Who is Prince Daniel?
Prince Daniel, born on 15 September 1973 at Örebro Regional Hospital, is the youngest child of Olle Westling and Ewa Westling, née Westring. Growing up with his older sister, Anna Westling Söderström, Prince Daniel's journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to his country, family, and various philanthropic endeavours.
His early life
From an early age, Prince Daniel displayed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. After completing his upper secondary studies at Hammar Upper Secondary School in Sandviken, he delved into elderly care in Ockelbo, where he spent his summers working at a home for the elderly. Following this, Prince Daniel embarked on his military service at Hälsinge Regiment (I 14) in Gävle.
Building upon his diverse experiences, Prince Daniel explored his passion for sports and youth recreation leadership at the Lillsved Sports Folk High School from 1994 to 1996. He later established his own company, delving into the fitness industry as a consultant and subsequently running his own gym, Master Training. In 2006, he founded the company Balance, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
His family and personal life
In 2001, Prince Daniel's life took a significant turn when he met HRH The Crown Princess Victoria. Their engagement was announced in 2009, leading to their grand wedding in Stockholm Cathedral in 2010. The couple now resides in Haga Palace in Solna, near Stockholm, and has two children, Princess Estelle (born in 2012) and Prince Oscar (born in 2016).
While balancing his royal duties, Prince Daniel has pursued his passion for education, completing various courses at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. His studies encompassed physiology, physical activity and health, geriatrics, and pathology. His dedication to children and young people's physical and mental well-being has been a driving force in his philanthropic work.
Prince Daniel's commitment to health and entrepreneurship is evident in his active involvement in various organizations. As Honorary Chairman of the Board of the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, he supports cardiopulmonary research and initiatives that significantly impact patients' lives. Additionally, he established Prince Daniel's Grant for Promising Young Researchers to foster pioneering Swedish cardiopulmonary research.
In 2010, The Crown Princess Couple founded The Crown Princess Couple's Foundation, which aims to combat exclusion and promote good health among children and young people in Sweden. Their initiative, Generation PEP, focuses on raising awareness and commitment to children and youth health.
Prince Daniel's dedication to entrepreneurship extends beyond his own endeavours. He serves as an honorary board member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and actively participates in initiatives that inspire and encourage young people to pursue entrepreneurship. Through Prince Daniel's Fellowship and its entrepreneurial program, he visits schools and universities, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
His hobbies
Despite his royal responsibilities, Prince Daniel finds time for personal interests and hobbies. He is an avid sports enthusiast, engaging in activities such as golf, skiing, and strength training. Appreciating nature, he enjoys hunting and leisurely walks. His appreciation for art and culture shines through his visits to galleries, art exhibitions, theaters, and concerts.
Prince Daniel's multifaceted life reflects his dedication to serving his country, promoting health and entrepreneurship, and finding joy in family, sports, and the arts. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and positively impact the lives of many.