Queen Silvia of Sweden - the tough road to royal greatness! The glamour came later. In the early years, her new life felt anything but fairy-tale-like – and she was often alone. Now it becomes clear who really gave Queen Silvia support during this time and how challenging her journey was, read the full story here:
Silvia Sommerlath was not born into royalty. Born in Heidelberg, raised between Germany and Brazil, she trained as an interpreter. When she married King Carl Gustaf in 1976, her life changed dramatically. Suddenly, she found herself in a world full of rules, expectations, and traditions – and she was immediately in the spotlight.
Silvia and Carl Gustaf met during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. What started as a flirtation became a relationship that remained a secret for a long time. Silvia even wore wigs to go unnoticed. The engagement in March 1976 was a relief, but it also brought new uncertainties.
Silvia later described the first years at the Swedish court as extremely intense. Barely arrived, she was expected to support the king, take over state duties, and immediately move confidently. Her husband did help her, but he himself had not been king for long.