Queen Silvia gave a large interview to Aftonbladet in Silviahemmet on 11th June, when she delivered brooches and diplomas to Silvia Nurses and Silvia Sisters. She talked about dementia, but also about other things.
Parts of the interview
"I think mom is sitting on her cloud and is happy"
Now we have met for 17 years to talk about dementia issues.
- Has it been 17 years? It has happened a lot at that time. Now dementia is a topic that you see and talk about, and almost everyone is aware of it. It is a matter that concerns us all, also internationally. We recently had a seminar with Japan where dementia diseases are a major problem because of the age pyramid. In Japan, the oldest daughter took care of the parents when they grew older, now most people work so it has become a major problem.
Silviahemmet's rector Wilhelmina Hoffman emphasizes that more than a thousand Japanese have visited Silviahemmet over the years, the Queen nods proudly.
- When the Emperor was here, they wanted to come here. And the first thing they asked when we were there for dinner was "How is it going with Silviahemmet?" When I told that a Japanese doctor also had special knowledge studies in dementia here, there was a lot of "oh ...".
During the interview, the Queen reveals her next wish group for training specialized to dementia.
- A course for children, maybe? You may have to have a subject at school, a subject like ...
... humanity?
- Yes! Then you could naturally raise issues like dementia and for example dyslexia. I would wish that. Maybe to my 75th birthday? says the queen and laughs.
At Silviahemmet she can be relaxed and safe. For the last two decades, there have been several visits to the villa, which is converted into a beautiful functional place for dementia sufferers. It seems to have almost become an extra home for the queen.
- I'm cycling here sometimes. I know everyone here! Sometimes I come for lunch, and every time it's a lovely atmosphere, warm but also happy. I don't know how you do it. The staff and the guests, one should not say users ... you are like a family, you laugh very much together, she looks at Silviahemmet's rector and geriatrics.
How are the thoughts about your role? Is it easier or more difficult to be queen today than in the beginning?
- It's a task, I would say, not a role. My first task, of course, is to be at the king's side and support him. Now, our young people have also grown into different tasks. I don't interfere in politics, but I am happy to highlight some questions. I speak, among other things, with the ministers, but never publicly.
The queen mentioned Sweden and Swedes. Of course all aren't monarchists. How do you relate when you are the queen?
- I think it should be an open society. With respect for different opinions. You must have that? But of course, one should treat each other with respect. What is the most important feature of the regent role?
- Being open, listening, showing respect. We have always talked with our children about this, and I think they all have become open and curious. The Crown Princess, Madeleine and Carl Philip who has his design, it requires listening.
The queen also raised the issue of child sex trafficking under an praised international speech. Was there any doubt, and who supported that decision?
- The king, of course. It was an important issue about the vulnerability of the children, that we must strengthen children's rights. Then there was a group trying to turn it into a political issue. It surprised me, but now I think I understand. Sweden has understood children's rights by putting child pornography in the crime cod.
The World Childhood Foundation has so far supported 700 projects around the world, including in the queen's home country Brazil. How often there are trips to Brazil?
- I try every year. It's a wonderful country, but there are 280 million people there so there are big problems too.
How is the king's Portuguese?
- The King's? Unfortunately, he has not had much time to learn, but he likes the country.
How does the Queen feel for all meetings with day care patients here?
- Joy, I have to say. And to see the family's gratefulness that it's going to be fine ... how important it is to the relatives to know that they can feel good? It's so hard to be a relative. There is a respite needed to go to the bank, take care of grandchildren, and at the same time know that the sick person is here and feels good.
There is a vision of a dementia-friendly society. What is needed?
- Knowledge of managing diseases. As a relative, you can find the best solution, and include. Even a sick person wants to have his integrity, one has to respect that.
The queen has been involved since her own mother passed away. Then dementia was still not diagnosed specifically. Today she holds annual symposiums on dementia and has established a network of expertise both nationally and internationally. The commitment is somehow an attempt to give back to mother Alice, she explains.
- Sometimes I think of her, of course. I remember how difficult it was, for her but also for us others. It is a comfort that there has been something positive from the difficult. I think mom is sitting on a cloud and is happy when she sees this. And because I know how it was, I have been accepted when I talk about these questions.
That's also the reason why after some thought she gave her name to Silviahemmet.
- At first I was embarrassed by the idea. Would it be called Silviahemmet? And Silvia sisters? But then, 20 years ago, the assistant nurses had no status, so I gave my name to this gladly.
The queen's mother became 91 years old, it is 16 years left until the queen reaches the same age. How does it feel like turning 75 next time?
- Do you mean how I feel? You can't tell yourself, but I'm fine. I think my life is active, I'm still so curious about so much and there's still a lot to contribute.
What does the queen do when she wants a little fun?
- Yesterday I went for a walk.
Yesterday? In that heat and with that pressure? I sat inside all day.
- I went out. Silence. Being for yourself. The birds, the wind, the nature.
And the swimming pool at Drottningholm, how often it is used?
- I try, but I haven't time so often. But yesterday all the grandchildren were in it! Not the youngest, of course.
The queen's classic phrase: the grandchildren are the dessert of life begins to overflow. Seven christenings in seven years. How to get a place to so many desserts?
- It was my mom who once said it. How do you get a place in your heart? I think that's not a problem.
Drottning Silvia i intervju om demensvård och barnbarn _ Aftonbladet
Expressen quotes Aftonbladet's interview
Drottning Silvias drömpresent inför 75-årsdagen
