Princess Madeleineand her brotherPrince Carl Philipare opening about their father King Carl XVI Gustaf’sdecision to have their children’s royal titles stripped.

On Monday, the palace announced that the children of Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill, and Prince Carl Philip andPrincess Sofia, are no longer official members of the royal house, which means they are no longer expected to perform official royal duties.

“His Majesty The King has decided on changes to The Royal House. The purpose of these changes is to establish which members of The Royal Family may be expected to perform official duties incumbent on the Head of State or related to the function of the Head of State,” a palace statement read.

Soon after the announcement was made, Madeleine took to her personal Instagram to share her thoughts on the decision.

“Earlier today, the court announced that Leonore, Nicolas and Adrienne will no longer belong to the royal house. This change has been planned for a long time. Chris and I think it’s good that our children are now getting a greater opportunity to shape their own lives as private individuals in the future,” shewrotealongside a sweet photo of her three children.

Emily Dahl

Princess Madeleine of Sweden

Madeline’s younger brother, Prince Carl Philip, also took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the decision,writing: “Today, the King announced the decision that our children no longer hold the Royal Highness position. We see this as positive as Alexander and Gabriel will have freer choices in life.”

Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel.Kungl. Hovstaterna

Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia

“They will retain their prince titles and their duchies, Södermanland and Dalarna, which we value and are proud of. Our family has strong connections to both landscapes and we maintain our commitment there.

“We will continue to focus on our heart issues and commitment. We will also continue to support the King and Crown Princess – our future head of state – and participate in the King’s House activities as we wish.”

Despite losing their title of Royal Highness, Madeleine’s three children — Princess Leonore, 5, Prince Nicolas, 4, Princess Adrienne, 1 – and Carl Philip’s two sons — Prince Alexander, 2, and Prince Gabriel, 2 — will retain their titles of Prince and Princess, but these titles will become personal and any future spouses or children will not have a right to them.

The decision does not pertain to Princess Estelle, 7, and Prince Oscar, 3 – the children of Crown Princess Victoria, who is heir to the throne, and her husband Prince Daniel. Unlike their cousins, both Estelle and Oscar will both continue to be part of the royal house.

Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.Linda Broström/The Royal Court of Sweden

HRH Prince Oscar / HRH Princess Estelle

MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/WireImage

The Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden’s 40th birthday Celebrations in Stockholm

“I think because my mom and father, of course, were so devoted to their work and as King and Queen, they have lots of obligations, so they were away quite a bit when we were small. But when they were home, they were very present and I feel that I want to give my children as much as I can,”she told PEOPLE.

Madeleine, who works with the World Childhood Foundation, also said she hopes her kids follow in her footsteps when it comes to her efforts on behalf of kids all over the world.

“I would love that, but of course, it’s important to see what they’re passionate about,” she said. “I would be very happy if they do – just as I think my mom is very happy that I’m following her. (Madeleine’s mother, Queen Silvia, started the World Childhood Foundation 20 years ago.)

“I would be very proud if they take on these issues as well.”

source: people.com