Two other women were especially crucial: Princess Christina and Queen Ingrid. Christina stepped in when Silvia was torn between appointments and family. Ingrid, on the other hand, offered her something rare at court: honest answers – without courtly platitudes. This openness gave Silvia security.
Only a few years later, the pressure increased even more. With the birth of the children, the role of queen was combined with that of a mother. Many tasks landed solely on Silvia, and support was limited. Looking back, she describes this time as demanding – both emotionally and organizationally.
Despite all the difficulties, Silvia did not let herself be discouraged. She learned Swedish, developed her own focal points, and gradually found her place. Today, she is considered committed, disciplined, and approachable – a queen who has never forgotten her difficult start, but has grown precisely because of it.