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Princess Madeleine holding hands with Princess Leonore in a summer dress© SPA/dana press/Shutterstock

Princess Madeleine's sporty daughter Princess Leonore, 10, takes after her following big move

The Swedish royals recently relocated from Florida to Stockholm

Nichola Murphy
Deputy Lifestyle Editor
July 19, 2024
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Princess Madeleine of Sweden took photos from her "happy place" with her daughter Princess Leonore, ten.

The daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia took a photo from horseback, showing her uninterrupted view of the rural countryside – no doubt a welcome break from their central Stockholm apartment. Her eldest daughter had joined Madeleine on the hack, turning back in her saddle to smile at her mother.

Princess Leonore smiling on horseback© Instagram
Princess Leonore joined her mother Princess Madeleine on a hack

Leonore was dressed in white jodhpurs, a white T-shirt, a protective jacket and a black helmet that offered a peek of her blonde plait underneath.

Princess Madeleine on a horse in a field© Instagram
The Swedish royal described it as her "happy place"

Love of horses

The Swedish royals have all inherited a passion for horses. Back in 2016, two-year-old Leonore got her first taste of the equestrian world when her parents took her to meet her horse Haidi of Gotland for the first time, which she was gifted for her christening in 2014. 

Princess Leonore meet her horse Haidi of Gotland for the first time© Luca Teuchmann
Princess Leonore met her horse Haidi of Gotland for the first time aged two

She was spotted carrying a riding helmet at the time, and wasted no time throwing herself into the sport during her childhood.

Queen Silvia previously told Equnews that the passion has been passed down through many generations. "My father-in-law was definitely the best rider among the Swedish royal family to-date. I believe my daughter, Princess Madeleine, has inherited his talent and his love for horses," she said.

Speaking of her grandchildren, she added: "At the age of just two, little Leonore has an incredible confidence in horses."

Family life

Princess Madelein and Christopher O'Neill in carriage on wedding day© Getty
Christopher and Madeleine got married in

Madeleine and her husband Chris O'Neill share three children: Prince Nicolas, Princess Leonore and Princess Adrienne. The family – who have previously lived in the UK – only recently moved from Florida to Stockholm

In June, they were pictured stepping off the plane in photographs published by Swedish Women's Magazine, Svensk Dam.

The princess had originally planned to move back in the summer of 2023 but the relocation was delayed to give the family more time to prepare.

Princess Madeleine, Princess Adrienne, Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas and Christopher O'Neill© Getty
The couple share three kids

According to reports, Madeleine and financier Christopher sold their seven-bedroom Florida mansion for nearly $7 million, complete with seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a heated saltwater outdoor pool.

"Princess Madeleine and Mr Christopher O'Neill have decided that their family shall relocate to Sweden indefinitely," the Swedish Royal Court said in a statement.

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They added: "The family will take up permanent residence in an apartment at the Royal Stables in Stockholm."

Opening up about their family life, Chris joked during an appearance on Skavlan, "I'm so moody it's terrible," and Madeleine added that Leonore is best at melting his emotions.

 Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Chris ONeill at Crown Princess Victoria's birthday© Getty
Chris was very complimentary about his wife's mothering skills

"The one who deals best with it is actually Leonore, she just looks at him and says, 'Hi, hi,'" she imitated in a sweet high-pitched voice. "It's true, she just softens me in a second."

They described their eldest child as "totally wild" but a "ray of sunshine", while Nicolas is a "gentle soul."

Madeleine insisted that they lead a "normal life" despite their royal status. While she was charmingly self-deprecating, describing herself as a "full-time mum" and a "terrible housewife" who can't cook, Chris was quick to sing her praises, stating she is a natural mother.

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