3 JUNE 2003
Princess Madeleine of Sweden has apparently decided it's time to step out on her own, leaving the plush surroundings of the royal palace for a flat in the centre of Stockholm.

But, according to reports, the 20-year-old royal isn't living solo – she's sharing the relatively modest 92-metre square home with her boyfriend, Jonas Bergstrom.

The plan to move in with her 24-year-old beau developed when she began studying History of Art at university in January. "What young person doesn't want independence?," the princess is quoted as telling the Swedish press after it was revealed that she was living on her own. "Even though my parents don't think it’s a good idea."

The princess began dating law student Jonas in December of last year, just a few weeks after a split with ex-boyfriend Erik Grannath. However, though the two have sparked a romance, Madeleine has insisted the new living arrangement doesn't mean there will be wedding bells anytime soon.