King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has removed five of his grandchildren from the royal house, stripping them of their royal highness titles and official duties. The decision, announced by the Royal Court, affects the two sons of Prince Carl Philip and the three children of Princess Madeleine, aged between one and five.
The children will remain members of the royal family and retain their ducal and duchess titles, but they will no longer receive taxpayer-funded appanage or be expected to perform royal engagements. The change does not apply to the king's two grandchildren in direct line to the throne, Crown Princess Victoria's children.
Royal expert Roger Lundgren said the move followed parliamentary scrutiny of the monarchy's size, noting that the king acted preemptively. He compared it to reported efforts by the UK's Prince of Wales to streamline the Royal Family, likening the five children's new roles to those of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who pursue independent careers.
Historian Dick Harrison argued the decision allows the youngsters to 'live ordinary lives' while retaining a theoretical claim to the throne. He added that the king is preventing future controversy over royal funding by reducing the number of paid royals.
The statement confirmed that Princess Madeleine, Prince Carl Philip, and his wife Princess Sofia will continue their charitable work and limited official duties as decided by the king. The move does not affect the status of King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, or Prince Daniel, who remain Sweden's highest representatives.
