Sweden's future queen will marry her boyfriend next year, the royal court announced Tuesday, ending years of speculation. The court announced the engagement of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling after informing government ministers Tuesday at Stockholm's waterfront royal palace. The wedding will take place "in the early summer of 2010," the royal court said.
Swedish media flashed the announcement with bold headlines on their Web sites and the Scandinavian nation's major broadcasters reported the news live from outside the palace.
Victoria, 31, is first in line to succeed her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, to the Swedish throne. She and Westling, a 35-year-old gym owner, became a couple in 2002. Wedding rumors have mounted since July last year, when Westling moved to the royal family's residence outside Stockholm.
The court said Westling would assume the title Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland, after the wedding.
In a televised address, Victoria said it would be easier for her to assume her future royal duties together with Westling. "I feel safe with Daniel by my side," she said. Westling said he would "do everything to deserve the trust of the Swedish people."