Silvia Sommerlath (1943–)

Queen of Sweden. Name variations: Queen Silvia. Born Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Dec 23, 1943, in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany; grew up in Brazil; dau. of Alice Soares de Toledo (Brazilian) and Walter Sommerlath (German industrialist); graduated from the Munich School of Interpreting, 1969; m. Carl XVI Gustavus, also known as Charles XVI Gustavus (1946–1973), king of Sweden (r. 1973–), on June 19, 1976, at Storkyrkan Cathedral, Stockholm; children: Victoria (b. 1977); Carl Philip (b. 1979); Madeleine (b. 1982).

Moved to Germany with family (1957); became an interpreter for a Spanish firm at international conventions; as chief hostess of Munich Olympics (1972), met Prince Carl Gustav of Sweden (Carl XVI Gustavus); engaged (Mar 1976); became 25th queen of Sweden (June 19); introduced new economy measures to the castle and disposed of excess ceremony attached to her station, such as curtsying at court; a believer in gender equality, successfully urged husband to support legislation to change the laws of monarchical succession from 1st son to 1st child (1979); advocated on behalf of disabled and disadvantaged children; took part in 1st World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in Stockholm (1996); established World Childhood Foundation. Received "Deutsche Kulturpreis" (1990) and Chancellor's Medal from University of Massachusetts.

See also Women in World History.