Sweden's Princess Lilian Dead At 97

When the Welsh born, once divorced Lilian Davies first moved to Sweden alongside her future husband Prince Bertil, members of the royal family urged the couple to keep their relationship a secret. She agreed and did her best to stay in the background and out of royal affairs. Eventually, however, magazines began printing photographs of the lovers playing golf, riding together on his motorbike and enjoying each other’s company. Much to everyone’s surprise, the Swedish people found an almost instant affection for her, and once the line of succession was assured through King Carl XVI Gustaf, Lilian and Bertil were allowed to marry in 1976. He passed away from lung problems in 1997, and this morning, his beloved wife joined him in the afterlife. She was 97.

Lilian and Bertil first met in London during World War II. Lilian, an actress and model, had recently married another actor, but he’d been shipped off to war not long after. Prince Bertil was stationed at the Swedish Embassy, and their paths crossed at a party in 1943. Pretty soon, they were hanging out regularly, and during air raids, he would come pick her up in his car and keep her safe in the Embassy.

After the war was over, Lilian’s husband, Ivan Craig, returned home. She was hoping to let him down gently, but hilariously, she didn’t have to. He’d also met someone else and was hoping to let her down gently. Instead, they happily separated without any ill-will and remained on good terms for the rest of their lives. She moved to Sweden and after decades of hiding in the shadows became one of the more popular figures in the royal court. For the last few years, she suffered from Alzheimer’s, but prior to that, she was very active in attending official ceremonies and giving out models including the Nobel Prize.

Pop Blend’s sincerest thoughts go out to the entire royal family.