Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lilian |
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| Duchess of Halland | |
Lilian in the 1940s
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| Born | Lillian May Davies 30 August 1915 Swansea, United Kingdom |
| Died | 10 March 2013 (aged 97) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Burial | 16 March 2013 Royal Cemetery, Solna, Sweden |
| Spouse |
Walter Ivan Craig
(m. 1940; div. 1945) |
| Father | William John Davies |
| Mother | Gladys Mary Curran |
Princess Lilian of Sweden, Duchess of Halland (born Lillian May Davies; August 30, 1915 – March 10, 2013) was a British fashion model. She became a member of the Swedish royal family when she married Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland in 1976. She was an aunt to the current King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Contents
Princess Lilian's Life Story
Growing Up and Early Career
Lillian May Davies was born on August 30, 1915, in Swansea, Wales. Her father, William John Davies, worked at a market stall. Her mother, Gladys Mary Curran, was a shop assistant. Her parents separated in the 1920s.
When she was 16, Lilian moved to London. She later dropped one 'l' from her first name to become a fashion model. She appeared in popular magazines like Vogue.
In 1940, Lilian married Scottish actor Ivan Craig. Soon after their wedding, Ivan joined the British Army for World War II. While he was away, Lilian helped with the war effort. She worked in a factory making radios for the navy and at a hospital for injured soldiers.
Meeting Prince Bertil
In 1943, Lilian met Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland, in London. They met at a party for her 28th birthday. They soon fell in love, even though Lilian was still married to Ivan. When Ivan returned from the war, he wanted to marry someone else. Lilian and Ivan ended their marriage in a friendly way in 1947.
Prince Bertil's older brother, Prince Gustaf Adolf, was next in line to the Swedish throne. But he sadly died in 1947. His son, Carl Gustaf, was very young. This meant Prince Bertil might have to become a regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule.
Because of this, Bertil chose not to marry Lilian right away. If he married someone who wasn't royal, he might lose his place in line to the throne. So, they lived together quietly for over 30 years. They had a private home in France where they spent time together.
A Royal Wedding
Prince Bertil never had to become regent. His father, King Gustaf VI Adolf, lived long enough for Carl Gustaf to grow up. Carl Gustaf became King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 1973. He himself married a commoner, so he understood Bertil and Lilian's situation.
King Carl XVI Gustaf approved their marriage. This meant Bertil could keep his royal titles, and Lilian would become a princess. They married on December 7, 1976, at Drottningholm Palace. The King and Queen Silvia were there to celebrate with them.
Later Years and Legacy
Prince Bertil passed away on January 5, 1997. After his death, Princess Lilian continued to represent the royal family. She attended many events until 2010. She also supported many organizations as a patron. In 2000, Lilian wrote a book about her life with Bertil.
In her later years, Princess Lilian had some health issues. She suffered falls and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She spent her final years at her home, Villa Solbacken, in Stockholm.
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Princess Lilian died in Stockholm on March 10, 2013, at the age of 97. This was 16 years after her husband passed away. Her funeral was broadcast live on Swedish television. Many members of the Swedish and Danish royal families attended, along with friends like actor Roger Moore.
Awards and Recognition
Princess Lilian received many awards and honours during her life, both from Sweden and other countries. These awards recognized her role in the royal family and her public service.
Honours from Sweden
- Member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim
- Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Polar Star
- Member of the Royal Family Decoration of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the 50th Birthday Badge Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
International Honours
Princess Lilian also received special awards from many other countries, including:
Argentina: Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín
Austria: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
Denmark: Grand Cross with Diamonds of the Order of the Dannebrog
Estonia: First Class of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
France: Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit
Finland: Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Germany: Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Iceland: Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Japan: Paulownia Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown
Jordan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Jordan
Latvia: Grand Officer of the Order of the Three Stars
Lithuania: Grand Cross of the Order of Grand Duke Gediminas
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Christ
Norway: Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
Supporting Good Causes
Princess Lilian was a patron of the Social Order of Innocence in Sweden. This means she was a special supporter of this organization.
