Swedish Queen Probes Father's Alleged Nazi Ties

Queen Silvia responds to Nazi accusations ... after nine years of speculation
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 17, 2011 9:04 AM CDT
Swedish Queen Silvia Probes Father's Alleged Nazi Ties During WW2
Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden arrive at the King's dinner for the Nobel Laureates at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Saturday , Dec. 11, 2010.   (AP photo/Scanpix Sweden/Claudio Bresciani)

Sweden's Queen Silvia is investigating her late father's activities in Germany and Brazil during World War II to clarify reports about possible ties to Nazis, according to a Swedish Royal Court spokesman. Walther Sommerlath's alleged links with Germany's Nazi party were first reported in 2002 by Swedish media, which claimed he joined the party in 1934 and took over a business from a Jew in 1939 under unclear circumstances.

The investigation was launched in reaction to the Kalla Fakta (Cold Facts) TV program that aired in November, which the queen openly stated to be a negative portrayal of her and her father. The results of the investigation are expected this fall. (More Sweden stories.)

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