Background
Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland (born Lillian May Davies on 30 August 1915) was a beauty and fashion model in Britain. In 1976 she married the Swedish Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland (1912–1997), an uncle of king Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. In 1943 she met the Swedish Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland, in London, reportedly at a cocktail party held in honour of her 28th birthday. Soon after their meeting they became lovers, although she was at that time married to her first husband, a British actor Ivan Craig. Bertil's older brother, Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Vasterbotten, was the heir apparent to the Swedish throne, but in 1947 he died. As Gustaf Adolf's son, Carl Gustaf, was less than one year old, it seemed likely that when the king of Sweden died Bertil would have to serve as regent (other heirs having given up their places in the succession because of unacceptable marriages). For this reason Bertil chose not to marry Lilian, so the couple simply lived together discreetly for more than 30 years. In 1946 Prince Bertil acquired a house in Sainte Maxime, France, that became their private retreat. However, Bertil never had to become regent since his father, the king, lived long enough to see his grandson, Carl Gustaf, come of age. Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden ascended the throne in 1973, and, having married a commoner himself, he approved Bertil's and Lilian's marriage. They were married on 7 December 1976 at the church of Drottningholm Palace in the presence of the king and the queen. Prince Bertil died on 5 January 1997 in their home, with Princess Lilian at his side.
Born 30 August 1915 (age 97), Princess Lilian was the oldest living member of the Swedish or any European royal family. In August 2008 the Princess fell and broke her hip in her apartment, and in February 2009 she again suffered a fall in her home. It was announced on June 3, 2010, that the princess was afflicted with Alzheimer's and she was no longer able to appear in public.