Crown Princess of Sweden attends opening of Sami Parliament

Crown Princess of Sweden attends opening of Sami Parliament

On Wednesday, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden attended the opening of the Sami Parliament in Östersund at Mid Sweden University which began a new four-year term (2017-2021).

There were over 70 guests in attendance including the Minister of Culture, Alice Bah Kuhnke and President of the UN Committee on Racial Discrimination, Anastasia Crickley. The Crown Princess and the other attendees were dressed in traditional Sami clothing for the ceremony. Her Royal Highness wore a listening device as the Sami language was spoken and later met with the representatives from the various parties in the legislative body.

She was also greeted upon arrival by three-year-old Matilda, whose father had just been elected.

Crown Princess Victoria and Alice Bah Kuhnke at the opening of the Sami Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Kungahuset.se

The Royal Court explained, “The Sámi Parliament is a state authority with special responsibility for languages, culture and watercourses. The elected parliament consists of 31 members who meet in plenary three times a year.”

Her Royal Highness was in attendance at the opening of the Sami Parliament in 2009, as well.

At first, the Swedish Royal Family could not send anyone to the opening due to scheduling conflicts leading to criticism of the Royal Family. However, Crown Princess Victoria rearranged her scheduled to be able to attend.

The Sami Parliament represents the people of Sami heritage in Sweden. Its first session was opened by the Crown Princess’s father, King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1993 in Kiruna. There is also a Sami Parliament in the Sweden’s neighbouring kingdom, Norway, as well as Finland and Russia.

Victoria’s attendance at the ceremony came just one day before the birth of her youngest nephew. The Crown Princess’s sister-in-law, Princess Sofia, gave birth to her and Prince Carl Philip’s second child, a son weighing 3400 g. His name and title will be revealed by the King during a cabinet meeting at 11:15 on Monday. The newest Swedish royal is sixth in line to the throne.