Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Madeleine |
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| Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland | |||||
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Princess Madeleine in 2017
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| Born | 10 June 1982 Drottningholm Palace, Ekerö, Sweden |
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| House | Bernadotte | ||||
| Father | Carl XVI Gustaf | ||||
| Mother | Silvia Sommerlath | ||||
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HRH Princess Birgitta Extended royal family
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Princess Madeleine of Sweden was born on June 10, 1982. Her full name is Madeleine Thérèse Amelie Josephine. She is the second daughter and youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. When she was born, she was third in line to the Swedish throne. Today, she is eighth in line. Princess Madeleine is married to Christopher O'Neill. They have three children: Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas, and Princess Adrienne. She also holds the title Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
Contents
Early Life of Princess Madeleine
Madeleine was born at Drottningholm Palace in Sweden. This happened on June 10, 1982, at 7:05 PM. She is a member of the Swedish royal family. She was christened, which is a special ceremony, on August 31, 1982. Her godparents included family members like her father's cousin and her aunt. Madeleine was given the special title of Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland. These are two areas in Sweden. It was unusual for a Swedish royal title to include more than one area.
Princess Madeleine's Education
Princess Madeleine started school in 1985 at Västerled Parish Pre-School. In 1989, she went to Smedslättsskolan in Bromma. She then attended Carlssons School in Stockholm. Later, she studied at Enskilda Gymnasiet in Stockholm. She graduated from there in 2001.
After high school, she lived in London for a while. There, she studied English. In 2002, she learned about Swedish law. She also studied how to use computers. In 2003, she started studying art history at Stockholm University. She also took courses in ethnology, which is the study of different cultures. Princess Madeleine speaks Swedish, English, and German very well. She also knows some French. In 2006, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She studied art history, ethnology, and modern history. In 2007, she studied child psychology.
Hobbies and Interests
Princess Madeleine loves horses and riding. She used to own horses and competed in showjumping. She even used a different name, "Anna Svensson," when she competed. She also enjoys skiing. She is interested in theatre, dance, and art.
In 2001, a special scholarship fund was created for her. This was to celebrate her 18th birthday. The fund helps young people who are involved in horse riding. It is supported by the Gävleborg province, which includes her duchies. Madeleine has given out awards like 'Pony Rider of the Year' to young riders.
Royal Activities and Charity Work
Princess Madeleine takes part in many events for Sweden. She attends Sweden's National Day celebrations. She is also at the Nobel festivities and state visits. In 2011, she represented Sweden at the opening of the New Sweden Gallery in Philadelphia, USA.
Sometimes, Princess Madeleine acts as a temporary leader for Sweden. This happens when her father, the King, and her older siblings are not in the country. For example, she will be Regent Ad Interim from October 25 to November 1, 2024.
Helping Others
Princess Madeleine is a patron of Min Stora Dag. This organization is like the Make-A-Wish Foundation in other countries. It helps children with serious illnesses. She is also involved with Europa Nostra and other groups.
Protecting Children
In 2006, Princess Madeleine worked for UNICEF in New York City. She helped with child protection services. She also became very involved with the World Childhood Foundation. Her mother helped start this organization. Princess Madeleine helps judge the Childhood Prize. She is on the board of the Swedish branch of the foundation. Since 2016, she has been an honorary member of the American branch's board. In 2021, she became the vice honorary chair. In 2022, she visited Frankfurt, Germany, for her work. She visited a children's hospital there to learn about their work.
In 2015, the Princess started a campaign called #EyesWideOpen. This campaign helps protect children. In 2017, she announced she was writing a children's book. The book is called Stella och hemligheten (Stella and the Secret). It was published in 2019. The book teaches children how important it is to speak up if something doesn't feel right. It supports the World Childhood Foundation.
Princess Madeleine's Family Life
First Engagement
In August 2009, Princess Madeleine announced her engagement to Jonas Bergström. They got engaged in Capri, Italy. Their wedding was planned for 2010. However, it was later postponed. On April 24, 2010, it was announced that the engagement was called off. After this, Madeleine moved to New York City. She continued her work with the World Childhood Foundation there.
Marriage and Children
On October 25, 2012, the Swedish Royal Court announced Princess Madeleine's engagement. She was engaged to Christopher O'Neill, a financier from Britain and America. Their wedding took place on June 8, 2013. It was held at the Royal Palace chapel in Stockholm. Christopher O'Neill chose not to become a Swedish royal. This means he does not have a royal title.
Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill have three children:
- Princess Leonore Lilian Maria, Duchess of Gotland. She was born on February 20, 2014, in New York City.
- Prince Nicolas Paul Gustaf, Duke of Ångermanland. He was born on June 15, 2015, in Stockholm.
- Princess Adrienne Josephine Alice, Duchess of Blekinge. She was born on March 9, 2018, in Stockholm. She was christened at Drottningholm Palace Chapel.
The family moved to Stockholm from New York in 2015. Later that year, they moved to London. This was because Christopher O'Neill's business is there. In 2018, they moved to Florida in the United States. In 2023, it was announced they would move back to Sweden. However, this move was postponed until 2024.
In October 2019, the King made a change. He decided that Princess Madeleine's children would no longer have "Royal Highness" titles. They are still princes and princesses. They are also still dukes and duchesses of their provinces. They are still in line to the throne. Princess Madeleine said this change gives her children more freedom. They can now shape their own lives as private people.
Titles and Honours
| Coat of arms of Princess Madeleine | |
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| Armiger | Princess Madeleine |
| Adopted | 1982 |
Her Full Title
Princess Madeleine is known as: Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
Awards and Medals
Princess Madeleine has received many honours. These are special awards and medals. Some are from Sweden, and others are from different countries.
Swedish Awards
- Member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim
- Member of the Royal Family Decoration of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the Ruby Jubilee Badge Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling
- Recipient of the 50th Birthday Badge Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the 70th Birthday Badge Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
Awards from Other Countries
- Bulgaria: 1st Class of the Order of Stara Planina
- Brazil: Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco
- Germany: Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Jordan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Jordan
- Latvia: Grand Officer of the Order of the Three Stars
- Luxembourg: Grand Cross of the Order of Adolphe of Nassau
- Malaysia: Honorary Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (2005)
- Norway: Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav (2005)
- Romania: Grand Cross of the Order of Faithful Service
See also
In Spanish: Magdalena de Suecia para niños
