Queen Silvia's Family and Siblings - The Sommerlaths

[Prinsara]

Is he accused of solicitation or actual trafficking?

 

[JR76]

Is he accused of solicitation or actual trafficking?

He was accused of buying sex from a woman that worked at the massage parlor. While we don't know if the woman in question was trafficked other women working there are suspected to have been.

In Sweden paying for sex is illegal.

 

[Alisa]

He pays rent for his apartment at Sjöflygeln, as does everyone (except princess Madeleine), who lives at the houses and apartments which the King has the right of disposal. At Drottningholm Palace area and close to it in different houses with the King's right of disposal live a lot of the court staff and people who have retired from their work at the court. For instance the former Marshal of the Realm Ingemar Eliasson and queen Silvia's chambermaid Anne Tovar.

Patrick's son Leopold lived with him at Drottningholm for some time but he has moved away.

Why is he allowed to live there if he has no ties to the court (ie retired court worker) ? Can the average Oscar Johannson rent an apartment there?

 

[LadyFinn]

Why is he allowed to live there if he has no ties to the court (ie retired court worker) ? Can the average Oscar Johannson rent an apartment there?

The King decides, who gets to live at the houses and apartments he has the right of disposal.
Patrick Sommerlath is queen Silvia's nephew, he has ties to the royal family. And the King has decided he can live there. Patrick's father lived also at the same house for a short time before he died.
Patrick Sommerlath's ex-wife Maline Sommerlath lives at Slottsbacken at a house where the King has the right of disposal.
Princess Christina and Tord Magnuson live at Slottsbacken at a house where the King has the right of disposal.
Gustaf Magnuson, Oscar Magnuson and Victor Magnuson and his family live at houses the King has the right of disposal. Previously they lived at the Royal Stables and Slottsbacken.

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Talk about feeding his aunt to the wolfes when her high profile work against trafficing and prostitution is dependant on peoples trust in her �� Incredibly stupid behaviour

Patrick Sommerlath came to Sweden at the age of 16 at the invitation of his aunt The Queen and her family, when his own parents divorced and he started to get into trouble with the law….

He still got into trouble but was anyway given a new chance in life and is raised like a 4:th child of the Royal Family…

And this is now how he thanks them… By hiding from the law when he becomes accused of having committed a crime and sees his chance when the police doesn’t take it to court until there is only 4 days left of the limitation period, despite having investigated this for 1,5 years…

Now he can never be prosecuted… But he can also never be acquitted and will have to live with both having destroyed his own life, and seriously damaged The Royal Familys reputation…. Especially The Queens who has also been indirectly accused by the swedish media of helping him to hide…

This is really not something that the Royal Family wants/needs/can afford to be associated with

 

[JR76]

Why is he allowed to live there if he has no ties to the court (ie retired court worker) ? Can the average Oscar Johannson rent an apartment there?

The King decides who can live in the properties included in the Royal right of disposition.

 

[LadyFinn]

Margareta Thorgen today to Expressen:
"The court can still not give comments about Patrick Sommerlath, he is a private person and not an official person even if there is a relationship with the royal family", she writes in a comment and refers to the interview in Svensk Damtidning and writes further: "The court's cooperation with the police during the service period has worked well".
However, she says the court did not know where Patrick Sommerlath was.
"Yesterday, Patrick Sommerlath's lawyer announced that Patrick had been abroad since Tuesday, November 7. The whole story is deplorable and unfortunate in every way.”
Thorgren has previously said that the guards at Drottningholm helped the police search for Sommerlath.
Fredrik Wersäll, the Marshal of the Realm, has commented on the court's help in the search as follows:
- It may be that employees at the court have been helpful in different ways. But it is not information that comes to me and that I have any reason to have knowledge of or views on.
Hovet_ Visste inte var Patrick Sommerlath befann sig _ Sverige _ Expressen

 

[Prinsara]

He was accused of buying sex from a woman that worked at the massage parlor. While we don't know if the woman in question was trafficked other women working there are suspected to have been.

In Sweden paying for sex is illegal.

What kind of a crime? Felony, misdemeanor, how many years does someone get in jail?

And so there are technically no prostitutes in Sweden?

 

[xenobia]

What kind of a crime? Felony, misdemeanor, how many years does someone get in jail?

And so there are technically no prostitutes in Sweden?

In Sweden, it's legal to sell - but not but - sex. Many countries have a reverse legislation. The penalty ranges from a substantial fine to a year in prison.

 

[Prinsara]

In Sweden, it's legal to sell - but not but - sex. Many countries have a reverse legislation. The penalty ranges from a substantial fine to a year in prison.

I see; so it's fine to purchase from someone who is selling (and I suppose registered?) but not to just offer money to anyone for it?

I guess we don't know if Mr. Sommerlath fled due to not wanting to embarrass the relatives or if there's another reason he didn't want to deal with the cops over a fairly small criminal issue.

 

[Somebody]

Very damaging indeed. As was pointed out he is kind of a fourth child to the queen... And ensuring you are not caught just before the statue of limitations is running out might be a logical tactic for someone who is able to outrun the law but him doing so while living on royal premises makes it extremely akward for the royal family,

 

[Alisa]

It's a bad look that he is doing all of this and living on royal premises -clearly capitalizing off of his connections.

Time and again Margareta Thorgen makes comments and I think it would have been better if she had said nothing at all.
For example, if the court assisted the police and any time at all during the investigation they can most certainly comment on the matter. They are after all dealing with a public sector.
It is difficult to believe that the court did not know where Patrick Sommerlath was. Patrick is like the Queen's fourth child, he is godfather to multiple royal children, and he lives on royal property and all of a sudden he conveniently cannot be found?!?

I hope the court was super careful in that they weren't aiding and abetting a potential criminal.

 

[xenobia]

I see; so it's fine to purchase from someone who is selling (and I suppose registered?) but not to just offer money to anyone for it?

No, it's always illegal to buy sex. And you can't have a regular job as a sex worker (registered), but it's not illegal to sell either. So the women at the massage parlor don't risk anything by admitting to the police that they sold sex, but the men who bought them certainly did something illegal. Several more or less know swedish men are implicated in the same case, one of them a quite well known actor who admitted he was guilty. He got away with a fine, since he admitted it.

 

[Prinsara]

No, it's always illegal to buy sex. And you can't have a regular job as a sex worker (registered), but it's not illegal to sell either. So the women at the massage parlor don't risk anything by admitting to the police that they sold sex, but the men who bought them certainly did something illegal. Several more or less know swedish men are implicated in the same case, one of them a quite well known actor who admitted he was guilty. He got away with a fine, since he admitted it.

Then I'm confused. How does anyone sell sex if there is no legal way to purchase it?

Or is the point simply to discourage prostitution without criminalizing it or blaming the sex workers?

 

[Somebody]

Then I'm confused. How does anyone sell sex if there is no legal way to purchase it?

Or is the point simply to discourage prostitution without criminalizing it or blaming the sex workers?

Exactly, by ensuring that the 'customers' are the ones who can be prosecuted it is aaver for those that want to get out seek help without running a personal risk for doing so. Sweden is often upheld as an example in this area.

 

[LadyFinn]

There could be more problems for the King and Queen and royal court coming, Aftonbladet's royal reporter Jenny Alexandersson writes at her column that Patrick lives for free in Drottningholm. I thought he pays rent just like the others living at the houses the King has the right of disposal. The press has for instance published the rent of princess Christina and others years ago.
The press has also pointed out that the King and Queen have given Patrick places to live also previously and have helped him to get jobs. And there are many articles with photos showing how close Patrick is to the royal family.

Jenny writes Patrick has more or less grown up as a sibling to Victoria, Carl Philip and Madeleine and being part of the royal family community means many privileges. Patrick says in the police interrogation 1.5 years ago that he doesn't have much control over his finances. The police state that he had an assessed annual income in 2022 of SEK 59,600.
A back injury in the early 2000s has put an end to full-time work. But Patrick doesn't need to worry. He lives for free in the king's property. He has no debts.
Being close to the royal family is the knowledge that everything you do affects the people's view of the royal family and the monarchy. Jenny thinks it is a rather small price to pay to be part of the family and be taken care of. The only thing required is don't commit any crime and behave well.
Patrick like everyone else should be considered innocent until proven otherwise but he himself opted out of the possibility of being washed clean.
Sommerlath valde bort möjligheten att bli rentvådd

On Wednesday, Queen Silvia was in the German Church to hand out a prize on behalf of Alzheimerfonden. On the way out, Expressen asked her about the man who was suspected of buying sex.
- No, no no, several people around the Queen exclaimed and did not want to let her answer.
But I still have to ask, was he at Drottningholm Palace?
- No but, dear, I'm here for dementia, says the queen and hurries on without answering any questions.
Silvia duckar frågor om släktingen_ ”Nej” _ Sverige _ Expressen

- This is not a day for questions, says King Carl Gustaf in connection with a visit to Karlskrona on Thursday.
Kungen vägrade svara om Patrick Sommerlath _ Sverige _ Expressen

 

[Muhler]

Exactly, by ensuring that the 'customers' are the ones who can be prosecuted it is aaver for those that want to get out seek help without running a personal risk for doing so. Sweden is often upheld as an example in this area.

Well, that sure was in intention. There is evidence that this policy puts the prostitutes at more risk.
Because now the prostitutes so to speak has to go where the costumers are, rather than the other way around.
It also means that a lot of prostitution has gone under ground. Again, increasing the risk of rape and/violence. But even worse: More minors become prostitutes in an underground environment, often taking bigger risks for less money and also being even more vulnerable to pimps. Because someone will likely facilitate the contact between the prostitute and the costumers.

But on another note: How will the police even prove that he was paying for sex?
As I understand it he went to a Thai-massage clinic. There is no price list saying anything about other services than massage. And he will indeed get a massage. - Just with a happy ending... - Because the girl "fancy" him and of her own "free will" and without extra charge let him ejaculate. That's basically how it works. It basically the only way it can work if you want the costumer to come to you, in a place where you can have a safer environment.
But how is the police going to prove anything, because unless the prostitutes are trafficked and seriously exploited, they have no interest in reporting their costumers to the police.

 

[LadyFinn]

Expressen:
It is unclear whether Patrick Sommerlath will continue to live in the property that is disposed of by the King. Margareta Thorgen said previously to Expressen that it is of course one of the things that will be discussed now.
In a new email comment Thorgren writes: "I can't answer the housing question today."
Patrick's decision to appear in Svensk Damtidning was his own, according to the court.
"We can state that [he] himself has chosen to go out in the media," writes Margareta Thorgren in an email.
Patrick Sommerlath kan tvingas flytta _ Kungligt _ Expressen

 

[Frelinghighness]

Well, that sure was in intention. There is evidence that this policy puts the prostitutes at more risk.
Because now the prostitutes so to speak has to go where the costumers are, rather than the other way around.
It also means that a lot of prostitution has gone under ground. Again, increasing the risk of rape and/violence. But even worse: More minors become prostitutes in an underground environment, often taking bigger risks for less money and also being even more vulnerable to pimps. Because someone will likely facilitate the contact between the prostitute and the costumers.

But on another note: How will the police even prove that he was paying for sex?
As I understand it he went to a Thai-massage clinic. There is no price list saying anything about other services than massage. And he will indeed get a massage. - Just with a happy ending... - Because the girl "fancy" him and of her own "free will" and without extra charge let him ejaculate. That's basically how it works. It basically the only way it can work if you want the costumer to come to you, in a place where you can have a safer environment.
But how is the police going to prove anything, because unless the prostitutes are trafficked and seriously exploited, they have no interest in reporting their costumers to the police.

Yes, that would be the result of that stupid law

 

[LadyFinn]

Several police officers have expressed disappointment at the lack of commitment from the court to help find Patrick Sommerlath.
But that image is not shared by Carl-Henric Svensson Eldmalm, group leader for the reporting section of the Stockholm police region.
- Based on the conditions, I think it has worked well on our part.
Polischefen efter kritiken om Patrick Sommerlath_ Bra samarbete med hovet _ Kungligt _ Expressen

 

[tommy100]

Oh wow, I just heard about this on social media. What a scandal. I think the SRF will really have no option but to cu ties with publicly with Patrick from now - of course they can still privately do what they please but I don't see how he can royal events again or continue to live in royal or crown properties.
Such a shame that his actions will, for a while at least, likely dent Silvia's reputation in her work against Commercial Sexual Exploitation. While she can't (and shouldn't) be held responsible for his actions unless he speaks out about it people will have difficulties seeing her campaign for something her own nephew has been part of without comment by her.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

If he is a private person, he should have paid rent like other occupants. This alone is not right. the rest is even worse, how can the SRF get into such a mess, with Silvia being ambassador against sexual expoitation.
The scandal is big in Germany too, many tabloids writing about it given Sivia's heritage.

 

[LadyFinn]

Margareta Thorgren, the director of the information department, has sent the King's statement to Expressen (paywall article).
Kungens ord om Patrick Sommerlath_ ”Mycket allvarligt” _ Kungligt _ Expressen

Svensk Damtidning quotes the article:
In a comment from the court to Expressen the King speaks for the first time about the accusations surrounding Patrick Sommerlath:
"The King has asked me to state that he and the Queen strongly dissociate from the fact that the person chose not to be reachable at the time of service andthey take the situation very seriously", the court's information director writes to the newspaper.
To Expressen, the King also chooses to respond to the accusations about how the court failed to help the police:
"The King further states that the court's approach is always to cooperate well with the police. According to the court's security department, it also applied to this incident".
Kungens första ord om anklagelserna mot Patrick Sommerlath _*Svensk Dam

 

[Somebody]

They clearly try to dissociate as much as possible; using 'this person' instead of his name or 'our nephew'... And it's not really interesting what the court's security department thinks of their own behavior; does the police agree (or is the court's security department part of the police?)?

 

[JR76]

They clearly try to dissociate as much as possible; using 'this person' instead of his name or 'our nephew'... And it's not really interesting what the court's security department thinks of their own behavior; does the police agree (or is the court's security department part of the police?)?

IPost 110 in this thread will answer your question. While individual police officers have voiced their criticism of the way the court have handled the matter the head of the department responsible to find and prosecute Patrick Sommerlath finds nothing wrong in how it was handled.

 

[LadyFinn]

Magnet fisherman in Amsterdam made a royal found in November. In a safe at the bottom of the canal several passports, car keys and a Rolex box - belonging to the Swedish royal relative - were found. The safe belonged to Tim de Toledo Sommerlath, son of Thomas de Toledo Sommerlath and grandson of queen Silvia's brother Ralf Sommerlath.
Tim tells at the phone to the fisherman that the safe was stolen in Belgium last year two days before Christmas. He also confirms that he is related to the Swedish Royal family.
Magnetfiskare hittade Silvia-släktings kassaskåp_ Finns min Rolex kvar_ - Aftonbladet TV
Magnetfiskare hittade skåp med Tim Sommerlaths pass