She isn't your average teenager. While most 13-year-olds are worrying about TikTok trends or math tests, Princess Estelle of Sweden is busy preparing to lead a nation. Honestly, it’s a lot of pressure for someone who only recently hit her milestone thirteenth birthday in February 2025. You’ve probably seen the photos of her—poised, smiling, and looking more like her mother, Crown Princess Victoria, every single day. But what is her life actually like behind the palace gates at Haga?
People often assume royal kids live in a gilded cage. That’s not quite the case here. Her parents have been adamant about giving her a "normal" upbringing, or at least as normal as it gets when you're second in line to a throne that dates back centuries.
Princess Estelle of Sweden and the Weight of the Crown
Sweden changed the rules before she was even a thought. Back in 1980, the country moved to absolute primogeniture. Basically, this means the firstborn child becomes the monarch, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl. Because of this, Estelle is a trailblazer. She is the first female in Swedish history to be born with a right to the throne that can’t be taken away by a younger brother.
When Prince Oscar was born in 2016, nothing changed for her. She remained the future Queen.
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It’s kind of wild to think about. Most of us are trying to figure out what career we want. She’s had her career path mapped out since the 21-gun salute signaled her birth at Karolinska Hospital.
Life at Campus Manilla
School is her primary focus right now. No, she isn't homeschooled by tutors in a dusty library. She attends Campus Manilla on the island of Djurgården. It’s a prestigious school, sure, but she’s there with other kids, learning the same curriculum. Before that, she went to a "Uti ur Skur" (Rain or Shine) preschool where she spent most of her time outdoors, even in the freezing Swedish winters. It’s a very Swedish way to grow up: tough, grounded, and connected to nature.
A Growing Public Role in 2026
We’ve seen her out and about more lately. Just recently, in early 2026, she’s been spotted at more family events, often looking nearly as tall as her father, Prince Daniel. She’s got this natural poise that experts say comes from years of "soft" training.
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- Godmother Duties: In a sweet move last summer, she was named a godparent to her cousin, Princess Ines. At just 13, she’s already taking on spiritual and familial responsibilities.
- Cultural Patronage: The Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation is already making waves. They’ve been building a massive sculpture park at Royal Djurgården. It’s not just a vanity project; it’s about making contemporary art free for everyone.
- Sporting Events: She’s a regular at the Nordic Open. You’ll often see her and Prince Daniel in the stands, genuinely cheering. She isn't just there for the cameras; she actually seems to enjoy the game.
The "Haga Princess" Tradition
The media loves to call her a "Haga Princess," a throwback to her grandfather’s sisters who grew up in the same palace. But Estelle is different. She represents a modern Sweden. She wears brands like Indiska and Zara mixed with historic family heirlooms. She’s relatable but carries the gravity of her future role with a shrug of her shoulders.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Future
There’s a common misconception that she’ll be taking over soon. King Carl XVI Gustaf is still very much on the throne, having celebrated his Golden Jubilee not long ago. Then there is Crown Princess Victoria, who is incredibly popular and in the prime of her working life. Estelle has decades—likely thirty or forty years—before she actually wears the crown.
This "slow burn" is intentional.
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The Swedish Royal Court learned from the past. They don’t want her burnt out by age 20. Her schedule is strictly guarded. You won't see her doing solo engagements or ribbon-cuttings for years. She’s a student first.
Honestly, the most impressive thing about her isn't the title. It’s the way she handles the spotlight. Whether she’s dressed as St. Lucia with candles in her hair or standing on the balcony of the Royal Palace, she looks... happy. That’s a rare thing for a royal "heir to the heir."
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you’re following the development of the Swedish monarchy, here is how to stay informed without falling for tabloid rumors:
- Follow the Official Source: The Kungahuset (Royal Court) website is the only place for verified news. They release high-quality portraits for every birthday and major holiday.
- Visit the Sculpture Park: If you're in Stockholm, go to the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park at Rosendal. It’s free and gives you a real sense of the legacy she is building.
- Watch the National Day Broadcasts: Every June 6th, the family appears in traditional dress. It’s the best time to see the family’s dynamic and Estelle’s growing public speaking confidence.
The Swedish monarchy is in a period of "slimming down." Only Victoria’s children, Estelle and Oscar, remain in the "Royal House" with the "Royal Highness" style. This makes her role even more concentrated and important. She isn't just a princess; she is the face of the future House of Bernadotte.
To stay updated on her latest appearances and the work of her foundation, keep an eye on the official Swedish Royal Court press releases rather than social media fan accounts, which often reuse old photos. Seeing her transition into her mid-teens will likely involve more international royal gatherings, where she'll mingle with other future monarchs like Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Prince George of the UK.