Berlin – There are meetings that fill the day like a beam of warm light. When BILD saw Queen Silvia of Sweden again, it was an extraordinary moment. He received this award for his commitment to liberal values and tireless social commitment, especially through the “Childhood Foundation” he founded. Special prizes from SMEs and Economic Unions.
Speech delivered by the Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “I didn’t know him before. We just met at a climate conference in Brazil,” the popular monarch told BILD. “The Chancellor is a very pleasant and kind man.”
Queen Silvia’s memories of Berlin
As the queen enters the hall, Hildegard Knef’s “I still have a suitcase in Berlin” sounds. A song that also brings back memories of the queen, he told BILD. “I was first in Berlin in 1958. My family spent their first Christmas together in Germany. Berlin was always beautiful.” He smiled and added with a wink that he has “suitcases in many places. In Heidelberg, Berlin, Brazil. These places are also home to me.”
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (70, CDU) presented the prize to Silvia of Sweden, who accepted it with great gratitude
For almost 50 years, the Queen has sat on the throne and dedicated her life to public responsibility towards others: children who are victims of violence and elderly people in need. Your Highness, where did you get the motivation to do this? His answer: “It comes from perspective. We have to reach out to each other to change the situation. Those who help gain strength are themselves.” A truth he not only preached, but also lived.
As a mother and grandmother Queen Silvia the clear values he wants to convey. “Kindness, genuine concern, time for each other. It sounds simple, but it’s becoming increasingly valuable, especially in a fast-paced world.”
Queen Silvia speaks German very well
What was most touching was how naturally he spoke about his closeness to his children, about “the support of Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine. I’m very happy about that.” A family that stands together.
Gitta Connemann (61), federal chair of the SME and Economic Union (MIT), during her speech to guests
Do you speak German with your children or nine grandchildren? “Yes. I was trying. In the politically difficult 1970s, it wasn’t always easy. I then found the solution. A Punch and Judy show where the witch, the crocodile and other characters spoke German. The Crown Princess spoke German fluently.” A queen who talks about dolls. It is difficult to convey more affectionately how important the connection with the German homeland was to him.
The Allianz Forum is right next to the Brandenburg Gate, in front of which Queen Silvia (left) is received by Merz and Connemann
Finally, I asked him what advice he would give to the younger generation in Germany. The answer was resounding: “At a time when everything is accelerating and development is overwhelming us, young people need the one thing that matters most: peace. And space to discover themselves. To be human and meet other people.” Advice, like a calm compass through busy times.
Queen Silvia conveys real warmth, care and closeness and shows that dignity and warmth do not have to be opposites.
