The Swedish Royal Court announced the Engagement of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Silvia Sommerlath at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on this day in 1976, 50 years ago, a few months before their Wedding in June.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden announced his Engagement to Silvia Sommerlath at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, following an unofficial engagement of several months, with the announcement delayed until Silvia had completed her duties at the Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck.
A news conference was held the next day in the King’s official apartment at the palace. Carl Gustaf said that he and Silvia had a date in mind to marry and that the ceremony would definitely take place in the early summer. When asked during the press conference what attracted Carl Gustaf to Silvia, he simply answered, “She is Silvia. You can see for yourself.”
Carl Gustaf said he recognized his future wife already had an established career. Although he did not object to her working on principle, he doubted Silvia could hold a regular job as a translator while married to him. Besides, Silvia would be Queen as soon as she married Carl Gustaf, a job that was not only full-time but would incorporate Silvia’s linguistic skills. The press also asked the couple about their plans for children, to which Carl Gustaf asked to be allowed to get married first.
When asked what type of life she’d like to lead as Sweden’s queen, Silvia said she would like to live as normally as possible given her position. But the country and her new job did interest her a great deal, Silvia added. “I may have to give [up] some things after I marry, but on the other hand, I will get a sort of new job which I am very interested in,” Silvia explained. “I would like to take part in all affairs in Sweden, being a very curious person myself,” she added.
The King presented his fiancée with a single solitaire ring set with a 2-carat diamond, which had once belonged to his late mother, Princess Sibylla.
Carl Gustaf gave his fiancée a single solitaire ring set with a 2-carat diamond. The ring once belonged to his mother, Sibylla. Silvia was said to have been touched at receiving a ring with such a history. Carl Gustaf also wore a traditional and customary plain gold engagement ring.
In the evening, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia Sommerlath held a Dinner at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia Sommerlath got married at the Storkyrkan in Stockholm in June 1976 following a Gala Performance at the Royal Opera in Stockholm.
Swedish Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara
Princess Lilian’s Laurel Wreath Tiara
