Who Will Pay for the Royal Wedding of the Year?

Last week’s announcement by the Swedish royal court that Crown Princess Victoria was engaged to her long-time boyfriend Daniel Westling brought much joy (and many cheers of “Finally!”) to the Swedes and royal-watchers around the globe. But in the aftermath of the announcement, the crucial question of who will pay for the royal wedding of 2010 has been brought up in the Swedish parliament.

The current Swedish government has expressed that if approached by the royal court for more funds in next year’s budget to pay for the royal wedding – estimated to cost at least 10 million Swedish Krona – they will allow extra money to be provided. But opposition comes from Sweden’s Left Party, whose spokeswoman Ulla Andersson said, “I believe that this is not exactly a poor family. They already have tax money at their disposal each year, and I think they should manage with what they have received over the years.” She also went on to say that the current economic crisis should also be shared with the royal court.

Four of Sweden’s other political parties have not expressed opposition to extra money going towards the Crown Princess’ wedding, with the Christian Democrats telling Svenska Dagbladet the government should “have a positive attitude” if the court requests more money.

In a poll conducted by Aftonbladet, 70% of its readers believe that the King should pay for Victoria and Daniel’s wedding himself. 22% said they would be okay with the royal court and the state to split the cost; and the remaining eight percent believe the state should pay for the whole wedding.

Public support for financing the wedding is not very high, with a Facebook group called Vägra betala Victorias bröllop! (“Refuse to pay for Victoria’s Wedding”) being created (although mainly by those who oppose the monarchy); currently with over 21,000 members.

In addition to the debate on financing the wedding, Aftonbladet ran a poll of their readers asking them whether they believe King Carl XVI Gustaf should abdicate in favour of his daughter soon, and one-third of those who took part in the poll believe the King should retire when he turns 65 in 2011. 45% of the poll (the winning majority) want Carl Gustaf to remain the Swedish head of state. The poll also showed that Victoria is the favourite child of the King and Queen, with two-thirds believing that she is best for the job of heir.

Filed under Sweden
Tagged Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Finances, Public Opinion, Swedish Royal Wedding 2010.

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