The Tsunami in South East Asia (Reactions of the Swedish Royals)

[moosey60]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...divided29.html

I cut and pasted some parts of the article. See the whole thing by clicking on the link. These are some stories about four Swedish children:
PHUKET, Thailand — When the raging ocean waters subsided, 7-year-old Karl Nilsson from Sweden thought he had been transported to another city. He was still in the same place, but his parents and two brothers, with him moments earlier, had vanished.

Karl now is being cared for in Phuket by a Swedish family and hoping his relatives are not among the more than 1,500 people killed when a tsunami overwhelmed this tropical paradise Sunday, pushed by an earthquake hundreds of miles away under the Indian Ocean.
Dr. Marie Gulbstrand from Stockholm, Sweden, said her family found Karl at a shelter. He told her he was in a hotel with his two brothers early Sunday while his parents, Thomas and Asa, were outdoors.

A torrent of water suddenly surged into the room.

"He told me: 'I was under the water, but somehow I could breathe. I was just closing my eyes and moving with the waves. Then, suddenly the flood ended and I was in another city,' " Gulbstrand said.

Unable to find his family, Karl wandered alone until he was helped by some local residents. A Swedish couple took him to a Buddhist temple, one of many on the island serving as temporary shelters.

This issue of children being left orphaned, or even just basically misplaced ... is going to be huge, because they obviously have no form of identification."
Confronted with that problem, staff at Phuket International Hospital posted a picture of a blond-haired, 2-year-old boy on the Internet. He had been found along a roadside after the resort of Khao Lak was torn apart, his face reddened by mosquito bites.

All hospital staff could determine was that the boy appeared to respond to Swedish. The posting drew dozens of foreign parents to the hospital, not all of them Swedes, desperately hoping to find missing children.

Little Hannes Bergstroem, of Goteborg, Sweden, was one of the lucky ones: His uncle, whom hospital staff would identify only as Jim, arrived yesterday and collected the boy after seeing his picture on the Web.

"This is a miracle, the biggest thing that could happen," Jim said.

The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the boy's mother and grandmother were missing, but later media reports said he was reunited with his grandmother. His father and grandfather were believed to be at another hospital in Thailand, but their exact location and conditions were not immediately known.

The Bergman brothers, 3-year-old Nils and 18-month-old Hannes, survived the disaster in Khao Lak and made it to neighboring Phuket with their father, Carl Michael. But their mother, Cecilia, remained missing.

Hannes Bergman was found unconscious by a tourist near a Khao Lak swimming pool and reportedly was taken by a Thai princess — his father was not told which one — to a local hospital by helicopter.

The broken family was spending time in the Phuket Island Pavilion hotel with other Swedes last night, handing out fliers with pictures of Cecilia. The father said Nils asks whether they will find his mother and Hannes cries out: "Mama! Mama!" when he sees televised images of the waves blasting into the resorts.

Carl Michael Bergman still held hope his wife would be found, but he also had a message for the princess who saved his son: "She has saved his life, but also my soul because I couldn't survive if I lost them both."

[Vicomtesse]

Hmm...I wonder why some people still keep defending Victoria???
Why can't people be objective about her and realize that even though you may like her a lot she has very definitely misstepped with this tsumani situation.
Clearly not the super wonderful princess everyone thought she was.
She is a rather selfish person continuing to holiday rather than be a leader like she should.

[Dennism]

Originally Posted by Alexandria

As for Victoria possibly not making a public appearance because she may have lost friends -- while grief is a private matter, the (sad) fact that Victoria may have known someone affected by this tragedy could pose a different example of sorts. One, to demystify that royals are "super human" and are as touched and affected by such tragedies as other "regular" humans. Victoria's strength through such a loss could be an example to others on how to cope with such an incomprehensible loss, whether it be talking about how you feel about such a loss, or such a loss encouraging action by oneself whether it's making a monetary donation, reaching out to others or whatever.

One day when Victoria is Queen, and her parents are deceased and aren't around to be such examples (though their example here hasn't seemed much to Victoria), when such crises arise it will be Victoria to whom other Swedes look upon for guidance. If Victoria can't simply follow the lead of her parents now, then how will Victoria lead the masses when the time comes? When she is Queen and crises of a local, regional or national matter arise Victoria can't just hide away in the palace with Daniel or whomever; it will be her that is expected to reach out the Swedish people and make heartfelt gestures to the public as her father has done these past few days.

All in all this is not boding well for Victoria. I wonder if there are public opinon polls at this time and how Victoria fares in them in light of her absence during this time. No doubt the public's opinion of the King has vastly improved and the Queen has remained as popular as ever.

It´s possible she has had close friends but I think the Press would have noted this before. I mean most of her close friends are indeed well-known. From the most famous families in Sweden. Leaders must lead in times of crises. That is when it counts the most. Future and opposition leaders stand next to current leaders and offer the public reassurance for the future. Continuity as well. Otherwise, I agree with Alexandria. Well said.

[GrandDuchess]

Another report from the live fundraising evening on SVT.

The King and Queen were just on again a little while ago. They had a sit-down with one of the programme hosts. The King’s comment/statement was great once again - I think tonight he’s made the two best spontaneous comments/statements I’ve ever heard him make.

He said that he has gotten excellent briefings on the situation, and has talked to the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, who was the first one to arrive in Phuket. The King talked about children in this, and especially those who have lost their parents. He stressed the importance of the surroundings telling these children as much as possible about their parents, going though it together with them and let them have a process – and doing this when they’re ready for it. He and the Queen were very touched by two boys they met at their visit to the crisis- and family centre at Arlanda Airport, who had lost their parents.

The King also got very personal when he was asked about his own experiences with loss of near and dear ones, and how one can handle it. He said that he was so young when he lost his father, that he grew up not even knowing really that he had one. When he played with his friends, he just heard them saying “father/dad” to their fathers, but didn’t really understand the meaning of him not having one then. In those day he said, it was taboo to speak about it. He was not told how or why his father died, and it was just shut out and not mentioned – he didn’t get to know anything about his father when he was young – and so it made it very special to process when he was older. (as we all know, the King was the last one, together with his sisters, to be brought up in the old fashioned and extremely strict Royal Court that used to be in the old days)

The Queen said that World Childhood Organisation has been working with an organisation helping children in Thailand (Phuket) for a year now, and that on Tuesday they will see if they can help them to help down there at this time (I guess a meeting between the organisations or something).

[Lena]

Originally Posted by Vicomtesse

Hmm...I wonder why some people still keep defending Victoria???
Why can't people be objective about her and realize that even though you may like her a lot she has very definitely misstepped with this tsumani situation.
Clearly not the super wonderful princess everyone thought she was.
She is a rather selfish person continuing to holiday rather than be a leader like she should.

I agree with you. It´s probably just, that we/they aren´t used to such a behaviour of Victoria. That´s why she´s defended. And so far we really don´t know 100% surely, why she´s still abroad.
But high likely it´s really a selfish reason.
Princess Madeleine´s comment doesn´t let me assume, the Royal family has lost close friends:
"Man har bekanta, alla känner ju någon eller vet någon, sa prinsessan Madeleine."
"One/we have acquaintances (who are missing) , all know someone, who knows someone"

Of course to know acquaintances, who are high likely dead is sad. The whole situation is sad. And I guess we all, who have seen the pictures and who have heard the terrible facts feel a sad, nightmarish, helpless feeling. But that´s not compareable to the feelings of those, who have lost a close long-time friend.

[Dennism]

Good to see that the WCF is involved in Phuket. I knew they were working in Thailand but I had forgotten that it was in Phuket. It´s good to see the King open up. Yes, the circumstances of his childhood make this all the more poignant for him.

[Lena]

Originally Posted by GrandDuchess

Another report from the live fundraising evening on SVT.

The King and Queen were just on again a little while ago. They had a sit-down with one of the programme hosts. The King’s comment/statement was great once again - I think tonight he’s made the two best spontaneous comments/statements I’ve ever heard him make.

He said that he has gotten excellent briefings on the situation, and has talked to the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, who was the first one to arrive in Phuket. The King talked about children in this, and especially those who have lost their parents. He stressed the importance of the surroundings telling these children as much as possible about their parents, going though it together with them and let them have a process – and doing this when they’re ready for it. He and the Queen were very touched by two boys they met at their visit to the crisis- and family centre at Arlanda Airport, who had lost their parents.

The King also got very personal when he was asked about his own experiences with loss of near and dear ones, and how one can handle it. He said that he was so young when he lost his father, that he grew up not even knowing really that he had one. When he played with his friends, he just heard them saying “father/dad” to their fathers, but didn’t really understand the meaning of him not having one then. In those day he said, it was taboo to speak about it. He was not told how or why his father died, and it was just shut out and not mentioned – he didn’t get to know anything about his father when he was young – and so it made it very special to process when he was older. (as we all know, the King was the last one, together with his sisters, to be brought up in the old fashioned and extremely strict Royal Court that used to be in the old days)

The Queen said that World Childhood Organisation has been working with an organisation helping children in Thailand (Phuket) for a year now, and that on Tuesday they will see if they can help them to help down there at this time (I guess a meeting between the organisations or something).

Thank you, GrandDuchess! I´m so impressed of the king these days! It´s so wonderfully, that he shared his personal experiences on losing a parent with the swedish people in this difficult situation! Hurrah to the king!

[Dennism]

I second that emotion. Bravo to the King!

[Boris]

I absolutely understand the uproar regarding CP Victoria's absence.

So the WHOLE Swedish Royal Family attended the fundraiser, they all even made their personal feelings known, informed the public about their charities & how they are going to help etc., but the Crown Princess is 'abroad'..... 'Never heard of airplanes?' indeed.

I'm glad that Prince Carl Philip & Princess Madeleine attended regardless of their older sister being absent. I believe it must have been Victora's own choice, unfortunately. The King & Queen had been 'abroad' themselves - on Christmas holiday - when the catastrophe occured, only to rush back home immediately and swing into action effectively. Even if the Crown Princess was on the other side of the planet, she could have made it back home by now. A very grave error of judgement - on her part, I fear.

In addition, the Swedish Court doesn't seem to make any excuses for her. Taking into account that the other Royal children participated in today's TV charity program, I'm beginning to wonder if there might even have been a fall-out over this issue between the Royal parents and the heiress to the throne.

All of CP Victoria's talk about her role being so difficult starts to sound shallow when she doesn't live up to the opportunity to do good works when she easily can, thanks to her 'difficult' role, in a moment of need.

In any case, IMO the damage to CP Victoria's image has been done. Disturbing. Disappointing. Sad.

[Genevieve]

Originally Posted by GrandDuchess

Princess Madeleine didn’t say much, she agreed with her brother and said it’s important to give financial support (they all did - as it's a fundraising evening).

PS. Prince Carl Philip really impressed me. It sounded like he had “taken” Victoria’s place in her absence tonight and spoke very wisely in a calm and mature way. DS.

I've never thought of Madeline as being very deep so I'm not surprised that much of her comments simply echoed her brother's comments or that she could come up with something different and original to say. But at least she made an appearance. You can at least give the girl credit for that.

[pdas1201]

King Carl Gustaf is seated with his family in a studio of the public Swedish Broadcaster SVT, during a program to collect money for the victims of Tsunami. The program collected more than 100 million Swedish Crowns (1,470,000 USD)

[Genevieve]

Originally Posted by Boris

I'm glad that Prince Carl Philip & Princess Madeleine attended regardless of their older sister being absent. I believe it must have been Victora's own choice, unfortunately. The King & Queen had been 'abroad' themselves - on Christmas holiday - when the catastrophe occured, only to rush back home immediately and swing into action effectively. Even if the Crown Princess was on the other side of the planet, she could have made it back home by now. A very grave error of judgement - on her part, I fear.

In addition, the Swedish Court doesn't seem to make any excuses for her. Taking into account that the other Royal children participated in today's TV charity program, I'm beginning to wonder if there might even have been a fall-out over this issue between the Royal parents and the heiress to the throne.

All of CP Victoria's talk about her role being so difficult starts to sound shallow when she doesn't live up to the opportunity to do good works when she easily can, thanks to her 'difficult' role, in a moment of need.

In any case, IMO the damage to CP Victoria's image has been done. Disturbing. Disappointing. Sad.

I'm glad the royal court isn't making excuses for their precious Victoria and that even they recognize the severe error in judgement she has made in not appearing alongside her parents and siblings this past week. Nobody should be making excuses for Victoria at this point. She has made a serious mistake (what happened to that advisor and mentor of hers?) in judging the severity of this situation and the need for her presence. (Did anyone ask Carl Phillip or Madeline where they have been all week until the fund raiser?)

If Victoria couldn't have been there immediately after she heard the news, but had shown up mid week, say by Tuesday or Wednesday, then at least the royal court could've made excuses for saying that she was travelling or delayed in hearing the news. But now it is a week later and not a hint of Victoria.

This situation has done much to damage Victoria's image. That her siblings have finally made an appearance has only done further damage. Had her siblings remained in seculstion as well it would not have reflected so starkly on Victoria.

This whole situation reminds me of the days following Diana's death when the Queen would not publicly acknowledged the death or the public's grief over the death of the Princess of Wales. Until there was fervent demand for a comment from the queen including commentaries in various British newspapers did the Queen make an apperance on television. I wonder why the media in Sweden has not questioned Victoria's absence so fervently yet? It seems peculiar to me that nobody would question the absence of the Crown Princess yet or simply accept that she was still "abroad" at such a crucial time in her country's life.

[hrhcp]

Originally Posted by Genevieve

But now it is a week later and not a hint of Victoria.

This situation has done much to damage Victoria's image.

Either she's over there .... getting a spectacular photo-shoot done, or she's in the process of getting pregnant ...

[Josefine]

where they at TV4 also

[Lena]

Originally Posted by Boris

All of CP Victoria's talk about her role being so difficult starts to sound shallow when she doesn't live up to the opportunity to do good works when she easily can, thanks to her 'difficult' role, in a moment of need.

With that you made IMO a very good point, Boris.

[Boris]

Thanks Lena - for understanding the point I tried to make.
I'm not inclined to think that being born into a Royal Family is a bed of roses; it certainly comes with a lot of baggage too and therefore it can surely be 'difficult'.
CP Victoria certainly suffered from it & nobody should ever hold it against her, BUT...
...watching the unity of the Swedish Royal Family tonight (via Satellite on my part, and delayed), all of them dressed in black and each of them supportive of the King who suddenly & unexpectedly became quite emotional, I found this to be the most honest & touching display of support for people suffering out there which I have seen in a long time in any Royal Family...
And it would have been perfect IF ONLY ---- if only the Crown Princess would have been there.
I can't help but remind everybody of the King's Christmas speech which was designed to strengthen support for the Crown Princess. He went out of his way to sing her praises. Very touching, too. And now THIS.