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SWEDEN'S PEACEKEEPING PRINCESS GOES TO BOOT CAMP


March 18, 2003
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Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria traded in her tiara for camouflage and face paint this week as part of a three-week peacekeeping boot camp.

The 25-year-old royal's military stint at the Swedish armed forces training ground south of Stockholm is all part of a course to prepare her for international peacekeeping missions. "I've learned a lot," said Victoria on Tuesday. "It has been tough, sleeping less and carrying heavy stuff, but extremely interesting."

Sweden's future queen is practising first aid and combat skills alongside 41 other men and women in the programme for non-military personnel. However, while Princess Victoria's boot camp colleagues will likely go off on peacekeeping missions, her training is solely grooming for her future role as monarch.

But just because she's used to life as a princess doesn't mean she's taking it easy – the former United Nations intern wrapped up a one-kilometre forced march in full combat gear in less than five minutes.

"The crown princess has handled herself extremely well," said Captain Lars Wetterskog, who noted that her impressive march time nearly qualifies her for Special Forces duty. "She's a most capable girl."

Photo: © Alphapress.com
The crown princess, a former United Nations intern, is taking a three-week course which prepares her for peacekeeping missionsPhoto: © PA
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Victoria, who is also being trained in first aid, has done "extremely well" in the gruelling campPhoto: © PA

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