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Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria welcomes international figure skaters to Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria recorded a welcome message ahead of the World Figure Skating Championships, which take place from 22-28 March in Stockholm.

The Crown Princess, who has recently recovered from COVID-19, welcomed the competitors, who will be competing throughout the weekend at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm.

“I am so proud that our beautiful capital gets to host the World Figure Skating Championships,” she said.

“I really wish that I could have been in the Ericsson Globe Arena tonight for the grand opening ceremony. But I am glad to have this opportunity to send you all my best wishes.

“Just like millions of other viewers, all over the world, my family and I are looking forward to seeing the world’s best figure skaters compete here in Stockholm.

“To all participants and volunteers: the best of luck with the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2021!”

Crown Princess Victoria had been slated to take part in the opening ceremonies in person, though when she contracted COVID-19, those plans were changed to help protect the skaters and organisers.

Albin Boudrée, the artistic director and choreographer behind Wednesday’s opening ceremony, had previously said in a statement, “We have a fantastic show team who have worked so hard for this. They are pushing the envelope of their abilities and will deliver an unforgettable experience. The involvement of Crown Princess Victoria is a huge honour and great for the opening ceremony and the entire World Championships.”

The participants in the World Figure Skating Championships—which includes Canadian, Australian, American, Japanese, French skaters, among others—were quarantined upon arrival in Stockholm and needed to have negative coronavirus tests in order to leave and receive their accreditation.

One figure skater from Belarus was not eligible to compete after testing positive; a second case was discovered on 24 March, though the skater’s identity has not yet been revealed.

On Wednesday, the Royal House announced that Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel have recovered from their mild cases of COVID-19, saying that they would continue to hold virtual meetings and stay home until cleared by their doctor.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.