Current Swedish law states that it is a criminal offence to store child porn. Anyone who produces, purchases or is in possession of pornographic images featuring children risks up to six years behind bars in Sweden, but just looking at such pictures on the internet is not illegal.

In an interview with Sveriges Radio, the queen said that she would like to see Swedish law come into line with its Scandinavian neighbours Denmark and Norway where the viewing of child porn is already illegal.

“It would be great if we could have this in Sweden too. These pictures, or films, remain on the internet. It would be an important step if we could go as far as in Norway or Denmark,” said Queen Silvia in Sveriges Radio’s Ekot current affairs program on Saturday.

Asked whether Swedes’ personal rights could be violated with such a law, the queen, a mother of three known for her commitment to children’s rights, said the rights of the victims came first.

“This is about children’s suffering. I think the children come first,” she said.

Experts have in the past noted that the number of people in Sweden who look at child pornography has soared due to the rising use of the Internet, where it is readily available.

The Swedish government has not decided on whether to introduce legislation to outlaw the practise.