Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden (born: Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée), was born into the House of Bernadotte, the Swedish Royal Family, and as heiress-apparent may one day become Sweden's head of state.
Crown Princess Victoria's Early Life
Victoria is the eldest child of the King and Queen of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia, born on 14 July 1977 in Stockholm, Sweden. She was born as a Princess of Sweden and later became the Crown Princess, and first in line to the throne, on 1 January 1980 when an Act of Parliament introduced equal primogeniture.
On the same day she also gained the title 'Duchess of Västergötland.' Consequently, Victoria's full title is, Her Royal Highness Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland.
If Victoria ascends to the throne she will become Sweden's fourth queen regnant and she is currently the world's only female heir-apparent.
Crown Princess Victoria's Education
Victoria attened Enskilda Gymnasiet, a private school in Stockholm, and she graduated in 1996. The following year she studied French at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest in France. In late 1997 she followed a tailored programme which gave her an insight into the workings of Swedish Parliament.
In 1998, Victoria began attending Yale University, where she studied Political Science and History. She only spent two years there.
Whilst staying in the United States she participated in two periods of work experience at the United Nation in New York.
Over the years Victoria has been involved with many study programs that place an emphasis on Swedish business, as well as undergoing basic military training in 2003.
Crown Princess Victoria's Royal Duties
On 14 July 1995, the day that Victoria turned 18, she issued her "declaration of majority." A speech which told of her allegiances to the King and Parliament. Upon turning 18, she was also allowed to act as the head of state whilst her father wasn't in the country.
In 2005, Victoria embarked on an official trip around Asia. She visited Australia in order to promote the 'Swedish Style' exhibition. Later that year she visited Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to view aid work following the tsunami that affected both countries.
Victoria then attended the World Exposition in Japan, where she also met with some of the Japanese Imperial Family. In accordance with her desire to promote business she went to the Swedish Business Seminar in Turkey in June 2005.
She has been involved in numerous state visits at home and abroad.
The Crown Princess Victoria Fund
The Crown Princess Victoria Fund supports recreational activities for disabled children and young people. The fund accepts applications for grants that can be used to cover costs for various recreational trips or leisure activities.
Every year, around the Swedish national holdiday on 6 June and Victoria's birthday on 14 July, Sveriges Television broadcasts fundraising messages. A televised entertainment program which encourages donations from viewers coincides with the Crown Princess' birthday.
Crown Princess Victoria's Marriage to Daniel Westling
Victoria met her future husband, Daniel Westling, in 2002 when she started going to the gym that he owned in Stockholm. On 19 June 2010, the couple married.
Reference:
Swedish Royal Court: Biography of H.R.H Crown Princess Victoria
Swedish Royal Court: Royal Engagements of H.R.H Crown Princess Victoria
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