Countess Gunnila Bernadotte, 91, has given an interview to Svensk Damtidning's last week's issue. Gunnila has moved from Villa Kungsberga, where she lived with her late husband count Carl Johan, to a new home in central Båstad. She says that living in Villa Kungsberga wasn't an alternative anymore since she doesn't drive a car. It would have been troublesome and lonesome. Now her friends can visit her and she them, and all is near: bank, shops, hairdresser.
Gunnila tells about life together with Carl Johan: they didn't like to be away from eachother. Carl Johan loved to be at home. They didn't have a boring moment, Carl Johan was so funny, spiritual and inquisitive, he loved a good conversation and was a great listener. He was involved in many things, like Chamber music in Båstad, tennis and many festivals, he read a lot, watched TV and knew always what was happening in the world. Everything was so easy for them, they didn't have any difficulties to adapt to each other although they met when they were quite old. Carl Johan was the most fascinating person she knew. They were old friends and had socialized as families during the years. Then their spouses died. Carl Johan used to come to the silver shop Gunnila worked and have a little chat. Gunnila remembers a lunch where she was invited. Carl Johan had called to the hostess and asked if Gunnila had promised to attend, and when he heard that she would come, Carl Johan accepted the invitation too. They were married on 29th September 1988 in Swedish Church in Copenhagen. After the wedding queen Ingrid hosted a family dinner in Fredensborg.
Gunnila tells that they travelled a lot together, especially to USA, where Gunnila's daughter Madeleine and granddaughter Anna live. Gunnila's other granddaughter Hedda lives in Luxembourg. Gunnila has also son Fred. Carl Johan's children Monica and Christian are also having a close contact to Gunnila. Carl Johan was called Johnnie or uncle Putte. Gunnila was asked if it was different to fall in love when being old, she was 65 years old when she married Carl Johan. Gunnila shakes her head and says: Love is always the same. Gunnila is happy that she has been able to attend the christenings of Estelle and Leonore and other royal events, she is over 90 years old!
