Prince Daniel didn’t have an easy start as husband of the Swedish Crown Princess. The Swedes have now learned to love him. But even on his 50th birthday he is somewhat in the shadows.
On September 15, 1973, there was great joy among the Westlings, a completely normal Swedish family: little Olof Daniel was born. On the same day, in the same country, but in a completely different world, a big family event also takes place: King Gustaf VI. Adolf dies and the young Carl Gustaf becomes King of Sweden.
That the paths of the newborn Daniel Westling and the newly elected King Carl XVI. No one can yet imagine that Gustaf will cross paths later. And certainly not that the boy from the Swedish provinces will one day become the king’s son-in-law.
Westling grows up in the small town of Ockelbo. His father is a local civil servant and his mother works at the post office. Daniel is not an outstanding student. But what he really enjoys is sport: he plays ice hockey, football and basketball.
Training to become a sports trainer
As a young adult, Westling moved to Stockholm, a good 200 kilometers south, where he completed various training and courses to become a sports trainer. A few years later, he opened an exclusive fitness studio with a colleague. One of his customers will be the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria – and Westling will be her personal trainer. It doesn’t take very long for them to become a couple.
The two try to keep their love affair secret, but of course that doesn’t work. In 2002, paparazzi caught the first photos of Victoria’s new boyfriend. They show Westling with cargo pants or jeans and a baseball cap. The Swedes – especially the Swedish tabloid press – are skeptical: Can a fitness trainer from the provinces with questionable clothing style become the husband of the future queen?
Observers are certain: the king and queen are also not enthusiastic about their daughter’s new boyfriend. Rumor has it that they are hoping that the dalliance with the middle-class Swede will pass. That Victoria would find someone who would somehow fit better into the royal family.
Get rid of the baseball cap
The rumors about the king’s rejection of Westling are also fueled by the fact that nothing seems to have happened for years – no engagement is announced. But something else definitely happens. Westling slowly transforms from a country boy into a gentleman who is presentable even in the Swedish upper class.
He swaps the baseball cap for slicked-back hair, his casual clothes for chic suits and designer shoes. Swedish media report that Westling is completing a kind of “prince’s school” – he is receiving history and English lessons and learning court etiquette.
And then, seven years after their relationship became public, Victoria and Westling announced their engagement. Many believe that the proposal took so long because Westling simply wasn’t ready to join the royal ranks.
The wedding took place the following year, 2010. And Daniel Westling became Prince Daniel. With his wedding speech he speaks his way into the hearts of the Swedes: “I love you, Victoria,” he says, noticeably moved, and takes the Crown Princess’ hand. Soon afterwards, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel gave the Swedes two royal babies: first Estelle (11), then Oscar (7).
A few steps behind his wife
Prince Daniel’s heartfelt matters in his new position are, of course, sport and health as well as supporting young entrepreneurs. He is also often seen alongside his Victoria. Most of the time he walks a few steps behind her. In a recent interview broadcast by Swedish television channel SVT, Prince Daniel said he knew his role and had no problem with it. “After all, most people want to hear and see Victoria.”
Prince Daniel justifies his attitude with his background and his upbringing by his middle-class parents: “My father was on parental leave with my older sister in 1970. That was probably more progressive than the fact that people have equal rights today and have no objections to it to stand by his prominent wife.”
This Friday (September 15th) the prince, whose provincial origins are no longer evident, will be 50 years old. The big birthday is not celebrated much. Because 50 years ago, not only little Daniel Westling was born into a normal family. The young Carl Gustaf also became King of Sweden.
September 15th is all about Prince Daniel’s father-in-law’s 50th anniversary on the throne. But according to his own statement, Prince Daniel has no problem with being in the shadows.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
