Crown Princess Victoria Becomes Patron of Ulriksdal Palace Theatre

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has become the patron of Ulriksdal Palace Theatre, Confidencen. Established in 1753, it is Sweden’s oldest Rococo theatre. Prior to assuming her new role, the Crown Princess visited the theatre and received a guided tour from theatre director Madeleine Onne and Christina De Geer, a member of the board.

Ulriksdal Palace Theatre, also known as Confidencen, still hosts performances on its historic stage. Princess Christina has long been involved with the theatre and currently serves as honorary chair of the Ulriksdal Palace Theatre Confidencen Foundation. From this year onward, the Crown Princess will serve as its official patron.

During the visit, the Crown Princess toured the “Green Drawing Room,” one of the theatre’s rooms, accompanied by Madeleine Onne. The wall panels, or tableaux, were painted by Swedish artist Johan Pasch (1706–1769). These paintings were stored away in the 19th century and rediscovered during an inventory in 1971. Following their restoration in 1985, they were returned to their original place in the theatre.

One of the original 18th-century panels is missing, and a new one has been created in its place. The contemporary painting features Elisabeth Söderström, Lena Nyman, and Kjerstin Dellert portrayed as “Bellman’s nymphs,” referencing a significant performance in the theatre’s history.

When Louisa Ulrika arrived in Sweden from Germany as the wife of the future King Adolf Frederick, she was given Ulriksdal Palace as a wedding gift. Following the coronation in 1751, her vision for a palace theatre at Ulriksdal was realized in line with European traditions. Architect Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz was commissioned for the project, and by 1753, the former riding house had been transformed into a fully equipped Rococo theatre with a seating capacity of 200. The construction lent its name to the theatre building, the Confidencen.

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