Daniel 'wasn't sure of a yes'

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria has announced her engagement to Daniel Westling, according to a statement from the Royal Court.

• Profile: Popular Crown Princess Victoria (24 Feb 09)

At a press conference at the palace on Tuesday afternoon, Victoria revealed only a few details about the marriage proposal.

"It was a beautiful day out at Drottningholm, in the outdoors -- that was all that I wanted," she said.

Westling, who said he kneeled for the question, admitted he was "a little nervous of course, and I was hoping for a 'yes' but I wasn't entirely sure."

The engagement of the princess, 31, was announced after Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt met King Carl XVI Gustaf at a council at Stockholm's Royal Palace early on Tuesday afternoon.

The wedding will take place in the early summer of 2010.

Westling is to receive the title Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland.

The government must approve the marriages of senior royals, according to the constitution.

Both the King and the government have given their consent to the marriage. The government's decision was formally handed over to the King at Tuesday's council.

It has not yet been decided where the couple will make their home, according to the Royal Court.

The King and Queen Silvia joined the Crown Princess and the future Prince to comment on the engagement in a video clip on the Royal Court's website. King Carl XVI Gustaf was visibly pleased as he announced the news.

"Dear Swedes, at home and abroad. Yes, this is how I tend to begin my speeches on radio and TV when there is something I wish to convey. And, as you may have guessed, there is something very special I would like to convey: namely, the public announcement today of the engagement of Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling," said the King, while exchanging glances with his smiling daughter.

The King then went on to speak about the qualities of his future son-in-law.

"In the past years we have of course got to know Daniel and have understood that he is a young man who works hard and takes life seriously.

"That is why it is especially gratifying to extend you a welcome. It was with pleasure that I gave my consent and, in line with the constitution, accepted the consent of the government.

"It is of course a special day for us but it is also a special day for Sweden," said the King.

Crown Princes Victoria said in the film that she was proud to represent Sweden but that it was easier with help from her fiancé.

"With Daniel by my side I feel secure. You have probaby noticed in recent years that I have seemed stronger and happier. And now the time has come to begin preparations for starting something of our own and creating a family," sad Victoria, while looking at at her future husband.

Queen Silvia was full of praise for Westling.

"We welcome Daniel into our family with open arms. I view him as a man who is humble yet decisive, as well as judicious and wise. You are full of energy, considerate and will make a wonderful husband for Victoria."

The Queen then turned to her daughter.

"We have full confidence in you and your choice, Victoria, and I will do everything to support you. A new chapter is now being written and I am very pleased," she said.

Daniel Westling, who appeared moved by the occasion, looked straight into the camera and said:

"The Crown Princess and I have found each other and our love has grown strong over the years. I want to thank the King and I want to thank the Queen," said the future Prince.

"It is my task to act as a support for the Crown Princess and the important work she does for Sweden."

Shortly after the official announcement, Social Democratic party leader Mona Sahlin offered her congratulations to the couple.

"A big congratulations on this romantic day," read a statement from Sahlin.

"I know that today's news will be met with great joy by the entire Swedish people."

The Crown Princess and Westling are to meet the press at the Royal Palace at 5pm.

According to newspaper Expressen, Reinfeldt visited Drottningholm Palace, the King's main home, on Sunday. At the meeting the King reportedly told Reinfeldt that an engagement was in the offing. Usgaard would not confirm that such a visit had taken place.

Westling, 35, is a personal trainer and owns a central Stockholm gym chain, Balance Training. He was born in Örebro, central Sweden, and grew up in Ockelbo, a town of 6,500 people on the east coast of Sweden. He met Victoria in 2002.