The Swedish royal family loves to take a break on “their” island of Öland during the summer holidays. For Princess Sofia in particular, the annual stay at Solliden Castle has a very special meaning.
These are the most beautiful weeks of the year. Not only for King Carl Gustaf, 76, and Queen Silvia, 78, who have been spending their summer holidays on Öland for many decades. They also passed on their love for the beautiful spot on earth to their children Princess Victoria, 44, Prince Carl Philip, 42, and Princess Madeleine, 39, and their families. Princess Sofia, 37, in particular, has a special memory of the royal vacation spot.
Princess Sofia: First encounter with the royal couple at Solliden Castle
The first meeting between the then model and the royal couple took place at Solliden Castle. After a leisurely and enjoyable lunch together, she and Carl Philip stayed at Kavaljershuset, as Sofia reported in the 2014 SVT documentary “Aaret med Kungafamiljen” (Eng: “The Year with the Royal Family”).
Silvia is said to have personally brought her an overnight set and hugged her warmly. An extraordinary and heartwarming experience that the 37-year-old, who is now firmly anchored in the family of her current mother-in-law, will probably never forget: “I felt very welcome from day one, and nothing else,” says Sofia.
Confirmed: Princess Madeleine is spending the summer in Sweden
In 2022, the family will come together again on Öland. And what a joy: The baby who lives abroad and his family has now confirmed that he will come. “Princess Madeleine and her family are planning to be in Sweden this summer,” confirmed information secretary Ulrika Näsholm to Nöjeslivet magazine on May 9, 2022. However, their arrival remains a mystery for now. “We do not say when the princess and her family will arrive in Sweden, as they are traveling privately,” said Näsholm.
Öland is also a paradise for the royal grandchildren
However, it is already clear where the children and grandchildren of the royal couple will put their heads. The entire family is divided between different accommodations on the large property of the castle. Carl Gustaf and Silvia move into Solliden Castle every year, while Victoria and Prince Daniel, 48, live in Villa Skönvik with their offspring. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia live with their now three sons in Kavaliershuset. They share the spacious home with Princess Madeleine, her husband Chris O’Neill, 47, and their three children.
King Carl Gustaf celebrates his 76th birthday
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Accordingly, it should be quite lively in the property, also known as Hemlighuset (in English: secret house). It was built in 1902, but covers a good 500 square meters and has two separate kitchens, according to the magazine “Svensk Damtidning” – so there is enough space for the two families.
This year it should be even more fun for the children, because the youngest son of Carl Philip and Sofia has been one year old since the end of March 2022. Now Prince Julian can finally romp around with his brothers and cousins. So nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable summer time for all family members.
Sources used: svt.se, nojeslivet.newsner.com, svenskdam.se