As 59 locations in Sweden are currently on fire, King Carl XVI Gustaf has released a statement regarding the forest fires. He praised the work of emergency services working to bring the blazes under control, as well as expressed support for those who have been directly impacted.
In a statement released by the Royal Court of Sweden yesterday His Majesty the King remarked, “My family and I are worried about the evolution of events around the large number of fires that ravage around our country this unusually hot and dry summer.
“At the moment, a lot of work is being done to fight the fires and minimise their damage.
“I want to express my and the Royal Family’s support for all of you and to all of you who are affected and affected by the fires.
“To all the people – rescue personnel, defence workers, home care staff and volunteers – who in this strained situation make great sacrifices to help others, I and my family want to say: thank you. Your commitment and your efforts are invaluable.”
Swedish firefighters have said that these fires are the worst that they have seen. The military has also been called in to help extinguish the flames, as many have been evacuated from their homes. There are blazes in several places in the following areas: Dalarna, Gävleborg, Jämtland, Värmland, Västernorrland and Norrbotten.
The King’s grandson, Prince Gabriel holds the dukedom of Darlana – where his mother, Princess Sofia grew up. Gabriel’s parents, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are the Duke and Duchess of Värmland, another one of the impacted areas. The King held the dukedom of Jämtland until he ascended the throne in 1973.
The fires have affected the Swedish Royal Family, as well as other Swedes. On Crown Princess Victoria’s 41st birthday, a small fire of approximately 1,000 square metres had begun at Haga Palace – the home of the Crown Princess Family. They were thankfully able to get it under control very quickly.