The day  the Swedes (well, not everyone…) have been waiting for is finally here: Our Crown Princess (Kronprinsessa) Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel are expecting their first child! These news has been widely anticipated since the grand royal wedding last June and there has even been speculation and rumours about the couples fertility… But, they clearly managed to perform under pressure and Sweden is a one happy nation today.

The statement – who came earlier today – read “Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are happy to announce that the Crown Princess is expecting their first child” and the baby is due in March. The royal baby will be the king and queen’s first grandchild (barnbarn) and second in line to the Swedish throne.

It’s been a turbulent year for the Swedish royals. First, princess Madeleine called of  her engagement with her long term boyfriend Jonas after he had an affair with a Norwegian handball player.  Then, the King had to battle reports about alleged visits to porn clubs, connections to the criminal underworld and infidelity in the book  “Carl XVI Gustaf – den ofrivillige monarken” (The reluctant monarch). And recently, Queen Silvia had her share of less flattering limelight, after it was alleged that her late father, Walter Sommarlath, had links to the Nazi Party in the run up to World War II.

In other words, it was about time for some royal happy baby news!  So, grattis Victoria and Daniel och lycka till!

Foto: Paul Hansen