King Carl XVI Gustaf has reduced the number of family members who will continue to receive taxpayer funds, stripping five of his grandchildren of their royal highness status. The King’s decision means the children will retain their titles of dukes and duchesses but will not be expected to perform official royal duties. The only two grandchildren of King Carl Gustaf who were excluded from the move are the children of Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria, seven-year-old Princess Estelle and three-year-old Prince Oscar Carl Olof. The announcement came as a surprise to the Swedish public; however, it had been discussed by the royal family for several years. Princess Madeleine welcomed the move, saying it would give the children a “greater opportunity to shape their own lives as private individuals.”
- Novinky.cz -