn more about the corporate work, in particular in sustainability issues.
• Reception in Haga Palace. The Crown Princess Couple receives the Duke and Duchess at Haga Palace.
• Reception for Fotografiska. Their Royal Highnesses attend a reception for the Swedish cultural scene with invited guests from the music-, movie-, tv-, art - and the world of sports.

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Princess Madeleine's homage to her sister: "It will be fun".

Photo: CHARLES HAMMARSTEN / IBL BILDBYRÅ / IBL BILDBYRÅ

Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill have landed in Sweden to celebrate the Victorian 40th birthday of the Crown Princess.
Exclusively to Expressen, the couple now tells how the family's private birthday celebration at Öland will look like - with dinner and gift delivery.
"Carl Philip and I have arranged a gift together," said Madeleine.
Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill, who usually live in London, landed in Sweden on Monday.
Since then, the couple has kept themselves lowkey and prepare before the big day. They have also met with friends and acquaintances. On Thursday Madeleine met her best friend Louise "Lussan" Gottlieb for lunch and they made several shopping together on the town.
But tomorrow is the big day. Then the Crown Princess celebrates her 40th birthday.
Madeleine and Chris will then attend the thanksgiving service in Stockholm and then fly to Öland to celebrate the Victorya Day organized there every year.
But it will also be a private celebration, of course.
"It will be so much fun. It's always fun to celebrate my sister on her birthday,"says Madeleine when Expressen meets her in Stockholm.
Chris O'Neill also looks forward to the big day.
"We look forward to celebrating her birthday," he says, adding: "My wife has arranged gifts from us. She has been responsible for steering it up," he says with a smile.
When Princess Madeleine hears what her husband has said, she laughs.
"Well, I'm well the best part of our family," she says with the glimpse of the eye, and continues:
"No, but Carl Philip and I have arranged a gift together. We have spoken together."
When will the Crown Princess get that gift?
"The program is full tomorrow, so I do not really know when it will be! Maybe it will be the day after," Madeleine says, laughing.
"No, it will be enough in the evening after she has been celebrated on Victora Day. Then we usually have a family dinner together and then we will celebrate her privately."
The rest of the summer, Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill will stay mainly in Sweden, something that the couple looks forward to.
This is where the entire royal family is gathered and Madeleine and Chris tell with great joy how they look forward to meeting the King, Queen and Victoria and Carl Philip with their respective families.
"It feels wonderful to be in Sweden. As always," Chris says.
"We are so excited to be in Sweden. The Swedish summer is the best, and spending it here and at Öland is something we appreciate very much,"said Madeleine.
Before Madeleine finishes she says smoothly:
"We look forward to this summer!"

Original article published by Expressen.

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Interview: "My whole life is for Sweden" - Crown Princess Victoria talks about her personal life.

Photo: Jonas Ekströmer

The interview was done on a glassed-in veranda facing the private part of the garden behind the palace. From here you can see the gravel path and into the sandbox on the playground, where the aunts of the Crown Princess - the Haga Princesses - played in childhood.

What did you feel after returning to Haga?
It was something very special for me, I did not have the opportunity to meet my grandparents, so when I moved to Haga, I learned a lot about what was important to them, what was important for their children - it's incredible. It seems that I'm getting closer to them, trying to find out.

How do you combine your activities with the role of the mother of a 5-year-old girl and a one-year-old baby?
I have many responsibilities, but I want to be a really good mother, real, I also want to be a mother who is a role model, and I admit that it's not easy to do. Unfortunately, I miss many important moments of my children's life. To those people who want to carefully monitor them to take care of them and educate them themselves. I watch them, and often record their small victories and undertakings.

The king once expressed the hope that you would be "a mother and care for your family" as long as possible, before it's time to take on his responsibilities.
"It's a different time now, not the same as before, I'm often at home, they're still young, and I still need them very much. With age, when they grow up, it can change." Oscar is very calm. "Quietly calm. He is calm and respectful of people and loves his older sister. Estelle is very cheerful, loves people, she's self-confident and has a great sense of humor and she is very caring"

Photo: Jonas Esktrömer

Tell us about the day after the terrorist attack, when you came to Drottinggatan to pay tribute to the victims.
"I felt great sorrow, all of Stockholm, all of our society, plunged into it, it was an attempt to hit us, but we showed that we can be a united backgammon, take part in the universal sorrow."

How did you cope with anorexia?
"It was a hard period, I was lost for a long time, nothing unusual at that age, I'm grateful that I got help because it's not so easy to get out of that situation when you feel very bad."

How do you find harmony within yourself?
"I'm not a closed person, I feel much better when I'm on the street. So for me it means a lot - to get out, enjoy a walk or run, walk with the kids. "

One day you will have to sit on the throne.
"My whole life is for Sweden It may seem pretentious, but I feel it, it's true, I see my parents and their tireless work, and I notice with joy how they do it, with never-ending interest. I hope that I can experience the same joy at their age."

What are your plans after the 40th anniversary?
"Aaa ... It flows fast enough, I do not feel like a 40-year-old, but Princess Lillian always said that you are who you feel, in that case she's right, because I do not feel that I'm 40. Right now I'm ready to begin my summer vacation!"

Photo: Jonas Ekströmer

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Princess Sofia attends Sophia feast.

Wednesday, May 31; Princess Sofia attended the Sophia feast and handed out medals of merit to Sophia sisters. The Princess is Sophiahemmet's (Sophia House) Honorary President.

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The Sophia feast is since 1913 an annual feast of the Sophia sisters - people working in health care 25 years after starting their training as nurses.

During the ceremony, which was held at Sophiahemmet University College, Principal Johanna a Adami and Peter Seger, ceo of Sophiahemmet's non-profit organization held a speech. Then, Princess Sofia presented the medals to the Sophia sisters.

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The medals are a Latin silver cross with a light blue small cross. The cross is worn on a silver collar.

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Crown Princess Victoria in Japan - Day 2.

Photo:  Jessica Gow/TT

The Crown Princess's second day in Tokyo began with a visit to an Aeon supermarket. Aeon is Japan's leading retail group, which operates malls, department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. 
The company is one of Japan's key actors in sustainable fishing, and they are actively working to integrate sustainability aspects into their purchasing policies for fish and shellfish.

Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

During the afternoon, the Crown Princess participated in a seminar on the UN Global Sustainability Goal, organised by UN University in Tokyo. The theme of the seminar was the promotion of the UN's global sustainability goals with a particular focus on sustainable seas.

Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The Crown Princess gave the following speech:

Your Imperial Highness,Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen. Just over 60 years ago, Japan joined the United Nations as its 80th member: Secretary-General at the time was Dag Hammarskjöld, a Swedish diplomat with a great interest in Japanese poetry. His diary notes, published after his death, contained 110 haiku inspired poems. At the time of Dag Hammarskjöld’s secretary-generalship, the environment was barely on the UN agenda. It was an age of ecological innocence. Today, we know better. Today, we know that environmental crime – like poaching, wildlife trafficking and illicit fishing – is a global security issue. We know that the effects of climate change affect poor countries to a greater extent than richer parts of the world. And we need only to open a newspaper to read about drought-related violence killing men, women and children. The facts are there, in plain sight. The question is: how do we act upon them? I would like to quote something that the UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld said at the University of Chicago in 1960. In a speech that he would later refer to as his “confession of faith”, he stated:“Working at the edge of the development of human society is to work on the brink of the unknown”.  He added that much of what is done will one day prove to have been of little avail. But, he said, there is no excuse for the failure to act in accordance with our best understanding. Our best understanding. The facts on the table. A year and a half ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and its 17 global goals. This was a major achievement by the member states. I am convinced that Japan, with its long history of great contributions to the work in the UN, will be a force to reckon with in the years to come. All my life, I have had the privilege to live near the water. My most precious childhood memories are connected to the sea. So when I had the honour to be appointed as Advocate for the global sustainable development goals, it was an obvious choice for me to focus on issues related to water and health. It is this commitment that has brought me to Japan - and to this seminar here at the UN University. Today, we are going to talk about sustainable oceans. But what we are really talking about is our ability to feed a growing global population. Fish is the largest source of animal protein in the world. But almost 60 percent of all stocks are already fully fished. 30 percent are even overfished. Let there be no doubt: the situation is urgent! The figures can be overwhelming. But let us remember: together, we have a superpower. The power of consumer demand. The choices we make in our everyday lives have enormous impact on the future of our planet. As consumers, we have a right to know and an obligation to ask. We need to let producers know that we want the right choice to be the easy choice. So please, let us make use of that superpower! Today and every day. Dag Hammarskjöld spoke about working on the brink of the unknown. Today, just like then, we have more questions than we have answers about the future.  Will we be able to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius? Will we succeed in our efforts to end poverty and hunger?And will future generations thank us for what we did, or blame us for not doing more?  The truth is, we don’t know. But we do know that Dag Hammarskjöld was right: We all have a moral obligation to act in accordance with our best understanding. And right now, that means doing everything we can to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda. This is not only our obligation; it is our only option. Thank you.

During the seminar discussions about the global goals were held, how young people can be inspired to contribute to the achievement of the goals and the state of the world.

Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The seminar is linked to the forthcoming UN conference The Ocean Conference, held in June in New York. Sweden and Fiji have jointly taken the initiative to support the work of saving the world's ocean and achieving the global sustainable development target for marine and marine resources, Objective 14 of the UN Agenda 2030.

Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The Crown Princess's day ended with a dinner together with Princess Takamado of Japan.

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Interview: Queen Silvia talks about being a grandmother with BUNTE.

Photo: Dana Press

She is a Queen of touch: Silvia of Sweden (72) at the birthday reception of their daughter on Solliden Palace patiently shakes hands of visitors, poses for selfies with children and sings a birthday song for Victoria (38) with the amount. Two days before she had shown a similar attitude at the opening ceremony of the great horse show CHIO in Aachen. With her husband Carl Gustaf (70) she visited the "Swedish Village" on the tournament course, talked to Swedish entrepreneurs and active athletes in the stable.Even during the interview with BUNTE, the Queen acts approachable and very friendly. When the reporter tells her that she came from the Heidelberg area as the Queen also, they immediately fell into the typical Palatine singsong: "Hajo! Look! Isch of nätt! "

Majesty, you were born in Germany, but are in Aachen as a representative of Sweden. Where do you feel at home? 
That's an interesting question that I would like to answer with the following comparison: I think that if you get the first child, then you love it very much. And then you suddenly get the second child and one wonders: Is it possible to love the second just like the first? And suddenly you have a third child. But can you split your heart in three equal parts? I think so! And so it is with my own feelings. I grew up in Brazil, in Germany I spent my teenage years and then I came to Sweden. I love Germany, my roots, my father's country. Naturally! But I also love Brazil because my mother was Brazilian and I went to school there. Now I live in Sweden, have three children and five grandchildren - Swedish children. And my husband is Swedish. It is understandable that I also love Sweden! 

Many Germans are fascinated with the Swedish Royal Family. How do you explain our fascination with your family? 
Hm. You better ask the Germans. For me, it's hard to explain. But the bond between Germany and Sweden has always been very large, especially the familiar one: think of Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, my husband's mother. Or Queen Victoria of England. 

Do you speak German well at home? Have your grandchildren learned German? 
They're too small yet. But the Crown Princess speaks very good German. Madeleine and Carl Philip are shy, but of course they understand the language. And the grandchildren? Each language they learn, is a door to the world. It is also much more convenient when you can speak several languages. 

What do your grandchildren call you then?
 Moder Moder. Moder means mother. Moder Moder means grandmother. Or Farmor. That's said, if one is the paternal grandmother. In Swedish, one always knows exactly when you're called grandmother. 

2016 was another eventful year for your Royal Family: You have become twice a grandmother, celebrated your 40th wedding anniversary, Victoriadagen now and in autum the christening of your grandson Alexander. Everything seems more like a fairy tale. Appearances are deceptive? 
It is both a fairy tale, but also a lot of work. We have an intensive program. The events doesn't begin at 9am and finish at 17 o'clock, but it is constantly something going on. It's interesting, really, for that I am my husband also very grateful because it is unlikely possibilities. Many trips, for example. But it is also a lot of work to prepare for it. In October we are especially pleased with the state visit to Germany for the second time for us! The first time we were in Bonn, now Berlin is the capital and Germany is very different. We actually visit the country privately sometimes. Whenever we travel to the south of France, we drive through Germany, stopping in different cities. Every time we take a different route. I can only recommend!

Those are insanely long car rides. Straining not do this to? 
Oh, my husband is an excellent driver. 

I heard he wanted to still view necessarily the Mercedes stand here on the show grounds... 
Quite possible. He loves cars. They have a few more horsepower. 

Your granddaughter Leonore seems fond of horses. Recently you could see on photos, as she visited her pony Haidi.
 Oh yeah! She loves them! She grooms them, feeds and dresses them. Whenever she can, she visits her pony. If it were up to her she would have liked to do so everyday. 

Your credo is: grandchildren are the dessert of life. Are you a pampering Omi? 
Well, there are sweets in Sweden for children on Saturdays only. This is followed by all hold. Dentists propagate this rule, of course, say that children are better on a day to eat as much as they want, and then good brushing, than to nibble everyday Sweet. Sometimes I ask the children: "Is today Saturday? "Then I say," No. "And then they say:". No? Oh, I'll wait. "That's no problem.

• Original in German.

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Chris O'Neill talks family life and work with Expressen.

Photo: Suvad Mrkonjic

Solliden Palace. Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill are enjoying the Swedish summer on Öland. In a big summer interview, Chris O'Neill tells us now about tennis mornings and family home evenings at Solliden, how Nicolas took his first steps the other day and how the little Prince looks up to Leonore - and Chris O'Neill hopes to see the family grow more. 
We want to have more children. Both Madeleine and I want a big family. One or two more. 
It is an early morning at Solliden Palace. In a moment, the Palace shall be open to the public and the Royal Family get down to the private boathouse down by Kalmar to enjoy the glorious weather. One of the family members, Chris O'Neill, has chosen to take a little break this morning.I'ts almost exactly a year ago that he told me why he and Madeleine would leave Sweden in the fall and move to London. Now they have been living in London for almost 12 months and Chris summarizes the impressions:

For me it was like coming home again, of course. For Madeleine it was something completely new to move from New York to London, but it has worked wonderfully well. We moved to be closer to Sweden and I would still be able to do my work. Now it is so much easier being able to get back and forth to Stockholm for Madeleine. It's a completely different freedom.

We meet up at the King's Coffee Torp inside at Solliden. Chris chose a table a little aloof. It's still early and no one gets to notice him.I love Öland and Solliden Palace. It is a fantastic place and a wonderful place to be in the summer, he says.

How has the first year in London been? 
We're about to get into everything, and above all,  Nicolas and Leonore. They're what is called pseudo twins because they are so close in age.It has been a busy year. Both Madeleine and I have worked great. Besides my job and Madeleine's royal mission and commitment to Childhood, we focus heavily on family life and children. For example, we prepared the children's schools. Leonore starting kindergarten in the fall. It feels good.

How long will you stay in London?We have not set any time limit. However, it will be at least two to three years. Then we'll see what happens.

Is it okay for Madeleine? 
Yes absolutely. We feel both very good in England.

Chris O'Neill has previously reported on his work - how he helps other companies with different payment solutions through his company Wilton Payments. Helping large companies to secure new business at lower costs, long-term contracts and electronic payment solutions.I'm working on it. It takes longer than you think to develop such payment solutions to large enterprises. You can come up with a good idea and yet three years later remain in the same process. 
Especially if you work with large companies. It's a bit like an oil tanker. But once you've driven it and have a straight course and do a good job, it will be the company that will be loyal to you. You have to constantly be present, and it requires a lot of me.
 How much do you work?

A lot. I travel a lot, but above all, about 75 per cent in London. The trips I make, for example, Zurich or Milan is the day, so that I don't have to spend a night in a hotel. Back in London, I have an office that I share with a few other enterprises, and in the evenings I can be home with Madeleine and the children.

How is the weekend in London?

London is so much more child-friendly than New York. Usually on the weekends you can go to lots of parks like Richmond Park and Hyde Park. Even museums and a variety of aquariums. Both London and Stockholm are built more child-friendly than New York. On the evenings we prioritize being at home with the children. Both Madeleine and I are very much about family dinners and just being at home.Chris begins to proudly talk about the kids Princess Leonore and Prince Nicolas:

 Both Madeleine and I agree that life can not be much better than what it is today with these two little creatures. There are two completely different characters and you can see now that Nicolas is watching every single thing that Leonore makes and admires her.

Nicolas took his first steps the other day! says Chris and shining up. They weren't the most secure, but they're his first steps. Leonore went when she was 12 months. But I read somewhere that girls usually go earlier than boys.

What is the difference between Leonore and Nicolas?

They're completely different individuals. Nicolas is a soft little guy. Leonore is dominant and a certain small girl. And by the way, says Chris. I think Nicolas has inherited something of his uncle Carl Philip and grandfather the King. He loves everything that has a motor. He's completely obsessed with everything related to the engines. So we do know how it will be in the future, he says, laughing.

Do you want more children?
Yes absolutely. Since it's not a foregone conclusion. Madeleine and I love having a big family. But we want to wait with the kids right now. I feel that we must focus on Nicolas and Leonore. Make sure they get our time and that we see them 100 percent. But in the future, absolutely! 

How many more? A child? Two children? 
Chris laughs: One or two, accurate, he says and laughs again.Last winter was Chris and Madeleine were in "Skavlan 'on SVT and told for the first time about their relationship on TV. Chris is happy he did it: I have received many positive reactions. It feels good. Many have told me that they had a "very different picture of you" before "Skavlan".

 Do you Recognise it? That people who do not know you have a preconceived idea about you? 
Yes absolutely. We all have images and perceptions of people we may not know. My friends know who I am and what  kind of person I am. Since I am convinced that there are people who change their minds after perhaps seen a program like "Skavlan". It's always easy to judge anyone, but I believe in giving everyone a chance and get to know them as individuals. 

Do you find it hard to be public? 
It is what it is. I'm getting more and more used to it. Like making a TV show like "Skavlan" with so many viewers I was of course nervous. It was not the easiest. Being a public person has all its aspects. All the paparazzi if you are on vacation is such a thing. It can get annoying after a while. But that's a small price you pay.

How?
 I do not think much about it anymore. I have my amazing family and kids and have to say I think we've got to have a good and protected the privacy of the past year. Madeleine and I are committed to giving children a childhood as normal as possible. That they are protected and can have their life. Since're both Madeleine and I are aware that there will never be 100 percent normal, as for other children who are not public.

 Photo: Suvad Mrkonjic

You have left the United States and your summer house in Florida is on sale. Why? 
It is easy. We do not use it anymore. To have a house in Florida means a constant maintenance of everything from garden to pool and even when we are not there we need to have the air conditioner. Things like those cost a lot on the long run.Then there is Florida and all the insurances. Everything from insurance against flooding, to hurricanes. While it pulls in the way of costs. Now we do not use the house any longer, and therefore decided to sell it. Nothing goes fast in Florida so it will probably take its time to be sold.Chris and Madeleine are in Öland to enjoy the Swedish summer. Chris manages his operations from the castle:The King had the kindness to lend an office to me and from there I can control my business. In the rest of Europe and the United States now in the holidays. We're are all about to complete everything to go on vacation. So you have to fight on even harder. I go this weekend back and forth to London and will do so in the coming weeks. Madeleine, however, will stay in Öland with the children for at least a couple more weeks. 

What do you do everyday in Öland?
 I begin each morning with a game of tennis. 

Who do you play against?
 It could be Madeleine or Carl Philip. I also have a professional tennis coach from Borgholm coming and run different sports with me. Since we usually go down to the boathouse with the kids and just swim. I love to swim with the kids. There is so much to do inside at Solliden. If it's not the fantastic strawberry or raspberry plantations, it's horses for Leonore. Then we hang out a lot with the family and grandfather King and grandmother Silvia.
 
Do you eat breakfast with the rest of the Royal Family? 
Yes absolutely. We usually try to gather in the morning at breakfast.

 How do evenings go out? 
Usually we cook food first to the children and then add them. After that we usually get dinner with the rest of the family. Sometimes down at the beach when the weather is good. Then Madeleine and I can have nights when we just take a pizza and watch a movie.
 
Which movies then? 
I love old classic movies such as "submarine" and "The Hunt for Red October." Comedy is also something that I like. 

What about Madeleine? 
She likes action and new movies. Since we both like series. "The Good Wife" and "Suits" are two that we are watching.

Have you seen "Making a murderer" on Netflix? 
No, I have completely missed it. It is good, then? Thanks for the tip! 

How is your relationship with the King and Queen? 
Amazing. They are two wonderful and generous people. With both their time, love and warmth. They are also two incredibly good sounding board. Both have as much knowledge as I can ask about the different issues. The Queen is very humble. She is as she usually say a woman with Brazilian Heart and German brain. Incredibly sharp. 
 

Photo: Suvad Mrkonjic

And the King, then? 
He has a life experience that is huge. Just sit in the evenings and hear all his stories and all he has been through. It is huge. And very entertaining. I also have a fantastic relationship with the others in the family such as Victoria and Daniel and Carl Philip and Sofia.

 Did you feel welcome from the beginning into the Royal Family? 
From day one! Undoubtedly. 

Why do you think so? 
Everyone rely on Madeleine and her opinion. They know the incredibly wise woman she is.

 We end the interview taking a walk up on Alvar and taking pictures of Chris. Once there, Chris tells us that Alvar is a beathtaking for him and Madeleine:

We usually try to get here every day. It's tremendously beautiful.There, in the middle of Alvar, Chris and I talk about everything that is currently happening in the world. Everything from attacks in Nice to, most recently, Turkey.

It's just terrible. Just terrible, he says and shakes his head.We're talking about the English choice to stay or leave the EU. It became brexit - leave EUDue to my work, you probably understand what I think about brexit. Of course England will not leave. I believe that no side won because it was precisely those who are dissatisfied and want out England from the EU went and voted. Had more people who want to stay gone to the polling stations had been different. But what is happening now is not good.Before we be separated, I ask Chris if he follows the forthcoming elections in the United States:Yes of course.

Trump or Hillary?
 Well I can say as much as that of Clinton is elected we have three women in leadership in five of the world's leading economies. It would be amazing.Chris apologizes. Inside Solliden are waiting Madeleine and the children Leonore and Nicolas.Madeleine has some friends visiting with children. So it becomes the beach and swimming in the day. Another great family day at Öland, he says with a big smile.

• Read original in Swedish.

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Interview with King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia for Dagens Nyheter.

The Queen and King look back on forty years of family life. Being parents of three children, on photos of Madeleine and Estelle in public and how we receive refugee children coming across the Oresund Bridge. 
It is one of summer's first really warm evenings. On the driveway to Drottningholm Palace there are groups of tourists with their noses in the map and students drag picnic baskets. The baby carriages crunching past in the thick gravel and children in sun hats and holding lazily on baby bottles and stuffed animals.
This is the royal couple's home the biggest part of the year.
We roll up the car to the guard at the private part of the park. We are told that the King is delayed. The same day, he was critical on the Nobel Centers placement and media circles reactions around. The photographer Paul Hansen gets a little stressed out because he knows that he must have time to rig a good photo spot.
Soon, the King explains how free he felt at the boarding school in Sigtuna, how he grew up inside the castle in the town. But we are not there yet.
I have always been fascinated by the Royal Family. When I played office as a child, we cut out pictures from magazines and glued them up on the board and had our "fiancés" on the desktop, just like we've seen on films. My friends had Bjorn Ulvaeus or Svenne Hedlund. I myself had the King in full regalia with medals and all.
The Royal Family is a kind of elevated family that you study, if it comes to clothes or relationships. When I read Alice Bah Kuhnke's book of interviews with the Crown Princess, "Victoria, Victoria," I thought, she's me! A high-performance big sister.
When I disclose this small special interest it takes rarely more than a few seconds before I'm inside an animated discussion on the absurd and undemocratic that 2016 may inherit in office. All that is true. Yet it is strange that this particular fascination is such a trigger. When I last week wrote a column about my exitement for the Royal Wedding a colleague came to me and whispered: "I'm just like you! I remember as well how I along with grandmother and mother looked on guests dresses in Home's Journal ".
When she says something, it falls into place. This interest is clearly stronger in the female population. Therefore, it is also considered additionally ridiculous and sickening.
So therefore I sit here proud on the car and also think talking to the Royal Couple about a topic that is considered honorable, something that should be high status but is defined as the low status. Children.
On the way to the shoot. Queen Silvia, the court Communications manager Margareta Thorgren, DN's Åsa Beckman and the King accompanied by his dog Brandie.

Now we are finally let in and roll through the green gates. We are told that the King has arrived and that the Queen should just change clothes. In the private part of the park towards Lake Mälaren, Paul begins rigging his equipment. The sun drops and while we wait, we move on photo flash several times. A startled deer shoot out of a thicket and flees across one of the wooden bridges so that the hooves clatter in the silence.

The Queen is the first to pop behind a rhododendron bush, calmly strolling in the grass. She is dressed in a light suit with beige shoes. Afterwards comes the King with Brandie, wearing a blue suit and white shirt. The dog has eagerly nose forefront, she feels that there has been something wild here. "Good evening, Your Majesties," we say, even if we are at the preliminary meeting, the palace informed that we didn't need to be so dreadful in less formal contexts.
Paul has been sitting in a bench that Communications Manager Margareta Thorgren quickly dried off. The Royal Couple sits down and the Communications Manager points out that it's 40 years since they were married and that they would get to see a little romance out. Queen bends friendly toward the king and looks intently at him. He looks slightly in different directions and points out that there are beavers in the Gulf.
Then we go back to the castle and are dropped into an even more distinct garden, framed by giant, stately Thuja. The gravel is carefully raked. The Royal Couple sets themselves comfortable on a bench and I on a little peasant-like chair in front of them. A robotic lawnmower is moving slowly, back and forth, behind us.
A short distance away stands the adjutant of the backlight that keeps the King's dog.
The King is accompanied with his wild Bavarian bloodhound, who became known to the Swedish people in the television documentary "Ensamnt Majestät".
After the King's speech after the 2005 tsunami, I have been curious about their views on children and parenting. At the large memorial ceremony at the City Hall, the King stepped up and talked about how adults now must rally around the children who lost parents, siblings, friends. And he directed a special appeal to the men of his generation who had extra hard to show feelings. An unusual number for a head of state, both stable and fragile, and precisely because confidence.
When I say that I want to talk to them about the children, the King lets out a "gee!" But quickly tightens up.
We have the good fortune to have children and grandchildren.
You've got five grandchildren in just five years. How has it changed the family?
I think that Prince Carl Philip put it very nicely on the Te Deums, the Queen says. In a little speech to the guests, he talked about how difficult it is to describe the feeling of having a baby. It is one of those wonders. You feel great warmth and gratitude, but also an incredible responsibility. I think all parents feel the same responsibility, they want to do the best for their children. But the day is, it has its work, since stress to home. It is difficult for children to be in the hustle.
We ourselves had a fairly full program, says the King. They won't probably understand until afterwards what we went through. Unfortunately. Something we may not be noticed or felt then. We always had a nanny who could help and be stand out but it's never the same thing.
He looks at the lawnmower aimed at a honeysuckle.

Afterwards, we have understood that the kids thought it was sad that we had to leave them as often as we did. The thought is not the time. Well, you thought about it but was stuck in the program and it was hard to break it. I have not counted, but I think Victoria is more at home than we were. She is on maternity leave, and we didn't do that at the time, says the Queen.
A friend of mine used to say that a new child gets the parent you never were. Is it true?
Yes, it is, says the King. I think it depends after every time you have a new child, the Queen says. In a way, each child has other parents than their siblings had, even though it is the same. It changes all the time for myself. The last child doesn't require as much time as you did with the first. It is less nervous. Each child really gets new parents.
They both say that they always will be as surprised when they listen to their children as they describe their childhood so different.
Of course, I went to boarding school, says the King. In the beginning it was hard, but then it became a positive experience. For my colleagues it was much harder because they had a freer home. But for me, life was simpler, not so circumscribed. I was staying at the castle, I could not move freely, but in Sigtuna, I could do it, at least when I was a little older.

Almost exactly 40 years ago, on June 19, 1976, the King and Queen got married. They had met at the Munich Olympics four years earlier. It was the first royal wedding since 1700, and the media blip was great. The bride wore a gown sewn by Dior. According to the King it would be a wedding as open as possible and not just the actual wedding ceremony in the Cathedral but also the lunch was broadcasted live on television.
The 33-year-old Silvia Sommerlath, who was born in a German family of entrepreneurs, but grew up in Brazil in 1957 had moved to Germany and was a trained interpreter. She lived in Munich and worked for the Olympic Committee. Now, she left a normal life and went into a life as a Queen with the main task to support her husband, the head of state. And to secure the heirs to the throne.
All parents are considering what to pass on to their children. And the Royal Couple has brought forward a very determined life - privileged and rich experience, but also highly regulated. What do you think about that?
You do not know really what goes in, the Queen says with a little suspense.
You knew that your children would be closely watched and they would be strictly monitored in the media. Has it happened that you stood and looked at them as they slept and got stabbed in the heart and you thought: should they need to be out of this?
We did try to be a little more protective when it came to media, said the King. Our young people today have a completely different accustomed to media noise, another relationship. It has changed enormously.

Seven children asking questions to the Royal Couple.

Johan Grundberg, 6: Is it hard to be King - are there so many numbers and so on?
King: Yes. It is always very hard to be in focus all the time. Huge hassle. But it is also very funny. I get to learn a lot.

Esther Eagle, 8: Who is the mightiest of the King and Queen?
Queen: That I do not dare to answer.
King: That I dare not to answer!
No, but it is the King, the Queen informs.

Cecilia Sundberg, 7: Do the King and Queen cook themselves food in the morning?
King: We are both interested and think it's fun to cook, even breakfast.

Louis Kroon, 7: How many books about Kings, does the King have?
King: It's a difficult question! But we have the Bernadotte Library at the Royal Palace. There are books of Kings, for Kings and books gathered by Kings.

Matilda Persson, 7: Can the Queen crochet?
Queen: Yes, I can. When I was four years old mom shared on a crochet hook so that I could keep it. Since then I have been able to crochet.
King: I can beat a bowline.

Liana Kahsay, 8: How many money does the King have?
King: Oh, it's a difficult question. I do not know really. It depends on how you count.

Kian Dempsey Malmqvist, 8: What is your favorite county that you went to?
King: That we dare not to answer!
Queen: We say Öland.

Yes, we let the media at certain times, like at Christmas or Easter, the Queen says. The media respected that and did not follow the children when they, for example, went to school. So everyday they were quite protected and could move freely, it was very nice. But with social media, of course, it has changed enormously. Everyone has an iPhone, everyone is a paparazzi. Now it heavily backed throughout.
But they can of course also communicate with their friends in a totally different way of ... well, I can't tell all these different acronyms! They live so, there is nothing strange. I think it's really weird to always be available, both with voice and picture. For them it will be more natural to have their children with them in the media, says the King.
Are you talking about things in your family dinners?
I do not want to put myself in the way as much, says the King. They have always done as they wanted. They have strong wills!
You do not know what is best. I know the Swedish people love to see little Estelle. And she's adorable and funny and alert - and her parents release pictures of her. But they always do it in a protected manner, always the same photographer. She can handle it well. All children might not make it, but she does. That is so personal.
Has it gone through the royal couple's head that the price of this life has been too high?
Both are quiet for a while.
When they turned 18, says the Queen, the media suddenly changed and was more on our children. Then it was difficult to manage it.
And coverage of your grandchildren now?
Yes, says the Queen and becomes a little tense in her voice, I get sad when I see how the media is monitoring everything especially our children.
But she did ask you about our grandchildren! says the King and sounds a bit brusque. Was it not so? Our own are adults, they are not children.
I continue to turn to the Queen and say that you understood that she reacted to the treatment of Princess Madeleine.
She is a fantastic and dedicated person. It shows you do not. I wish it would be more fair.
In his tsunami speech, the King spoke about how it was to grow up fatherless. The King lost his father before he was even a year old. Is it easier to identify with children who has it a little tough?
The King is clearing his throat. I don't  know, I don't think so. The problem is not the problem ... but ... I knew nothing else. It is strange. In this way i didn't suffer so much of it. I had not had any other experience. I understood that there was something missing. Friends had no male parent, a father. It resets itself. Certainly there are traumatic events in children who have experienced terrible events. But at the same time they are of course very strong. Most can handle the difficult situations, better than they anticipate.Take only the unaccompanied refugee children who come to Sweden today, he continues, the traumatic events behind them, but they are very tough and can handle themselves. Not everyone, but many. It will perhaps be felt in other ways later in life. But after all it is strange how strong they are. It's a sort of instinct, of nature.
Will the king remember any specific situation when as a child he felt extra seen or helped by an adult?
He becomes quiet. I have to think about. Not spontaneously. No, it is difficult.
  

 We need adults who see the essence of the work of the Childhood Foundation, which the Queen founded in 1999. They talk a lot about "everyone's right to a childhood." In projects all over the world and try to prevent child abuse and exploitation. The focus is the street children but also "children who are on the move (between different cities and countries)."
Today there are 30 million refugee children. In 2016, the expected 27,000 unaccompanied children arrived to Sweden. Is there a need to tighten up your focus on them right now?
Yes, they are particularly vulnerable. In Germany, Childhood supports now several projects for unaccompanied children. They may have lost their parents, at home or during the journey. They have lost everything: family, friends, their roots. And so they come to a place where they do not know anyone. We educate adults who can serve as role models, who can lead the children.
A couple of seagulls sail by.
I say that I understand that the refugee crisis involved the entire Royal Family during the year and they visited the asylum accommodation and various integration projects.
It's not just us who travel around the world, says the King. Many Swedes go on holiday, in all possible parts of the world, and are perhaps even closer to this problem than we do. They have to also react reasonably and take with them memories and pictures. But we have a large network, the King continues, and the opportunity to vent those feelings; to start something, to contact, to talk to people, to raise questions. It is the great privilege we have by our position. And it has to be taken. If we would not take advantage of the platform to help others, it would be the almost misconduct. It is a great privilege. Such things may not quite understandable at first.
In life as king?
Yes, in the 30s. They did not have time and energy to embrace it then. But I have also seen and heard of you through the years - he says and turns to the Queen - and have become aware of the problem. Now I'm in a different phase, this is the next challenge. As it is not still, the momentum is still there.I tell you that I heard on the radio about how Tarnaby welcomed refugees who arrived last fall. In the small northern community, there in the winter there is not so much else to do than to go skiing. So with the help of local sponsors they managed to buy ski equipment and started a ski school for all new arrivals.
The king looks pleased.
Is it important that the Royal Family during certain historical periods, have the extra presence - much like the Danish Royal Family did during the war?
Yes, but it just happens. It is not something we plan, says Queen. The situation ...
... Is emerging, continues the King. You always think: what can we do? It applies not only to the refugee accommodation but also in problem areas like Rosengård or Angered. They are not seen. They feel fleeced. To be seen and accepted as an individual, it is absolutely the most important. We can come to visit. Even if we just say hello and good day, we try to convey a feeling. Then they know: You are not forgotten here.

When I sit there on the little rustic chair, I think that the Royal Family is so much more paradoxical than the gossip papers sugary image or Republican considerably saltier.
At the same time, how many people see so many different sides of Sweden during a year that these two people on the bench? Sure, they often visit hospitals, factories and schools and they have always nervous councilor and staff in town but still: they are there and look. It is probably far more than those who think that the Royal Couple live in a bubble do.
The dog begins to think that this is boring and the adjutant unleashes her so that she can buff with her nose against the King's hand.
If the Royal Couple could meet refugees who just come across the Öresund bridge - what would you like to send them on their continuing journey through Sweden?

I would call a friend, give them the name and address of someone they can trust, says the King. I have some friends who are mentors. It's not easy! Insanely difficult! Here is a young man from somewhere and then an elderly uncle try to be friends! It takes time before they find a way to socialize. But I have heard so many times: without your help, I had never been able to get the job or a loan. It is extremely important. I would like there to be an organization that supports families so that they can receive unaccompanied minors. They must receive training and support from the social. We need to give these children new home.
Can Sweden take the challenge to give them the childhood that the Royal Couple think is so important?Yes, we must do it, says the King. There is no other way. We must help those who are in need. It helps a person in need. Thats how it is. Just last year, 70,000 refugee children arrived and half of them were unaccompanied. There are tremendous numbers. There are so many fates that must be taken care of. I think they do a fantastic job, so many who want to help. It is so positive that there are so many hands.
The sun is lower and it is time to quit. We stand up. The dog looks hopeful out. The Director goes through some details before the Royal Couple's engagements tomorrow. Before we say goodbye, the Queen turns to us with her iPhone, and shows a picture of Estelle.

A plucky kid laughing at the camera that so far lives quite unaware of the royal duties and media coverage.

Then, the Royal Couple disappears into the palace.

• Text: Åsa Beckman
• Photo: Paul Hansen
• Original in Swedish

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