Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland

Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland (born Lillian May Davies on 30 August 1915) is a member of the Swedish Royal Family.

Biography

Early life

Born in Swansea, Wales, the daughter of William and Gladys Mary Davies, her first name was originally spelled Lillian, but she dropped one L when she became a fashion model. Princess Lilian is the widow of Prince Bertil, an uncle of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

First marriage and World War II

Briefly in the 1940s, she was married to Ivan Craig, an actor. In World War II, Lilian Craig worked at a factory that made radios for the Royal Navy and at a hospital for wounded soldiers.

econd marriage to Prince Bertil

In 1943, she met Prince Bertil of Sweden, in London, reportedly at a cocktail party held in honour of her 28th birthday. Soon after their meeting, they became lovers.

It seemed likely that Bertil would one day become Regent after his eldest brother Gustaf Adolf died in 1947, leaving a less than one-year-old son, and because other heirs had given up their places in the succession (owing to unacceptable marriages). For this reason, Bertil chose not to marry Lilian, as that would have deprived him of his place in the succession, so the couple simply lived together discreetly for more than 30 years. However, Bertil didn't become Regent since his father, the King, lived long enough to see his grandson Carl Gustaf come of age. Carl Gustaf soon afterwards ascended to the throne, and having married a commoner himself, he approved Bertil's and Lilian's marriage. They were married on 7 December 1976 at the Palace Church of Drottningholm Palace in the presence of the King and the Queen.

Bertil's death

Prince Bertil died on 5 January 1997 in their home, with Princess Lilian at his side. Since then, she has carried on to represent the Royal Family at official engagements and other occasions. She is the protector of many organisations, and also an honorary member of several clubs and societies which belonged to Prince Bertil's areas of interest.

Present

In 2000, Princess Lilian released a biography of her life with Prince Bertil.

At age 93, Princess Lilian is the oldest living member of the Swedish royal family. In August 2008 the Princess fell and broke her hip in her apartment.

External links

* [http://www.royalcourt.se/royalcourt/theroyalfamily/hrhprincesslilian.4.396160511584257f2180001074.html The Royal Court of Sweden: Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland]