The future Queen of Sweden has commenced her specialized officer training with the Swedish Armed Forces. This training is designed to prepare Crown Princess Victoria for her role as the future head of state, as she is the heir to her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf.
The 47-year-old mother of two was photographed in camouflage military uniform as she arrived at Karolinska University Hospital for her first day of training. Crown Princess Victoria was also seen taking notes during a lecture, sitting alongside her fellow cadets.
In a statement released on Monday, she expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “With great anticipation, I continue my military education at the Swedish Defense Academy today. Together with the other cadets, I will, among other things, immerse myself in tactics, military science, and military strategy. My ambition is to devote all my energy to officer training so that I can represent Sweden and the Armed Forces in the best possible way in the future. I look forward to an interesting and rewarding study time with my new coursemates!”
The special officer training program, which will last around 20 months, will equip Crown Princess Victoria with knowledge of military strategy and tactics, as well as prepare her for her future role as Queen. During this time, she is expected to reduce her royal duties.
Crown Princess Victoria, who shares Princess Estelle, 12, and Prince Oscar, eight, with her husband, Prince Daniel, has previously completed various forms of military training, including basic soldier training at SWEDINT (the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre).
She is not the only royal undergoing military training; Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth, Spain’s Princess Leonor, and Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexandra have all embarked on similar paths.