In a new interview with Swedish publication Aftonbladet, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, has revealed that he would have loved to become a farmer if he had not been born to be king of Sweden.
A dedicated lover of the great outdoors, the king spoke of his particular fondness for the forests around Stenhammar Castle, outside Flen, which has been leased by the royal household from the state. He revealed that he indulges his green thumb by helping take care of the farmland, forests and animals whenever he’s at the castle.
He also shared that he begins every day at Stenhammar with a walk through the forest, accompanied by his faithful companion, three-year-old dog Brandi. Those walks were put on hold earlier this year, however, when Brandi sustained various injuries and suffered a unilateral facial paralysis after jumping from a moving vehicle. The Swedish court has since shared that she has recovered well.
The king is also an avid hunter, joining the chases in Bergslagen and Halle-Hunneberg, south of Lake Vänern. He revealed that the quiet, natural surroundings provide him with the calm he enjoys and helps to inspire him in a variety of ways. “You become a bit philosophical when you sit on a hunting pass and nothing happens…There the thoughts flow well,” he said, adding that it’s a chance to really speak to yourself and to face thoughts that you may not like but which you may need to consider.
King Carl VVI Gustaf’s interest in the environment and nature was founded in his childhood through his participation in the Scouts association. He is still involved in the World Scout Foundation today as their Honorary Chairman, regularly attending Scout activities in Sweden and abroad.
The king is also heavily involved with the World Wildlife Fund and regularly participates in research conferences centred on themes and topics surrounding the environment and forestry.
