Daniel gave an exclusive interview to Aftonbladet on Thursday at the plane on his way to Sundsvall.
Here are some of his answers.
How did you get the idea? (About Prince Daniel's Fellowship?)
- It is important to create more jobs. I want to be with and do things I think are important. Something that I can stand for and hopefully do well. And over the years I have built up a good network with many entrepreneurs and business leaders. From whom I can get help now. First I contacted IVA (Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences). The idea is very close to them because they too are on the innovations. So we met and became partners. For me it's simply about wanting to do something that affects the entrepreneurial culture in Sweden.
You have said that you have a 40-year business plan for Sweden. What is it about?
- In my role as Prince, I see no end. There is no quarterly reports need to be filed. I'm doing this because I believe in it and am passionate about it. I want to do good in my role. It is our role to serve Sweden and the Swedish people. It may sound a bit pretentious to say so. But it's what we do.
Before you ran four gyms. Now you're the Prince of Sweden. How do you see the two quite different roles?
- One common thing is that it requires a lot of commitment and you have to spent a lot of time. There is a lot of preparations. Within the enterprise you will be judged by the results every month. Or every day. You always want to know how it goes. Now I mainly want to do good. It is not measurable in the same way. But on the other hand, I get estimated the whole time.
You talk a lot about getting the Swedes to start their own businesses. What do you think that depends on?
- That I'm thinking a lot. I regularly meet scientists who work with these issues and I ask the young people that we meet. In the latest annual study, which makes international comparisons between countries' attitudes, it's very much about that the Swedes do not really believe in their own ability. Which I think is very unfortunate. Because it's wrong. We are skilled, competent and very hardworking people.
How do you see the media coverage of you in the royal family?
- On a visit in a city like Sundsvall, the local media is there. It is good if the national media also wants to write about it. We want as many young people as possible to take the step to start your own. Otherwise, it's important that the young people meet potential role models. We strongly believe in this with the power of example.
People don't quite know what you do. What is really a typical workday like for you?
- It is very variable. Next week we are in the Netherlands for two days, then we go to Västergötland for two days. There is program from morning to late evening. I also have office days with internal meetings and planning for the future. Sometimes you read that the royal family has done so and so many public events in a year. But that is only a small part of the work we do. It's not that this is a full time job - it's more than that.
How do you see your role as a prince?
- I want to do well. I'm incredibly proud to have this role. I feel a lot of trust from the Swedish people. And I want to earn this trust, work hard and do good things for example for young people in entrepreneurship. I've managed to gather these people lining up for free. They do this because they also believe in this. I, IVA and experts have a vision of what to do and there are a lot of talented people who catch on. It is a concrete example of how I want to work in my role.
You are one of the first royals who has been on paternity leave. How has it been?
- It has been the Crown Princess who was on a maternity leave in the beginning. But in the fall, I will be on paternity leave even more. I think it is obvious to be home as a father. Even my dad was home a lot when I was growing up and it meant a lot.
But how has it been?
- It has been incredibly exciting. She has started to talk and said her first words, Mom and Dad. It's very beautiful.
Today you talked about the importance of daring to fail. When you have failed?
- I have fought on with my gyms. I mean, start a gym, it will take years, depending on how good you are and how much effort is, before you succeed.
Can you miss those days?
- I think I have such an incredible exciting role now so there is no time to miss what has been. I have a lot here and now and in the future.
’En självklarhet vara hemma som pappa’ Nyheter Aftonbladet
