Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland
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Princess Lilian of Sweden, Duchess of Halland (30 August 1915-) was born Lillian May Davies in Swansea, Wales. She was the daughter of William and Gladys Mary Davies. Her first name was originally spelled Lillian, but she dropped one L when she became a fashion model. Princess Lilian is the widow of Prince Bertil, an uncle of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Briefly in the 1940s, she was married to Ian Craig, an actor. In World War II, Lilian Craig worked at a factory that made radios for the British Navy and at a hospital for wounded soldiers.
In 1943, she met Prince Bertil of Sweden, in London, reportedly at a cocktail party held in honour of her 28th birthday. Soon after their meeting, they became lovers, but since the prince was barred from marrying a commoner, they were not allowed to wed for more than 30 years. On 7 December 1976, after finally receiving royal permission, they were married at the Palace Church of Drottningholm Palace in the presence of Prince Bertil's nephew the King and the Queen.
Prince Bertil died on January 5, 1997 in their home, with Princess Lilian at his side. Since then, she has carried on to represent the Royal Family at official engagements and other occasions. She is the protector of many organisations, and also a honorary member of several clubs and societies which belonged to Prince Bertil's areas of interest.
In the year 2000, Princess Lilian released a biography of her life with Prince Bertil.
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