How many of us girls have dreamed at one time or another of being a princess? Most of us I presume...I have to admit, I've been a Princess dreamer myself! Ok...ok, you guys too-have you ever dreamed of being a prince? How far-fetched is that? But, I'm sure it's true...we've all tried to imagine what it would be like to be some sort of royalty, if any of you are royalty, you'd better fess up! Now!!!
I didn't realize there were so many princesses and princes in our midst, like from, Denmark, Netherlands, Holland, Japan, and, of course, we're familiar with the royalty from the beautiful United Kingdom! They seem so close to us, and, they let us into their lives! We're included in their fun activities and current news (which is always fascinating!) Alright, alright-I'll get to my point! About a week ago an article rolled across my desk into KardKorner territory about a lady who waited most of her life to become a princess!
As the story unfolds, 16 year old Lillian Davies journeyed from her homeland in Wales to pursue an acting and modeling career in London. She did manage to land some small parts modeling hats and gloves in commercials, and a few small parts in movies. Lillian could also be seen in some fashion magazines like Vogue. Once she had landed a few modeling jobs, Lillian dropped the double ll from her name, to just Lilian. In 1940, she met and married British actor Ivan Craig, who, was then drafted into the British Army after WWII broke out. During that time, Lilian worked in a factory making radio sets for the British Merchant's Fleet, and, too, in a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Well, dear readers, it seems as tho one 'enchanted' evening, while socializing at the extravagant 'Les Ambassadeurs' night club, Lilian met a handsome prince! It was Prince Bertil of Sweden, the third son of King Gustaf VI Adolf and Crown Princess Margaret of Connaught. Lilian later invited Prince Bertil to a cocktail party in her London apartment. After an episode regarding an air raid in her neighborhood, where the Prince fetched her in his car, the two embarked on a relationship that just literally gripped the hearts of the people of Sweden. It turns out that Lilian's then husband Ivan, too, had met someone, so after just a few years of marriage, Lilian and Ivan amicably dissolved their union to go their separate ways.
Prince Bertil * Duke of Halland
Prince Bertil was stationed at the British Embassy when he and Lilian met, and, he was next in succession to the throne. However, his relationship with Lilian changed that outcome, and his father, King Gustaf, of course, forbade the prince to marry the divorced commoner. Ironically, Bertil's brother, 2nd oldest Sigvard Oscar...had also been removed from the line of succession, for marrying a commoner. Prince Gustaf Adolf, the oldest brother, perished in a plane crash, leaving an infant son, who later became King of Sweden. Consequently, until that time, Prince Bertil had to wait to marry Lilian. So, for decades to follow, this couple's love remained secret, and they lived together in the French village of Sainte-Maxime, spending some of their time in Sweden. Oh, the sacrifices this couple made...Lilian stayed in the background in order to keep trouble away from her Prince and the possibility of damage to the Bernadotte dynasty. And, even though their relationship was to be secret, their love and loyalty to each other was well known and lovingly revered by the Swedes.
~Lilian and Prince Bertil
Finally...the infant King Carl XVI Gustaf, came of age, and, granted permission for Prince Bertil and Lilian to marry. I mean, it's 1976 by this time...Bertil and Lilian were in their 60's!!! So, the loving couple were married on December 7, 1976 at the Palace Church of Drottiningholm just outside Stockholm. 'Lily', as the prince used to call her, became princess of Sweden! Lilian was Sweden's last royal bride.
~Princess Lilian and Prince Bertil wedding party
Princess Lilian quickly became popular in her station as Duchess of Halland. Even though the royals weren't readily accepting of her, Lilian's cheerful personality and charm won the Swedes over. She and the prince were frequently noted for playing golf and riding around on the prince's motorcycle. They were the ultimate happy couple. Lilian also took part in various interests of the prince, representing the royal family at official engagements. After this lady had been shunned and scorned for more than 30 years, Lilian continued to present herself with grace and dignity. And, after Prince Bertil passed away in 1997, this princess took on some of his duties, such as attending the Nobel Prize banquets, and, presenting awards for various sports associations.
~Princess Lilian and Ahmed Zewail, laureate in Chemistry
Nobel Prize winner 1999
In the year 2000, princess Lilian published her memoirs, and in them recalled, "He was so handsome my prince. Especially in uniform. So charming and thoughtful. And, so funny.
Oh, how we laughed together."
As her health was failing around 2006, the princess was no longer able to perform some of her royal duties. Then in June of 2010, Lilian was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and was no longer able to appear in public.
Princess Lilian passed away March 10, 2013 at her home in Stockholm.
She was 97 years old.
~Prince Bertil and Princess Lilian
"If I were to sum up my life, everything has been about my love."
~princess lilian
Well, ladies and gentlemen, princes and princesses...was this a story after our hearts, or what? Lilian did not give up her prince, nor, did the prince forsake Lilian for his station in life (aside from agreeing not to marry her). The couple never had any children, and, Prince Bertil never did become a contender for King, but, he always had his 'Lily'. It's not too often I have the pleasure of coming across a 'real' fairytail. I was truly moved and excited by this story, and, I hope you were too!
Thank you so much for coming by...it's a cold and rainy day in Texas (you too, Thisisme?) Step in, and say hello if you get the chance! The door swings both ways at the KardKorner!
I did do some research...and want to thank:
yahoo images/yahoo news/yahoo answers
google
Hello, dear Suzanne! I'm not a king or a prince but Shady Del is a Knight, if that counts for anything. Moreover, Mrs. Shady says I'm a royal pain in the butt and threatens to crown me! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this story. Theirs truly was a fairy tale romance. Most people today would not wait patiently for the opportunity to get married someday or forfeit a higher position in the name of love. In these modern times we go out of our way to avoid waiting for anyone or anything and social status and career advancement often supersede matters of the heart.
Sorry you're having more "Devonish" weather lately. We got some much needed rain last night and today it's sunny with the temp in the 70s. I hope everyone in your family is feeling fine, dear Suzanne, and that you are having a great weekend!
Well Howdy Sir Shady! You are a knight at that, my friend...a royal pain, eh? Haha! And, you're right-people just aren't patient anymore...they want it now (if you snooze, you lose)! Prince Bertil didn't want to be king bad enough to give up Lilian!
DeleteWell, we do need the rain, and, 'Devonish', I'll take, if it means that it's going to stay cool a bit longer into the spring. Maybe the hot summer won't come so soon.
Thank you so much for coming by. I'm glad you enjoyed the 'true' fairytale. We are doing well, thank you, We had Scootie last weekend, and Karo is doing better...his ears really suffered that cold, and now he is hearing ok! You and Mrs. Shady have a great weekend-tell her 'Good Job!' lol! See you soon!♫
Hi Suzanne. I really loved this post. I'm a real romantic and you couldn't get a much more romantic tale than this. What a great love they had for each other, which lasted over the years. How lovely that they were finally able to get married. I loved that photo of them, both in blue, sat on the bonnet of a car. Lily certainly looked very regal, even as an old lady. No spring here yet! Weather is just terrible over here as well. :( take care my friend. Oh! Like Mrs Shady, I have quite often wanted to crown my husband!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Thisisme-good to see you! What a great story...I just couldn't put it out of my mind. So I had to write about it. It was a joy that they were able to get married after all, and it was not just a game the prince was playing. And, Lily did look very regal. I really like the picture of the two of them sitting on the car...what a pair! All in blue!
DeleteWell, I guess you're still getting pummeled with rain and snow! Gosh, will it every end? I'm am glad we're getting some of it over here.
And, yes, I think we've all got a crown or two that we keep handy, just for certain occasions, when that royal pain gets to be too much, lol! Thank you Thisisme for crossing the pond today, I guess you needed an intertube! Have a glorious weekend, Ruby sure is gorgeous in her pink tutu!♥
Thank you Suzanne for a truly romantic story. When you read of true love, it does touch your heart doesn't it. Lilian could easily have retired from public life once Prince Bertil had died, but she didn't, which says a lot about her too.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos. She looks very glamorous on the front page of Vogue, and the one of them in their younger days, dining out, shows how happy they are together. The later one, in front of the car is a beauty as well.
You certainly put a lot of effort into your research and it's always a delight to read your posts, never know what you'll come up with. You continually surprise :D)
It's beautiful weather here at the moment, those lingering hot days seem to have gone and we are starting to enjoy Autumn.
Cheers now and it is good to read that you're all feeling better. xx
Susan, thank you for coming over to read about the princess! The story really touched me...Lilian was a very strong lady, and carried on for the prince after he was gone. The photo of the two of them in blue is so striking-you can see they were made for each other (I'll take the car, lol!) Thank you so much for your kind compliments-I love it when a story just pops up from seemingly nowhere.
DeleteI'm glad your weather is cooling down-it's about time isn't it? I dread our coming summer. Right now it is unusually cool going into April, but YAY! I love it. Thanks for your visit Susan, I will see you soon!♥
OOPS! I must confess, I misspelled fairy tale! But I do suppose some fairies do have tails, lol!♥
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story you researched. My life seems quite dull in contrast to the princess' life. What a life they led.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy, I don't know how exciting some of it was for Lilian. She had to stay out of the way...but hey, I bet she got to go shopping a lot, eat fine foods, and she did have a wonderful home! Hmmm...I'm coming around to your way of thinking!
DeleteThank you for taking the time to stop by. I too thought this story was amazing. Have a good week!♥
I did read your Princess story last night, and it was very good, true and very concise. I have kept up with that story forever and just recently she did pass away.
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