Royal Expert Julia Melchior Chat with Sweden's German Queen
In a recent TV portrait titled "Silvia. Sweden's German Queen," Queen Silvia herself shares the tale of how she met her husband, Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. This highly anticipated film, airing on December 17 at 23:45 or available in the ZDF Media Library, will debunk a few myths and reveal some fascinating stories about the extravagant Swedish Queen.
Digging for Gems
As any filmmaker knows, unearthing hidden treasures from archives and private collections can often lead to captivating footage. In this case, Julia Melchior, documentary filmmaker and royal expert, spent ample time delving into Sweden's archives and other European archives to gather sequences for her new film. She also specifically sought out material based on conversations with Queen Silvia, citing fresh insights that resulted from their interaction. With Switzerland's vast archive of royal footage at her disposal since 2006, Melchior was able to weave together almost every tale presented in the film.
Unraveling Secrets
One of the most surprising discoveries made during the filming process was unearthing archived footage of Queen Silvia and France's Première Dame Anne-Aymone Giscard d'Estaing. Melchior's visit with Madame Giscard d'Estaing (90) unveiled a speech Queen Silvia gave on the topic of child abuse at UNESCO in Paris in 1995. This revelation, combined with further research in archives, helped illuminate a previously unknown bond between the two women - both pioneers in the fight against child abuse. Their collaboration sparked a long-lasting friendship that continued well into the 2000s.
The Queen's Unique Approach
Charity work is not an uncommon expectation for a queen, but Queen Silvia's approach sets her apart. Melchior refers to the monarch as an "activist," describing her efforts in the arenas of child abuse and dementia as tenacious and professional. The Queen's early forays into these unpopular topics often ventured into controversial political territory, yet she remained undeterred and persistent in her quest to effect change. As a modern-day philosopher, Queen Silvia has a wealth of knowledge on both subjects and continues to advocate for their prevention and awareness.
The Charming Engagement
During her interview with Julia Melchior, the ever-graceful and witty Queen Silvia divulged story after story of her early days with her beloved husband, Crown Prince Carl Gustaf. As Melchior reveals, in direct conversation, the Queen radiates warmth and an openness that belies her majestic presence. This palpable warmth fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie, making it easy for the two to share intimate stories.
A Gathering of the Gangs
One particularly enchanting recollection is their experience watching ABBA's "Dancing Queen" at the opera's premiere night, an occasion they could not help but lose themselves in. Despite persistent rumors that the track was written specifically for the royal couple, Melchior debunks the myth, revealing that ABBA graciously premiered the hit for Queen Silvia on the eve of her wedding, dedicating it to her as a token of their gratitude and admiration.
The new film by Julia Melchior is set to captivate viewers with its remarkable tales of Queen Silvia and Crown Prince Carl Gustaf's inseparable love story. With its compelling narrative and stunning archival footage, the film promises to elicit laughs, tears, and, no doubt, a newfound admiration for Sweden's one-of-a-kind Queen.
