King Carl XVI Gustaf has once again suggested that the law of absolute primogeniture should not have been made retrospective after it was introduced in 1980.
Prior to January 1st 1980, Prince Carl Philip was heir to the throne, despite having an elder sister in Princess Victoria.
The Swedish legislative body later introduced a constitutional amendment meaning the throne would be inherited by the monarch’s eldest child regardless of gender.
This was retrospective, meaning Victoria was made Crown Princess upon the amendment becoming law, with Carl Philip only being Crown Prince for seven months.
King Carl XVI Gustaf has always objected to the amendment being made retrospectively, arguing that Carl Philip should not have been stripped of the title he held when born.
His Majesty once again commented on the issue in an interview with SVT to mark the start of his Golden Jubilee year.
The King, who has four elder sisters, said: “It’s tricky to have laws that work retroactively. It doesn’t seem wise.
“You can accept the next generation – that’s okay. But it was my son who was born, and they got rid of it all.
“It’s tricky to have laws that work retroactively. It doesn’t seem wise. I still think so. You can accept the next generation, it’s ok. But it was my son who was born and got rid of it all. It’s quite strange. You can’t do that.”
“Unfairly?”
“Yes, I think so.”
? SVT pic.twitter.com/BVcpEXrKNf
— ChristinZ (@ChristinsQueens) January 4, 2023
“It’s quite strange. You can’t do that.”
When asked by the reporter if the title was stripped from Carl Philip unfairly, His Majesty replied: “Yes, I think so.”
After the interview concluded, a royal aide called the reporter, asking them to come back so His Majesty could clarify his remarks.
The King later explained: “I said that, and it’s clear I can’t. With the benefit of hindsight we have to take a look at how a constitution can work retroactively.”
He continued: “A Prince was born as the Crown Prince. Months later a decision was made, saying there are new conditions. But I think he has taken it well. I haven’t perceived any problems between the siblings, they get along well with each other.“
On the Crown Princess, His Majesty said: “She is very committed, I understand that. She already feels the responsibility. She’s at a mature age, but also still a young woman.”
