Royal wedding fans will be pleased to know the date has been set for next year's Swedish royal wedding. Princess Madeleine of Sweden is to wed British-American banker Christopher O'Neill, the man she calls her "soul mate", on June 8.The attractive couple will plight their troth amidst the opulent splendour of the church inside Stockholm's gilded royal palace, all Carrara marble and sweeping staircases. It was here where the country's future queen, Princess Estelle - daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel - was christened earlier this year.
Chris, 38, and Madeleine met in the Big Apple back in 2010, and due to Chris' work commitments, the couple have chosen to make the city that never sleeps their home.
The pretty royal moved to New York over two years ago, following her split from fiancé and boyfriend of eight years, Jonas Bergstom, amidst claims he had been unfaithful with a Norwegian student on a skiing trip.
Madeleine and London-born Chris now share a luxury apartment in Manhattan, though they haven't ruled out a move back to Sweden in the future.
Chris is currently an American citizen, but it's thought he will take the Swedish nationality before the couple wed, so he can become a duke.
In a modern move, the Swedish Palace announced news of the couple's engagement in October by releasing a video interview. In it, the princess says she appreciates her fiancé, whom she met through mutual friends "for his warmth and humour".She adds: "He has a very big heart and he manages to make everyone in his presence feel good. Christopher is a very thoughtful and generous person." for his part, Chris says: "From the very outset, I immediately felt something special with Madeleine." The financial advisor tries a few words in Swedish, and says he has been taking lessons so he can speak fluently in due course.
One monarch who will definitely be at the ceremony, is Madeleine's mother, Queen Silvia, who has referred to the handsome banker as "every mother-in-law's dream". This glowing review comes courtesy of his gallant behaviour – and his glittering society credentials.
Christopher O'Neill was born in London on June 27, 1974, to a wealthy and influential family who granted him an international education.
Elementary British schooling was later refined at the prestigious Swiss boarding school, Institute auf dem Rosenberg. Graduation brought more opportunities for learning and Chris' Economics and Finance degree from Columbia University snared him stints at eminent financial firms like NM Rothschild and Sons, Steinberg Asset Management and Noster Capital – the New York hedge fund where he is currently a partner.
When he hangs up his suit at the end of the day, the 38-year-old indulges his passions for classical music, literature and sport. He is an avid skier, plays tennis and golf, and follows Chelsea Football Club when he just wants to watch rather than compete. His social side regularly draws him to galas, dinners and fundraisers in the Big Apple. These events are now the stage upon which he and Madeleine revel in their roles as a New York's smitten power couple. The Swedish princess' future in-laws will be completely at ease with her new place in their family – the O'Neills are used to moving in privileged circles. Chris' Austrian mother Eva Maria is a friend of Prince Charles.
With the passing of his father, investment bank founder Paul O'Neill who died in December 2004, Chris and Eva represent the family, with support from five half-sisters – Tatjana and Natasha from his mother's side, and Stephanie, Karen and and Annalisa who share the same father as Chris.
Around 500 guests are expected to watch Chris and Madeleine's union - about half the number that attended Victoria's wedding - and kings and queens from around the world are unlikely to attend.
Royal experts have stated that Madeleine's wedding be will be a less lavish affair than her big sister Victoria's 2010 wedding to the then Daniel Westling, her former personal trainer.
