Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Royal Families: Crown Princess Victoria & Prince Daniel


     If anyone was born to be queen than it would be crown princess Victoria of Sweden. Born in 1979, Victoria was not the original heir to the throne. Due to the primogeniture laws at the time, that honor was given to her younger brother. However, a few days after he was born, the law was changed and now the oldest child would ascend to the throne, regardless of their gender. Since then, Victoria has dedicated her life to her country and to her people. 

      In 1996, though, it was revealed that Victoria was suffering from anorexia due to the intense stress of royal duties and living in the public spotlight. Her condition had gotten so severe, that she moved to California to get treatment and attended college at Yale University. While there, Victoria was able to live an anonymous life as well as taking better care of herself. At that time, it was unheard of for a royal to admit to a personal health disorder, especially one as severe as anorexia

Victoria in 1996-1997 when she suffered from anorexia
     Fast forward to 2001 and Victoria has returned home, healthier and decides to hit up a gym. There she meets Daniel Westling, the handsome gym owner who becomes her personal trainer. Pretty soon the media catches on that the crown princess has a new boyfriend....and they are not thrilled and neither is Victoria's father. Daniel was a gym owner, a commoner, middle class management. There was no way he could fit into royal life. 

      Victoria and Daniel kept their relationship out of the public eye as much as possible, but it was hard with the press constantly hounding Victoria on where her real loyalties lie. Overtime, Daniel won over the family and the people when they saw how much more confident Victoria was when she was with him. His relaxed nature and likable personality was noticeable and he seemed to be someone who can handle royal duties very well. 

     On February 2009, Daniel received permission from the royal court to ask Victoria to marry him (this is common procedure in several royal families). And on June 19, 2010, Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling were married and were given the titles of the Duke and Duchess of  Västergötland. 

Victoria and Daniel with their children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar
     Victoria and Daniel have two children. Princess Estelle, Duchess of Östergötland (February 23, 2012) and Prince Oscar, Duke of Skåne (March 2, 2016). Crown Princess Victoria is one of most respected royals of her generation. She has balanced traditional beliefs with modern day thinking and has become an inspiration for girls and women all over the world. She and Daniel often appear together at royal engagements and both are renown for their tireless charity work in Sweden. They are wonderful representations of a modern day royals and a modern royal family. 

Christmas cookie making - 2014

Decorating the Christmas tree - 2014

Christmas baking - 2015 (Victoria is pregnant with Oscar)

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comments : )

I love getting comments, long or short, whether you agree with me or not. .

Just be kind. I don't tolerate any rudeness at all. So just be careful with what you write and how you write it.