We’ve got used to seeing royals live and direct from their front rooms during the pandemic but they usually keep the dress code smart casual as they go about their virtual engagements. However, Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and Prince Daniel have raised the digital bar by turning up to an online event in full black tie, even though they were both joining in from home. The princes chose tuxes for their most recent appearances, all in support of Sweden’s sporting stars.
The brothers-in-law both presented prizes at Sweden’s annual Sports Gala which took on a very different look in 2021 owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The event, which celebrates a wide range of sporting achievement, was held on January 19th with the usual TV coverage. Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip, like many of those taking part, joined the event digitally to hand over prizes.
Daniel was first to appear, in full black tie, joining from his front room at Haga with his family’s always impressively white sofas and an obligatory bookcase in the background. He handed over the prize for motivating children and young people to get involved in sport and physical activity which is handed out in association with his Generation Pep organisation that works to promote healthy living for young people.
Speaking about the importance of encouraging youngsters to get active, the prince reflected on the fact that sports clubs are currently on hold across Sweden because of the pandemic but urged everyone to use this time to ‘take the chance to raise the level of ambition. Let’s give all children and young people the chance to live an active life – and I really mean everyone. We know that children and young people with special needs don’t participate as much as others in organised sports. They are often afraid of not feeling welcome…here we have a big job to do.’’
Prince Daniel presented the award to the organisation ‘Just Ordinary’ which he praised for creating ‘’natural meeting places with a focus on community and the joy of movement, where you get to be exactly who you are.’’
The Sports Gala culiminated with the Jerring Prize which recognises outstanding sporting achievement in the past year and which is decided by a phone vote on the night of the awards themselves. Prince Carl Philip was tasked with announcing the winner and joined the programme live from the place he’s called home for decades, The Royal Palace in Stockholm.
Speaking from Prince Bertil’s floor of the famous building, Carl Philip remarked on how the sporting successes of 2020 had been won the hard way. ‘’Events and tournaments have been cancelled, seasons have been shortened and compressed and you athletes have been asked to practice your sport without an audience…that usually gives so much energy and love. To still reach the best under those conditions – it is a sporting achievement in itself.’’
Prince Carl Philip went on to announce the Jerring Award had gone to pole vaulter, Armand Duplantis, who broke the world record in his event several times in 2020. He added that accolade to the gold medal he won at the 2018 European Championships and his silver from the 2019 World Championships.
The Swedish Royal Family has a long involvement with the Sports Gala.
