Back from their honeymoon in the Seychelles, Princess Madeleine has told the Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet (SvD) that the couple are still “in paradise” as they spend a traditional summer at Solliden, the royal family’s residence on the island of Öland.
“In a way, you could say the honeymoon continues, although we are back in Sweden,” she said. “I’m usually sitting in front of a computer at some part of the day so I know the honeymoon, unfortunately, is over.”
The New York-based couple, who married in early June, said they were intent on continuing to juggle their private lives and public personas.
Madeleine holds a position with the Childhood Foundation, a charity set up by her mother Queen Silvia, while financier O’Neill chose to refrain from a royal title and stick to office duties instead. They now hope to have children, but not yet, they said.
“To continue my career is really important to me,” he said. “I chose not to receive a title as it would prevent me from my dream to continue my work. Obviously, I did that in consultation with Madeleine and the king and queen. It was important for me to have their blessing.”
The pair met in 2010 after Princess Madeleine fled to the Big Apple following an acrimonious break-up with her former fiancé.
“I didn’t know from the start that Madeleine was a Swedish princess,” added O’Neill. “But of course I found out very quickly. It would have been different if we had met in Sweden.”
Princess Madeleine admitted she enjoys the obscurity of New York life. “There are so many different people there and I feel I blend in,” she explained. “I can walk down the street and no one looks at me.”
The two also discussed their annoyance at the invasion of privacy, following the publication of beach-wear paparazzi pictures in the Swedish press.
“A honeymoon is a special occasion in life when you just want to be alone,” Madeleine said. “It is a little bubble of emotion and joy after the happiness of the wedding. To be then chased by someone who breaks that bubble made us very sad.”
They said, however, that they could laugh at the coverage following their engagement video, published on the royal court’s website as the couple announced their impending nuptials. Madeleine’s closing smile and the “tihi” remark spread on social media and became a favourite phrase of the nation.
“Yes, it was terrible,” said Madeleine. “It’s become a bit of a joke in the family.”
The Local/cd
Please whitelist us to continue reading.
Member comments