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ROYAL TRAGEDY

Swedish princess Birgitta dead at 87: King Gustaf pays tribute to ‘colourful’ sister who died at home in Majorca

Unlike her sisters, she retained her royal title after marriage, as her husband was of equal royal rank

PRINCESS Birgitta of Sweden, the second sister of King Carl XVI Gustaf, has died at the age of 87, the Swedish Royal Palace announced.

The royal, who was married to the late Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern, had been living in Majorca.

Princess Birgitta of Sweden in her villa in Santa Ponsa, Majorca
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Princess Birgitta of Sweden in her villa in Santa Ponsa, MajorcaCredit: Getty
A young Princess Birgitta of Sweden and her fiancee Prince Johann of Hohenzollern at the Royal Palace on May 17, 1961 in Stockholm, Sweden
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A young Princess Birgitta of Sweden and her fiancee Prince Johann of Hohenzollern at the Royal Palace on May 17, 1961 in Stockholm, SwedenCredit: Getty
The Princess pictured in 2015 attending the Pre-Wedding Dinner for Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist in Stockholm
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The Princess pictured in 2015 attending the Pre-Wedding Dinner for Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist in StockholmCredit: Getty

While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, the palace confirmed the news on Instagram, noting that she leaves behind three children and their families.

In a statement, King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his sorrow, saying: "With great sadness today, I have received the news that my sister, Princess Birgitta, has died.

"My sister was a colourful and straightforward person who will be deeply missed by me and my family.

"Together with my entire family, I send my condolences to Princess Birgitta's children and grandchildren."

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Princess Birgitta, who studied gymnastics at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, had three children — Prince Carl, Princess Desiree, and Prince Hubertus — with her art historian husband.

Unlike her sisters, she retained her royal title after marriage, as her husband was of equal royal rank.

Princess Birgitta, born in 1937 at Haga Castle, was the second eldest child of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla.

The royal spent much of her life outside Sweden, primarily in Majorca, Spain.

She was known for her relaxed and colourful lifestyle, which set her apart from other members of the royal family.

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Dedicated to charitable causes, she co-founded the HELP Foundation, which supports vulnerable children worldwide.

A passionate golfer, she also organised her own tournament, the Princess Birgitta Trophy, held at her home course in Spain.

In a 2009 Summer Program on P1, Birgitta expressed her commitment to children's welfare, saying: “Whenever people ask what I want to do for charity, I always reply: only if it’s about children, because they are our future.”

Although Birgitta separated from her husband, Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern, in 1990, the two remained married.

Johann lived in Munich while Birgitta resided in Spain and passed away in 2016 at 83.

More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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