Three months after his engagement to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in 2009, Prince Daniel had to undergo dialysis treatment and a kidney transplant. It was his own father, Olle Westling, who donated the new kidney.
Daniel has only just started speaking publicly about his health and in a new interview with local magazine Dagens Industri, the 42-year-old prince opened up about his experience.
"When the kidneys are not working properly, the blood becomes poisoned," said Daniel. "Just a few hours after the transplant, I felt so clean and clear, it was amazing."
© Photo: Getty Images"I have an understanding of what it meant by 'role model', which is my wife," said Prince Daniel
"To start with I did not think it was so fun to talk about and it felt private, but I have realized that I need to be able to contribute in the way I can," he added.
"My message is that if you are willing to receive an organ for yourself or for a relative, then you must also be willing to give. Actually, it's that simple."
As the husband to the future queen of Sweden, Daniel has carried out innumerable royal duties and served his country wholeheartedly. While his wife Victoria is his number one priority, he also expressed the importance of carving a name for himself in the public eye.
The former personal trainer set up Prince Daniel's Fellowship and an entrepreneurial programme two years ago, in a bid to inspire young entrepreneurs.
The couple are expecting their second child in March 2016
When asked about defining his own mission, Daniel said: "My main task is to be [Victoria's] support, especially in her next assignment as head of state. But she is happy that I have found my own fields, so that we can do good on a broader front."
"She supports the environment, foreign aid and international peace work," Daniel added. "I have an understanding of what it meant by 'role model', which is my wife."
Daniel and Victoria, who are expecting their second child in March 2016, met in 2001 when the prince worked as Victoria's personal trainer. The couple got engaged in February 2009 and married the following year in June, on the 34th anniversary of Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf's wedding.
