The Royal Family in Scandinavia: A Gossip-Free Society or Invisible Gossip?

When it comes to royal gossip, the countries of Norway and Sweden are often mentioned in the same breath as the United Kingdom. However, this is more of a myth than the reality. In these Scandinavian nations, royal gossip is largely non-existent, or at best, confined to niche publications.

Royal Gossip in Scandinavian Media

Unlike the British media, which is known for its extensive coverage of royal scandals and gossip, Scandinavian media outlets play down such stories. For instance, one of the Big Five Swedish newspapers, Dagens Nyheter, has only mentioned King Carl XVI Gustaf's news-worthy activity once in the last month. This activity was related to the Swedish Academy, a topic that made headlines. Similarly, the Queen's last mention was during her visit to a sports event in March.

While such mentions are rare, it is not entirely unknown for major Swedish media outlets to report on royal news. However, these reports are typically positive and respectful, such as Expressen's report on Princess Victoria’s visit to Paris in 2018.

A Generational Shift and Positive Reputation

One of the key factors se anyone can now shift in Swedish public opinion regarding the monarchy is the arrival of the current Crown Princess Victoria and her children. With multiple small children now within the family, the Swedish public has become increasingly fond of the royal family. Their popularity is reflected in the success of their PR campaigns. Despite continued criticism and questions about the monarchy in Sweden, the opposition has largely been muted due to the widespread support for the royal family.

Moreover, the media coverage of the royal family in Sweden and Norway is overwhelmingly positive. Even when there are occasional negative stories, they are short-lived and generally forgotten. Nowadays, most people's interest lies in images and stories of the young princes and princesses, rather than any perceived scandals.

Impact on Media Coverage and Future Prospects

The current royal generation, with its young and active members, has undoubtedly contributed to the harmonious relationship between the royal family and the media. This period of innocence and lack of scandal has fostered a sense of companionship and shared values between the people and their monarchs. As Princess Madeleine grew older, her media portrayal included more attention to her partying and other scandals, suggesting that this pattern may reoccur with the younger generation.

However, the stability of the current situation is strong. There is a minimal percentage of the population that would oppose the future ascension of Crown Princess Victoria to the throne. The monarchy remains steady and secure, both in the present and in the future.

In conclusion, the royal family in Norway and Sweden enjoys a unique status where gossip is minimal, and the relationship between the royal family and the media is predominantly positive and respectful. This situation is largely due to the current generations of royalty and their successful PR, as well as the historical context of the monarchy in Sweden.