Earlier this week, it was announced that jewellery belonging to the late Princess Birgitta of Sweden was going to auction.
One of the pieces at the Sotheby's auction includes the late royal's sapphire and diamond demi-parure. The stunning heirloom was a wedding gift first given to her mother, Princess Sibylla. Birgitta would often wear the jewels at family events, including the weddings of both Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine.
However, the move for some of Birgitta's jewellery to be sold off has reportedly angered her younger brother, King Carl Gustaf, who is thought to have received no advance warning of the sale.
Speaking to the Swedish publication Svensk Damtidning, its editor-in-chief, Johan T Lindwall, said: "The king is so conservative that this goes completely against his values. Selling his mother's jewellery at auction goes against everything the king stands for."
© WireImageHe added that it was possible that the Swedish monarch would attend the auction in order to win back the jewels, noting they have "great sentimental value" for him.
Royal court expert Herman Lindqvist added: "I think it is inappropriate to sell such items. It is something that should be preserved within the family. Then they can of course do whatever they want with their heirlooms, but I don't think it is appropriate or tasteful to do so.
"He [Carl Gustaf] had muttered irritably. I'm sure of that. Personal valuables that are tied to personal memories should not be sold in that way. Then it can be done more discreetly and privately."
Princess Birgitta's death
Princess Birgitta passed away in Mallorca on 4 December 2024, aged 87, leaving behind three children and grandchildren.
Birgitta was born on 19 January 1937 and was the second child of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. She grew up at Haga Castle with her four siblings - Princess Margaretha, Princess Désirée, Princess Christina and Prince Carl Gustaf.
© ALAMYAt the time of her death, Carl Gustaf said: "With great sadness today I received the news that my sister, Princess Birgitta, has passed away. My sister was a colourful and forthright person who will be deeply missed by me and my family. Together with my entire family, today I send my condolences to Princess Birgitta's children and grandchildren."
The Swedish royal family were dealt further heartbreak this year when it was announced that Princess Désirée had passed away at the age of 87.
© Michael Campanella"With great sadness, I have received the information that my sister, Princess Désirée, has died," Carl Gustaf said as the news broke. "Many are the warm family memories created at the home of the Silfverschiöld family in Västergötland - a place in Sweden that came to mean a lot to my sister. Today, my family and I send our condolences to Princess Désiré's children and their families."
