Svensk Damtidning's article about the king on the latest issue
Carl XVI Gustaf King of the People
As Sweden's head of state King Carl Gustaf's role is ceremonial and representative, he has no political power, but he still plays an extremely important role for the people. Like when the winds of disaster draw across the country. Then he is there for us, strong and calming in the crisis.
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Dagens Nyheter DN has a large exclusive interview of king Carl Gustaf today. Reporter Karin Eriksson and photographer Paul Hansen have been at the Royal Palace and the king at Stenhammar Castle.
King Carl XVI Gustaf: "We must live differently"
It is no ordinary day in the court's meeting room at the Royal Palace. Here, the management group at the court is usually gathered, and here the royal couple and the crown princess couple hold various so-called audiences on social issues with leaders and experts.
Now King Carl Gustaf's chair is empty. Queen Silvia's as well.
The head of state is on a big screen instead.
- Welcome to Stenhammar, he says.
The royal couple has been at Stenhammar castle for a few weeks. Both are healthy, but belong to the risk group in the corona epidemic. Therefore, they follow the advice of the authorities and work from home. They don't meet grandchildren, other than digital.
So the king connects on video link to the Palace to give an interview with DN.
- We have used this technology in recent days and had a number of meetings and it has been very good, he says.
But the spread of the new corona virus is nothing like what he has experienced during his nearly 47 years as head of Sweden.
- It's a global tragedy, a drama without equal. A movable target. It's moving all the time. We don't know how it ends, he says.
No one could believe that this would happen in Sweden.
We are all groping for examples in history that we can compare to - I see the king shaking his head now?
- You talk about Spanish flu and so on. But this is moving so much faster and has a different course. We travel so much. There is a new speed, no one could think that this would happen in Sweden. You go home and are safe in your life and surroundings and then this suddenly pops up, in the midst of us and among friends and acquaintances.
It was at the turn of the year that the king received information and became aware that a new virus had begun to spread in China.
- Then we could see quite scary movies, in SVT. We then felt, at a fairly early stage, that this was something we were not sufficiently familiar with.
On February 12, the royal couple and Crown Princess Victoria met representatives from the Public Health Agency, The National Board of Health and Welfare and The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.
- Then I got a good presentation, both of the situation in Sweden and what could come. They didn't really know how it would develop then.
In the beginning of March the court decided to postpone an official dinner. When the king met with representatives of the government at an additional Council of State on March 18, the arrangement was different. Fewer ministers than usual participated. The Crown Princess did not attend, as the head of state and the heir to the throne are kept separate during such acute crises.
The king conveyed a greeting "We are in a position that demands responsibility for oneself and others", the king noted. He returns to that.
- I hope we can get a sobering message that everyone listens to. And then not to listen to me in the first place, but to the experts and authorities. Today in the big media noise that exists, with social media, a lot of information comes. But it is those who have the overall information and overview that can make the best judgment.
Is there anything that the King has particularly seized on in all the images that are now spread in the reporting?
- We have to think about all the authorities and researchers and experts who work for almost 24 hours a day. We see that the healthcare professionals who work with this take risks for their own lives. It must be awful to work under such conditions. To have a physical press and work around the clock, and also this that you yourself can feel bad.
The King notes that it is difficult to say how long the stresses on health care will last.
- If we look at China then maybe, we might see opportunities for a decline in the number of victims. We do not know exactly when it started. But maybe you can count back from October, and count forward and hope, hope.
- Of course, we all want to take care of the people who are affected. For most people, it may be about financial insecurity. But you can lose family members, that is the most tragic what can happen. We all, we have to stick together here.
Sweden goes its own way in managing the spread of infection. What does it say?
- We'll see what comes out of it all. But we hope that the authorities and experts, with their knowledge and experience, will lead us to the best decisions.
The king said at the Council "difficult situations give us an opportunity to develop the best in us people". What's the best thing to come?
- That very talented researchers and experts come together and try to pick up the common strength, with all the knowledge we have in Sweden after all. We are a hugely well-organized country.
Being the head of state, a person that people listen to in the crisis, how does it feel?
- I have a hard time answering that. But I try to take the information that I have got, and repeat it in the best way.
Perhaps the king has an unusually high opportunity to set a good example, when the entire 40's generation is classified as a risk group.
There are people who in many cases feel that they are in the middle of their lives - nice and healthy, with lots of information ahead of them. This also applies to Sweden's head of state, which gives clear information in the DN about the state of health.
- Yes, I'm perfectly fine, says the king. But we all get older sooner or later. Unfortunately, our resistance to colds and other viruses is reduced over the years. You don't think about it, you don't notice it. But it is quite fantastic if you consider that our children are strong. Their resilience is so much more effective.
We have been able to see in the social debate that some have taken bad action by the councils on seeking social distance or isolating themselves. What does the king think about it?
- I don't understand that at all. It may be a little strange when I say it, but there is very much that you can take advantage of to do as you have not before, which may now be done. You can sit down and read a book. You can go in and clean. You can repaint the house. Take advantage of these days when you're home, simply. There is so much to do.
What is it that the king has done during this time?
- I have read books and we have just started project, where we are renovating an old cast iron sofa. It should be painted.
For the head of state, a lot of work also continues with discussions and meetings. However, all social activities such as meetings, study visits and dinners have been deleted or postponed in the future.
- It is clear that my business is normally very outgoing.
Not being able to be present in a crisis like this, how does it feel?
- It is difficult. I haven't been aware of that. Then you have to do this way, through the media, to convey thoughts. You have to call. Using Skype. Keep in touch with relatives.
- Apart from this, to move or walk in the forest, to try to have good health and to strengthen your physique. I think you should. Go out if you have the opportunity, and can move alone.
There are many people who can't escape to a country house, they don't have such opportunities. We see indications that the area is in dire straits in the crisis. What does the king want to say to them?
- Of course, we are aware of that. There are many people who live in cramped homes, in small apartments, and are alone. It is very difficult and it can be monotonous. But there are phones and cell phones. Use them then, more than usual. Keep in touch with each other.
I can see for my own parents that there is a special community in isolation. How's that for the king and the queen?
- Yes, so far it's been pretty good!
The King laughs.
- The queen also has her chores, which she devotes herself to.
How is the contact with the grandchildren?
- The grandchildren are quite small. Then it's not about sharing heavy thoughts on the phone. But we can use Skype.
And also with Princess Madeleine and her family in the US?
- Yes.
Well, there are people whose driving must be considered a crime against humanity. ?
