Johan T Lindwall, the editor-in-chief of Svensk Damtidning, a Swedish magazine focused on royalty and celebrity news, operates within a unique journalistic landscape, one deeply intertwined with the very subjects he covers. From his bustling office in Stockholm, Lindwall presides over a team dedicated to chronicling the lives of the Swedish royal family, maintaining a delicate balance between admiration and journalistic pursuit. The recent release of his book, ”Victoria and Daniel: In Sickness and in Health,” further underscores this complex dynamic, exploring the couple’s relationship, including past rumors of a marital crisis.
The book opens with a dramatic, partially fictionalized account of Queen Silvia intervening in a supposed crisis at the Haga Palace, the residence of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. While the specific details of their conversation remain unknown, Lindwall asserts the underlying situation’s authenticity, citing his network of sources. This incident coincides with widespread rumors of an impending divorce, sparked by a gossip website and reaching even mainstream news outlets. The royal couple eventually issued a denial via Instagram, a move Lindwall criticizes as legitimizing the rumors and broadening their reach beyond the small circle where they originated.
Lindwall’s fascination with the Swedish royal family, and the Crown Princess couple in particular, stems from his long history covering them. He was the first to report on their relationship back in 2002, and has followed them closely ever since, witnessing their struggles against initial royal disapproval. This long-term coverage gives him what he describes as an ability to ”read their signals,” noticing subtle shifts in mood and reactions. He emphasizes that he doesn’t have personal ties to the royal family but acknowledges feeling personally affected by the divorce rumors, particularly given the couple’s past efforts to be together.
While Lindwall expresses admiration for both Victoria and Queen Silvia, seeing them as key figures in the monarchy’s strength, his relationship with the current king appears more complex. He recalls an incident where the King responded sarcastically to his question about the Queen’s health, an encounter he now recounts with humor but which reveals a tension between the journalist and the monarch. This dynamic hints at the broader challenge faced by royal reporters: navigating the inherent tension between covering a family that often prefers privacy.
Lindwall defends Svensk Damtidning’s approach to royal reporting, stating their primary aim is not to scrutinize but to celebrate the monarchy. He sees their role as informing and entertaining, sharing the daily activities of the royals. He highlights a recent scoop involving Queen Silvia’s nephew, Patrick Sommerlath, who chose Svensk Damtidning to address accusations of sex trafficking, as evidence of their journalistic credibility. Lindwall insists the interview was conducted rigorously, despite the magazine’s generally supportive stance towards the royal family.
This supportive stance raises questions about the boundaries between fandom and journalism. Lindwall’s professed admiration for Victoria, evident in his book and his writing, complicates the traditional understanding of objective reporting. He asserts that Svensk Damtidning serves as a kind of ”house organ” for the royals, showcasing them in a positive light. He acknowledges that the royal family, including Queen Silvia, are readers of the magazine, further blurring the lines between coverage and courtship. This symbiotic relationship, where the magazine both reports on and caters to the royal family, is a key characteristic of Lindwall’s approach, a dynamic he seems to navigate with both enthusiasm and a certain pragmatic awareness. It highlights the unique position of Svensk Damtidning, operating within a niche where journalistic scrutiny is tempered by a deeply embedded appreciation for the institution it covers.
Ultimately, Johan T Lindwall’s approach to royal reporting reflects the specific context of the Swedish monarchy and its relationship with the media. His blend of admiration, journalistic pursuit, and a keen awareness of his audience creates a distinctive style, one that celebrates the monarchy while acknowledging the complexities of reporting on it. The sustained popularity of Svensk Damtidning suggests this approach resonates with its readership, highlighting the enduring public fascination with royalty and the intricate dance between the crown and the press.
