18 NOVEMBER 2002
After one and a half years, pretty Princess Madeleine of Sweden has decided to call it quits on her controversial relationship with Erik Granath, the son of a wealthy Swedish businessman. She confirmed the split to the press upon leaving the Swedish Hit Music Awards in Stockholm this week with a simple: “It’s over.”

The young couple's relationship had caused something of a stir with the Swedish public because Erik has a police record. In April 2002, however, the Swedish royal family released a statement confirming that he had been welcomed by Madeleine’s parents, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia.

“Some years ago, in his adolescence, Erik Granath went though a difficult period and was under a lot of pressure,” read the statement. “Now, he is conscious of what he did, and he is deeply sorry.”

Despite this public acceptance of Erik by Madeleine’s parents, it is thought that King Carl Gustaf was never fully happy with the relationship and had advised his daughter that she should end it.

Madeleine is currently studying Interior Design in Sweden after leaving London in January 2002 due to the pressures of media attention.