The King says no to refugees at the Royal Palace - but opens to find other premises to be used as housing for asylum seekers.
The National Property Board, which owns the palaces which the king disposes, is sympathetic to an initiative from the court.
- Overall, it's a great idea to make use of premises that are never used, says Johan Zetterberg, property director at the Agency for Administrative.
The housing situation of asylum seekers is acute and the government has announced that Sweden can no longer guarantee shelter to all who come.
That has made the king to consider how the court could help.
- The Royal Family are following and are incredibly committed to this issue. Based on the situation that is like that many help in various ways, and even the royal family has done it by supporting established organizations specifically working with refugees, says Margareta Thorgren.
The Royal Court and the royal family's charitable foundations manage over two billion, and it is through them they have contributed with their support. The court has previously received requests from the public to allow asylum seekers to stay overnight at the Royal Palace, which they, however, have dismissed.
- The Royal Palace is one of Sweden's most important tourist destinations and also museum and workplace for many people, says Thorgren.
In contrast, the king is open to "other creative suggestions". But when it comes to the properties Thorgren believes that any initiative should come from the National Property Board, which formally owns the Palaces.
What would you answer if the National Property Board will find a suitable property as the king disposes?
- Then we would discuss it, yes, says Thorgren.
The National Property Board, which manages state property, earlier this year sent a list of areas of land that could be used to build new asylum accommodation.
So if the king gets in touch and wants to lend a room or residence to refugees you are in favor?
- Yes, of course. What we need to monitor, for example, cultural values and assets. But otherwise, we think that overall it is a great idea to use premises that are never used.
Hovet öppnar för asylboende - DN.SE
Translation
The King and the rest of the family are strongly committed to the refugee issue. But the court denies now that the King's properties in Sweden would be actual as asylum places:
- No, that's not true, says Margareta Thorgren
That the king's properties in Sweden which he uses through the National Property Board would function as asylum accommodation is not true according to Ms Thorgren.
- No, it's nothing that has been an issue. And will also not be relevant in the present. It is simply not true.
Hovet dementerar_ Inga asylboenden _ Nyheter _ Expressen
Translation