The Swedish Royal Court has announced the death of HRH Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland at the age of 97. HRH was the widow of HRH Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland. They became close during the war and their love affair continued to blossom, so much so that Lilian moved to Sweden and they lived very discreetly. They were totally devoted to each other but due to the death in 1947 of the heir but one, they could not marry as Bertil's brothers has married commoners and renounced their rights to the throne. Bertil had to be available should anything happen.
Eventually when Bertil's nephew became King in 1976 and married a commoner, the future Queen Sylvia, Lilian and Bertil were at last given permission to marry and Lilian was given her husbands titles in full as recognition of their devotion to each other. By this time, both were too old to have any children.
TRH led an active life as part of the Royal Family and Lilian was accepted by everyone in her new role. She became a much loved person in Sweden and indeed the World.
The love story continued until Prince Bertil's death in 1997, however Princess Lilian continued her active life and was a favourite of both the King and Queen. The Princess was always present at the annual Nobel Prize Awards and took her place next to the King and Queen.
The former model from Swansea will be buried with full Royal Honours next to her husband in Sweden. One of the most enduring love stories of the 20th century has come to an end. At the time of her death, Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland was the oldest member of the Swedish Royal Family.
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