King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden issued an apology after mistakenly announcing the wrong name for his new granddaughter during a council meeting. The newborn, Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia, Duchess of Västerbotten, was welcomed into the royal family on February 7 at Danderyd Hospital. She is the ninth grandchild of King Carl and Queen Silvia and stands eighth in line to the Swedish throne.
The mix-up occurred as King Carl announced the name before members of the royal family, including Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, who are the proud parents of Princess Ines. The royal family celebrated her arrival with a Te Deum service on Monday, attended by close relatives and dignitaries.
"The King is very sorry that he said the wrong name. The reason he said the wrong name is that the names were kept secret until just before the council, even from the King." – Margareta Thorgren
Princess Ines's name honors several family members. Her middle names pay tribute to her grandmothers—Queen Silvia and Marie Hellqvist—and her great-aunt, Princess Lilian of Sweden, Duchess of Halland, who passed away in 2013. The significance of these names highlights the family's deep-seated respect for their lineage and heritage.
The royal appearance at Danderyd Hospital on Saturday marked the family's first outing with the new princess. The baby remained shielded from public view, nestled in her car seat as they departed. The family later attended a church service on Monday to celebrate her birth. Notable attendees included Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, as well as Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia's growing family now includes four children, with Princess Ines joining her three brothers—Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Julian. The joyous occasion brought together various members of the Swedish royal family in celebration of their newest member.
