
Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip has attended the re-establishment of the Västernorrland Regiment I 21 on behalf of his father, King Carl XVI Gustaf.
The Prince attended the re-establishment ceremony on 16 January alongside the Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief. Due to the current global health situation, the ceremony was held outside.
Prince Carl Philip addressed the soldiers and representatives from the government at the event. He said that the reactivation was “important for the region – and for Sweden” and added that he was glad to have the opportunity to attend the ceremony.
Regarding the regiment, His Royal Highness said: “I am convinced that Västernorrland’s regiment, with continued strong support from the municipalities, will contribute to a positive development of Sollefteå and Östersund.”
The Västernorrland Regiment I 21 will conduct operations in Sollefteå and Östersund.
Sweden has begun the re-establishment of several military regiments and an air flotilla since 2021. These regiments are reactivated on the orders of the government after a decision by the Riksdag (Swedish parliament).
Prince Carl Philip has had to step in for his father and elder sister, Crown Princess Victoria, as both have tested positive for COVID. With Queen Silvia and Prince Daniel also contracting the virus, Carl Philip and his wife, Princess Sofia, have had to take on engagements while their family recovers.
The Prince has more engagements this week on the 17 and 18 January when he will attend the awarding of the Jerring Prize at the Sports Gala and the Medal Committee meeting regarding the Royal Medal, respectively.
By 19 January, the other members of the Royal Family are scheduled to be back undertaking engagements. On that day, the King, Queen, Crown Princess and Prince Daniel will digitally meet the Swedish Olympic Committee and Parasport Sweden ahead of the Winter Olympics.