Crown Princess of Sweden Begins Officer Training at Defence University

Crown Princess Victoria, 47, of Sweden, has started studying at the Swedish Defence University to become an officer.

This was reported by the website of the Royal Palace.

The heiress to the Swedish throne will undergo a special officer training course to "further deepen her involvement in the Swedish Armed Forces and gain a deeper understanding of tactics, military science and military strategy."

"My ambition now is to put all my energy into officer training so that I can best represent Sweden and the Swedish Armed Forces in the future," said Victoria.

Specialised officer training in Sweden is for people who already have a university degree and includes both theoretical and practical components.

In 2003, Crown Princess Victoria had already completed basic military training at the International Centre of the Swedish Armed Forces and received the rank of cadet. She also studied conflict studies at university.

She applied for the officer training programme in April this year, almost immediately after Sweden became a member of the North Atlantic Alliance.