This is an old interview.. it was made in the fall of 2001 when Madeleine studied in London.
But maybe there´s someone who hasn´t read it so I´ll post it for you
Interview with Madeleine in London
Magnus Alselind, Expressen 2001.10.26
Translated by webmaster 2002.11.14
LONDON. Her best friend Louise "Lussan" Gottlieb is at the Swedish embassy together with Madeleine during the interview. Jonas Moberg, a representative for the embassy, is also present. He is there to help the princess if she has troubles answering the questions. But she is doing fine on her own. The little sister has grown up.
Madeleine is relaxed and answers the questions with a smile on her face. And except for those paparrazis, life is good for the Swedish princess. She enjoys the world metropolis together with her friends and is surprised that so few Swedish tourists recognize her.
When did you come across the thought to go abroad?
- I have always been very interested in languages and felt that I wanted to improve my English.
But that’s not the only reason you’re going to London?
- No, I like the city very much. I have been here a couple of times and I have always had a good time.
What is it that you like about London?
- It is a fun and exciting city. Things happen all the time. I enjoy myself socially and there are always things to do.
So, what do you do when you don’t study?
- There are a lot of nice restaurants, theatres and musicals.
What does a good day in London include?
- A good day… The most important thing is that I get to spend time with my friends, I really enjoy their company, no matter what we do. Then, maybe we have dinner and have a good time.
Did the fact that you older sister moved to the US and lived in New York help you take the step to go to London?
- Ehh, well, I haven’t thought of it that way. I have also always wanted to go abroad, meet other cultures and experience new things.
Has it been a big transformation?
- Yes, London is pretty different to Stockholm, so it’s exciting.
Great Britain is at war against the terrorists in Afghanistan. Have you thought about that there is a threat against for example London?
- Of course I have thought about that. I have been a little worried.
But you went anyway?
- Yes, they have estimated the safety of going here, and they told me that I’m safe.
Have you and your parents talked a lot about this?
- Mothers are always worried, so of course… they are worried at home, they are.
But they haven’t tried to make you come back home?
- No. Maybe it’s not a 100 percent safe here, but they have estimated it safe enough for me to be here.
How long will you stay in London?
- As it seems now I’ll stay until the middle of December, which is when the course is finished.
Don’t you want to stay longer?
- Yes, I’d really like to – if I’m left alone here.
What about the future. Rumour has it that you would like to be a designer?
- Yes, and that is another reason why I went here. They are very good at all sorts of design here in London.
Is that something you will go for?
- There is a big chance that I will come back here and follow that line instead.
What’s it like to be a princess by the way. Are you comfortable living with that role?
- Well, yeah… right now I’m letting myself grow into it, because it takes time to figure out what you want to engage yourself in. I think that the interest will be awoken eventually.
Do you see your future in Sweden?
- It is hard to say when you’re sitting here, but of course Sweden is my home.
What happened to the horseback riding that used to be your biggest interest?
- That took a lot of time, so during my last year in high school I didn’t have time for it. But I’m still interested in it and I still have my horse, so that is nothing that I have put aside for forever.
But girls usually think that horses are great until they discover that boys and nightlife are even funnier?
- Yes, but that’s not the case for me, I will continue riding and keep my interest, even if I won’t compete every weekend.
Have you visited an English horse farm?
- No, I haven’t had the opportunity to do that yet, but that is something that I would like to do and have planned.
Do you follow what is written about you in papers and magazines?
- It is difficult to stay updated when you live here, but my friends from Sweden often call me and say things like: "God, it says that you were out at a club until five in the morning, is that true?". And often it is not true.
What about all these princes you are paired with in foreign magazines?
- That kind of stuff is pretty nice not having to read, since it’s never true.
Have you ever been paired with a prince, read the article, and thought that he seems exciting, like crown prince Felipe of Spain for example?
- Yeah, well. Maybe he wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe that would be something. .