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Sweden

Royals react to Stockholm terror attack

On Saturday, after the terror attack in central Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday, royals have released statements condemning the attack and expressing their sympathy with the Swedish people. The attack occurred around 3 pm Swedish time when a lorry was hijacked and mowed down pedestrians on the pedestrian thoroughfare, Drottninggatan before crashing into the Åhlens department store. The truck was later found to contain explosives, as well. At least four have been killed and another 15 injured.

King Carl XVI Gustaf released a statement, on behalf of the Swedish Royal Family, expressing their condolences. He said, “It is with dismay the Royal Family and I have been informed of the attack in Stockholm this afternoon. The background and full extent of the incident are not yet known. We are closely following the developments, but our thoughts are already now with the victims and their families.

Princess Madeleine, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia’s youngest child who lives in London, made a statement on her Facebook page saying, “My thoughts go to my beloved Stockholm and the affected ones and their families.

On Saturday morning, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel travelled to the site of the attack to pay tribute to the victims. The Crown Princess told Aftonbladet, “The Swedish society is based on a huge reliance and a community. We will emerge stronger from this, in some way.

King Harald of Norway sent condolences to Crown Princess Victoria Friday evening. The Crown Princess has acted as head of state while her father and mother were in Brazil. They cut their trip short and travelled home yesterday after the news. The King of Norway said, “Your Royal Highness,  I have with great sadness received the news of the terror attack in Stockholm in the afternoon, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

Once again, we are brutally reminded of the importance of protecting our core democratic values.

On behalf of myself, the Royal Family and the Norwegian people, I send my deepest condolences, and I ask Your Royal Highness to pass on my sympathy to the bereaved and relatives, and to all the Swedish people.

A message from King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain was posted on the Casa Real  Twitter, “On return from Japan, Their Majesties send the King of Sweden their firm condemnation to the offence in Stockholm and solidarity with the Swedish people.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark sent her condolences to King Carl XVI Gustaf Saturday, “Deeply concerned by the serious terrorist attacks that hit Stockholm yesterday. I am sending you and the Swedish people my thoughts and deepest condolences.

Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece said on Twitter, “My condolences to the people of Sweden.

King Abdullah II of Jordan has expressed his condolences, as well, with the Royal Hashemite Court saying on Twitter, “His Majesty King Abdullah II condemns the cowardly attack in Stockholm and offers his condolences to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

On Sunday morning, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg sent a telegram to His Majesty saying, “The Grand Duchess and I are shocked to hear about the news of the tragic events in Stockholm. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this terrible attack.

Belgium’s King Philippe posted a message on the Belgian Monarchy’s Twitter on Sunday afternoon saying, “Just called HM King Carl Gustaf to share our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with the victims and injured of Stockholm Attack.

Other messages of condolences will be added as they are released from the royal houses.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.