Crown Princess Victoria has taken on the role of acting head of state of Sweden as her father King Carl XVI Gustaf is abroad. As interim regent, she led a meeting in the Foreign Affairs Committee at Stockholm Royal Palace.
The committee is made up of the chairman and nine other members, elected by the Swedish Parliament. The committee meets when summoned by the government, and the chairman of the meeting is the head of state, or the prime minister in their absence. Usually the meetings is therefore led by King Carl Gustaf, however this week Crown Princess Victoria acted as leader of the committee.
The meeting had the main focus on two themes the wars with Russia and Sweden’s NATO membership and a conversation about what joining would mean for Sweden’s security and relations with neighbouring countries. The meeting was characterized by a constructive discussion around these important themes.
The meetings with the Foreign Affairs Committee has a set of regulations that govern its functions. According to section 11 of the Swedish constitution, the government is required to provide the committee with regular updates on foreign policy matters that could affect the kingdom. Furthermore, for any foreign issues of significant importance, the government must consult with the committee before making any decisions, provided that it is possible.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden acts as temporary monarch when her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, is abroad. This means that she exercises the king’s authority and duties in his absence. Crown Princess Victoria has been in training for this role for many years. As part of her training, she has attended ceremonies and official occasions and usually accompanies her father to meetings of the Foreign Affairs Commitee.
