Royal Profile: Prince Carl Philip of Sweden

Prince Carl Philip. Image credit

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden was expected to inherit the throne when he was born on May 13, 1979. However, by an act of fate, or more aptly by an act of the Swedish parliament, he was relegated as the number 2 heir of the realm that time (now, he is third, next to Crown Princess Victoria's daughter Princess Estelle). His elder sister, Princess Victoria, has become heiress apparent and crown princess on January 1, 1980. But it seems Prince Carl Philip has no regrets or does not envy his sister's position. He is more than happy to play his role in support of the monarchy. After all, he remains one of the most desirable bachelors in the world.

Prince Carl Philip's father is King Carl XVI Gustaf, while his mother is Queen Silvia, nee Sommerlath.

Prince Carl Philip took his preschool education (1984-1986) the Västerled Parish preschool before he attended Smedslättsskolan in Bromma, where he spent his junior level. He then proceeded to Ålstensskolan in Bromma for intermediate level. In 1992, he took senior level at Enskilda Gymnasiet in Stockholm. In the autumn of 1994, Prince Carl Philip went to Kent School, then proceeded to Lundsbergs upper secondary school where he took science programs and graduated in 1999. His interest his graphic arts was further honed by attending Rhode Island School of Design. Among his accomplishments there included working on a museum identity design project. In 2011, he finished a course in Agricultural and Rural Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp.

Prince Carl Philip (left) with his siblings, Crown Princess Victoria
and Princess Madeleine. Image credit

Prince Carl Philip wearing on duty uniform. Image credit

Prince Carl Philip is one of the most active members of the Royal Family, acting as his father’s and sister’s official representative. A keen outdoor enthusiast, he is particularly fond of football, swimming, and skiing. He joined the historic Swedish "Vasaloppet", the longest cross country ski race in the world in 2003. He also loves car racing, a passion that he shared with his grand-uncle and godfather, Prince Bertil. In fact, he holds a license to compete and has been joining race cups, including Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia and the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship.

Prince Carl Philip after one of the races. Image credit

Prince Carl Philip at an official function. Image credit

The Prince trained in the military, where he was the combat boat commander at the Amphibious Battalion at Vaxholm's Coast Artillery Regiment (2000). He was promoted fänrik (midshipman) in 2002 and löjtnant (sub-lieutenant) in 2004. He was eventually promoted as lieutenant of the Swedish Navy upon completion of courses at the Swedish National Defense College.