Princess Madeleine’s Husband Chris O'Neill Defends His Absence From Royal Engagements

Princess Madeleine of Sweden’s husband, Chris O’Neill, has come under firefor not attending recent royal engagements. The British-American businessman failed to attend National Sweden Day in June where the royal family dressed up in traditional garb and posed for official family portraits. He was also absent at the 69th birthday party for King Carl XVI Gustaf in April.

Now the British-born O’Neill, 41, who turned down a royal title after marrying Madeleine, is defending himself.

“I have to look after my family and put food on the table. My job doesn’t allow me to decide if I can attend an official engagement one month before it happens,” O'Neill said, speaking to Swedish publication Expressen last Tuesday.

O'Neill, the managing director of Wilton Payments Limited, said he works hard, adding sometimes client meetings conflict with a royal engagement, and since the clients don’t know who he is, they don’t always plan in advance. The couple, along with their two children, Princess Leonore and Prince Nicolas, are currently enjoying a break in the Solliden Palace, the royal family’s official summer residence in the south of Sweden, Hello reported.

The family has been based in Stockholm for the past couple of months, having moved from New York City where O'Neill worked. They reportedly will move to London in the fall and stay there for two years.

O'Neill said they had always planned to move to London, but after their second child was born, they decided to stay in Stockholm for some time.

O'Neill said newborn son Prince Nicolas' next high-profile appearance most likely will be at his christening, the date for which hass yet to be announced. The doting dad said the prince's christening will be similar to his daughter Princess Leonore’s and would either take place in Drottningholm Palace or in Stockholm.