Strange New Press Policy in Sweden

[PeDe]

There’s a new policy regarding the public engagements of the Swedish royal family, and its making members of Sweden’s media scratch their heads. According to royal reporter, Daniel Nyhlen of Svensk Damtidning, the press is not allowed to photograph the royals during their public duties.

This explains why there hasn’t been any photos of Crown Princess Victoria meeting with the athletes of the Winter Paralympics or Princess Madeleine doing work for the charity Min Stora Dag, both events which have been recent.

Nyhlen considers this new protocol to that of “North Korean mentality.” He went on to say that it is, ”totally absurd! When was this stupid rule? And by whom?  Does the Court not think it is important that the media documenting what the royal family do? Or should I interpret it otherwise?”

Like anyone who’s existence depends on the public seeing and knowing what they do, this new policy could wind up hurting the Swedish royals than helping them – if that is the intention.

It seems as though Europe’s royals are cracking down on the media big time. The Dutch royals have the controversial mediacode which forbids the press from taking pictures of them during private moments. Late last year, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II personally asked her country’s media to not photograph her family also during private moments.

But note that those actions are for private moments. Why would the Swedish block out the media during public events?

[Leesa]

Thanks for posting, PeDe!- It sounds really weird, as you say, and one can only wonder what it's about. Are we to assume there won't be any pics from Vickan's wedding either, mewonders.

[pixiecat]

That policy doesnt make sense to me.  I can understand the private moments but definitely not during public events.  The public funds their lifestyle.  They shouldnt bite the hand that feeds them.

[Lille]

What a strange arrangement. It must come from the SRF itself. Who else could have an interest in it? Is it to avoid pictures of an ill Daniel in the future?