Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill are engaged!

Great things always happen at the beginning of a long work day, when my laptop is not around...

The Swedish Royal Court announced today the engagement of Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill!

Official press release:

Thursday October 25, 2012, the engagement between Princess Madeleine and Mr Christopher O'Neill was announced.

After His Majesty The King of Sweden had given his consent to the marriage between Princess Madeleine and Mr Christopher O'Neill, His Majesty requested the approval by the Swedish Government, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Swedish Constitution.



                       

On this occasion, some official pictures have been taken. The wedding will take place in summer 2013.



Interview with Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill
Drottningholm palace Wednesday October 24, 2012

How does it feel to be engaged?
Princess Madeleine: We are both extremely happy and delighted. It is a very special day for us. 
When and how did Christopher propose? 
Princess Madeleine: Chris proposed to me at the beginning of October. It was a very romantic and intimate proposal, but more details about the proposal we want to keep to ourselves.
Christopher, were you nervous? Had you planned this for a long time?
I had been thinking about proposing for a while, but I wanted to wait until the right moment. But I have been sure all along that Madeleine was the one I wanted to marry.
Where did you meet the first time?
Princess Madeleine: We met through mutual friends. For me it started with a great friendship. We share the same humor and we have a lot of fun together. Christopher opened up my heart, he is my soul mate.  
Christopher, when did you know Princess Madeleine was the right one?
From the very outset, I immediately felt something special with Madeleine.
What was your first impression of Christopher?
Princess Madeleine: I appreciate Chris for his warmth and his humour. He has a very big heart and he manages to make everyone in his presence feel good. Christopher is a very thoughtful and generous person. 
Christopher, have you asked the King´s permission for Princess Madeleine's hand?
Yes, I met with The King and I asked His Majesty´s permission to marry Princess Madeleine.
What was the King´s response?
Christopher O'Neill: The King and The Queen were both happy, and touched as well, I think. 
 Christopher, do you know any Swedish?
I can say some Swedish phrases and am in the process of taking lessons so that I may speak fluently in due course.
Princess Madeleine, how do you feel about Christopher´s family? 
I appreciate Christopher´s family very much. They have always been very nice to me and welcomed me with open arms. Christopher has a lovely family!
Christopher, how do you feel about Princess Madeleine´s family?
I know the Swedish royal family very well. They have been extremely welcoming to me and I felt part of the family right from the very beginning. Madeleine´s family is very warm and we have a very good time when we all see each other.
Talking about family, will you start planning for a family right away?
Princess Madeleine: Of course we look forward to getting married and someday building our own family.
Where will you live?
Princess Madeleine: For the time being we will continue to live in New York due to both of our current obligations. However, we will not exclude the possibility of moving to Sweden in due course.  
Christopher, what do you think about Sweden?  
Sweden is fantastic. It is such a beautiful country with very friendly people. I have mostly just been to Stockholm and Öland but I hope I will have the opportunity to visit Sweden a little more often now. 
Lastly and most importantly, when is the big day?
Princess Madeleine: We will have to get back to you regarding that. The wedding will take place in Sweden sometime during the summer of 2013.

Marshal Svante Lindquist also gave an interview.

Changing Princess Madeleine's place in the order of succession?No, it does not.
Will Princess Madeleine remain HRH and Princess of Sweden?
Yes, and the Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
Princess Madeleine will continue receiving funding, ie collect appanage?
Yes, to cover her official duties.
Which title will Christopher O'Neill?
It announced in connection with the time of the wedding.
Will Christopher O'Neill to represent Sweden in any context?
Christopher O'Neill will support his wife in her official duties.
Will Christopher O'Neill to attend the event along with the Royal Family?
Christopher O'Neill will accompany his wife at the event where she and the royal family may participate.
Will Princess Madeleine to apply for U.S. citizenship or will Christopher O'Neill to apply for Swedish citizenship?
No.
Christopher O'Neill is Catholic - he must convert to Protestantism before he marries Princess Madeleine?
No, he does not have to convert

And we already have the first reactions of the Royal Family.

King and Queen
We are both very excited and happy today. We have come to know Christoper O'Neill as a very friendly and warm-hearted person and we wish them both every success in the future.
Crown Princess Couple
We rejoice immensely the fine news and wish Princess Madeleine and Chris all the best!
Prince Carl Philip
I'm very happy for my sister and Chris's sake and wish Chris welcome in the family.

In the evening of the day of the announcement, Madeleine and Chris have left Stockholm, heading to London.