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Princess Birgitta, born in 1937 at Haga Castle, was the second child of Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. She grew up at Haga Castle with her siblings, and attended boarding school in Switzerland. After, she trained as a gymnastics director at the Central Institute of Gymnastics (now the University of Gymnastics and Sports), and worked for a time at Brom’s school.
While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, the palace confirmed the news on Instagram, noting that she leaves behind three children and their families.
In a statement, King Gustaf XVI expressed his sorrow, saying: “With great sadness today, I have received the news that my sister, Princess Birgitta, has died.
“My sister was a colourful and straightforward person who will be deeply missed by me and my family. Together with my entire family, I send my condolences to Princess Birgitta’s children and grandchildren.”
Princess Birgitta, who studied gymnastics at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, had three children — Prince Carl, Princess Desiree, and Prince Hubertus — with her art historian husband.
Unlike her sisters, she retained her royal title after marriage, as her husband was of equal royal rank.
Princess Birgitta, born in 1937 at Haga Castle, was the second eldest child of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. The royal spent much of her life outside Sweden, primarily in Majorca, Spain. She was known for her relaxed and colourful lifestyle, which set her apart from other members of the royal family.
Dedicated to charitable causes, she co-founded the HELP Foundation, which supports vulnerable children worldwide. A passionate golfer, she also organised her own tournament, the Princess Birgitta Trophy, held at her home course in Spain.
In a 2009 Summer Program on P1, Birgitta expressed her commitment to children’s welfare, saying: “Whenever people ask what I want to do for charity, I always reply: only if it’s about children, because they are our future.”
Although Birgitta separated from her husband, Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern, in 1990, the two remained married. Johann lived in Munich while Birgitta resided in Spain. Prince Johann passed away in 2016 at 83.
Birgitta is survived by all three of her children, and numerous grandchildren. According to the Swedish royal house, “Princess Birgitta will rest at the Royal Palace. The burial site in Hagaparken, according to the Princess’ wishes. Burial takes place in the circle of the Princess’s family.” No further information has been shared regarding her funeral.
The Official Statement by The Swedish Royal Court Reads as follows
HRH Princess Birgitta, sister of HM The King, passed away on the island of Mallorca on Wednesday 4th December 2024. The Princess was 87 years old.
On the occasion of the death of HRH Princess Birgitta, the following statement is made by HM The King:
“With great sadness, I have today received the news that my sister, Princess Birgitta, has passed away. My sister was a colorful and forthright person who will be deeply missed by me and my family. Together with all my family, I send my condolences to Princess Birgitta’s children and grandchildren.”
Princess Birgitta was the widow of Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern (1932–2016) and lived on the Spanish island of Mallorca for many years. Princess Birgitta leaves behind her three children and their families.
Flags at half mast
HM The King has ordered the flags at Drottningholm Palace and Haga Palace to be flown at half mast on the 5th December.
Funeral arrangements
Her Royal Highness will be laid to rest at the Royal Cemetery in Haga Park in Stockholm, in keeping with the wishes of The Princess. The burial will take place in the presence of The Princess’ family.
Additional information regarding Princess Birgitta’s funeral will be provided at a later date.
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