Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf removes five grandchildren from royal house

By MiNDFOOD

The King's decision signals a major change for the Swedish monarchy. REUTERS
The King's decision signals a major change for the Swedish monarchy. REUTERS
Sweden's King has removed five of his grandchildren from the royal house but those in line to the throne will stay.

The King of Sweden has removed five of his grandchildren from the royal house.

King Carl XVI Gustaf has faced pressure to streamline paid members of the Swedish monarchy.

His decision means five of his seven grandchildren will no longer carry the title of royal highness and won’t carry out royal duties.

The King's decision signals a major change for the Swedish monarchy. REUTERS
The King’s decision signals a major change for the Swedish monarchy. REUTERS

However, they will remain members of the Swedish Royal Family.

It will not affect the King’s two grandchildren who are in direct line to the throne.

It’s understood the decision was made to reduce state money spent on the Swedish royals’ official duties.

Being removed from the house means the five grandchildren will not be entitled to receive the annual taxpayer-funded sum known as appanage.

The grandchildren concerned are the two sons of Prince Carl and his wife Sofia, and the three children of Princess Madeline.

Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar – the children of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel – are directly in line to the throne and will remain in the royal house.

Royal expert Roger Lundgren told the BBC, “Parliament announced a few years ago that it would have a review of some principles regarding the monarchy. One thing was the size of the family,” he said.

He also told the BBC that the move bears resemblance to the lives of Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice in the British Royal Family, who have gone on to pursue their own careers.

Swedish historian Dick Harrison told the BBC that the move will allow the five children to “live ordinary lives”.

“They don’t have to bother with being fenced in. They are made into ordinary people but still members of the royal club,” he told the BBC.

The parents of the five grandchildren won’t be affected.

In a statement, the Royal Court of Sweden said they “will continue their work in the non-profit foundations and organisations which they have founded or in which they are involved.

“In addition, they will perform official duties to the extent decided by His Majesty,”

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