The Swedish Royal Court announced today 4 December 2024 the death of Princess Birgitta of Hohenzollern.
Princess Birgitta, b. Haga in Solna outside Stockholm 19 January 2024 was the second oldest daughter of Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden (1906-1947) and Princess Sibylla of Sweden, née Princess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and thus an elder sister of King Carl Gustaf. In 1961 Princess Birgitta married Prince Johann-Georg of Hohenzollern (1932-2016) and had by him 3 children. Since her marriage she lived for many years in Munich, Germany before moving to Mallorca after she had separated from her husband.
The Swedish Royal Court has so far only stated that the princess died at Mallorca earlier today on 4 December 2024. The English-speaking local newspaper Majorca Daily Bulletin claims to know that she died at her home in Santa Ponsa. A friend of Princess Birgitta has, however, told Aftonbladet that she had been hospitalized lately due to a broken arm, but was about to be released from hospital when she died earlier this morning. The article doesn't explicitly say that she died at the hospital, though. Another friend of the princess has on the other hand told the newspaper Expressen that she died in a local hospital.
Princess Birgitta was at the time of her death still a member of the Swedish Royal House because she, unlike her sisters, had married into royalty.
The court writes that details about the funeral service. which will be a private affair («Gravsättning sker i kretsen av Prinsessans familj») will be given later. In accordance with her wishes she will be laid at rest at Kungliga begravningsplatsen (The Royal Cemetery) at Haga.
Updated (4 December 2024 at 21:41):
After my blog article was updated the Swedisn Royal Court has made an English version of its press release, which I quote in full:
4 December 2024
HRH Princess Birgitta has passed away
HRH Princess Birgitta, sister of HM The King, passed away on the island of Mallorca on Wednesday 4th December 2024. The Princess was 87 years old.
On the occasion of the death of HRH Princess Birgitta, the following statement is made by HM The King:
“With great sadness, I have today received the news that my sister, Princess Birgitta, has passed away. My sister was a colorful and forthright person who will be deeply missed by me and my family. Together with all my family, I send my condolences to Princess Birgitta's children and grandchildren.”
Princess Birgitta was the widow of Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern (1932–2016) and lived on the Spanish island of Mallorca for many years. Princess Birgitta leaves behind her three children and their families.
Flags at half mast
HM The King has ordered the flags at Drottningholm Palace and Haga Palace to be flown at half mast on the 5th December.
Funeral arrangements
Her Royal Highness will be laid to rest at the Royal Cemetery in Haga Park in Stockholm, in keeping with the wishes of The Princess. The burial will take place in the presence of The Princess’ family.
Additional information regarding Princess Birgitta’s funeral will be provided at a later date.
