Sweden's king removes five of his grandchildren from the royal house

The decision by King Carl XVI Gustaf means the children no longer have the title of royal highness and are not expected to perform official royal duties.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden, holding Princess Adrienne of Sweden, Princess Eleonore of Sweden and Christopher O'Neill holding Prince Nicolas of Sweden in 2018. Source: Getty Images

Swedish King Carl Gustaf announced on Monday that the children of his two younger children, Prince Carl-Philip and Princess Madeleine, will no longer be members of The Royal House.

According to a press release, the purpose was to establish which members of the royal family may be expected to perform official duties.

Swedish Prince Carl Philip (L) and Princess Sofia (L), who holds Prince Alexander, stand together after the christening in Stockholm in 2016. Source: TT NYHETSBYRAN POOL

This means that Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas and Princess Adrienne will continue to be members of the royal family but they will no longer enjoy the style of Royal Highness.

They will retain their titles of duke and duchess.

King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia and their eldest daughter Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel remain Sweden's highest representatives. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel have two children - Princess Estelle, 7, and Prince Oscar, 3.

Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia and Princess Madeleine will, according to the press release, continue their work in the non-profit foundations and organisations which they have founded or in which they are involved. They will also perform some official duties.