Princess Madeleine Says Mom Queen Silvia Called Out 'Issue Few Were Willing to Confront' at World Childhood Foundation (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

(Left) Princess Madeleine at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024. (Right) Queen Silvia at the ground-breaking ceremony for Charite’s Childhood House in Berlin, Germany on Sept. 19, 2024.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Princess Madeleineof Sweden describes her mother,Queen Silvia’s dedication to protecting children and preventing abuse through theWorld Childhood Foundation USAas a profound source of motivation and a true inspiration.

Madeleine, 42, who serves as Deputy Honorary Chair of the World Childhood Foundation, shares her personal reflections on the organization’s anniversary exclusively with PEOPLE.

The gala also brought the royal back to N.Y.C., where she first met her husband,Christopher O’Neill. The couple,recently relocated from Florida to Swedenwith their three children — Princess Leonore, 10, Prince Nicolas, 9, and Princess Adrienne, 6.

Princess Madeleine at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024.Joy Malone/Getty

Joy Malone/Getty

Princess Madeleine:It means a great deal and fills me with immense pride. I have witnessed firsthand how Childhood has grown and transformed into the pioneering organization it is today. Over $130 million has been allocated to more than 2,000 projects in 21 countries, all focused on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. I am proud of the trust and resilience of our co-founders, partners, and supporters, with whom we have worked to address the gaps that put children at risk. While 25 years of commitment is a significant milestone for Childhood, it is evident that the journey to eradicate child sexual abuse and exploitation is far from over.

How has your mother’s dedication to protecting children inspired your own involvement, and what lessons from her work do you hope to carry forward?

My mother has brought attention to an issue that few were willing to confront. What stands out most to me is her unwavering commitment to speak up, regardless of the audience or setting. This has motivated me to use my own voice to amplify the voices and needs of children who are all too often overlooked.

(From left) Princess Madeleine, Jim Cole and Dr. Mary Pulido at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024.Louis Chan

Louis Chan

What impact do you hope the 25th anniversary gala will have, both in raising awareness and supporting the foundation’s mission?

Princess Madeleine:The gala is vital for Childhood USA and our efforts to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It allows us to continue investing in pioneering solutions, technology, and advocacy that can create systemic change in the lives of children at risk.

Co-hosting ahigh-level meetingat the U.N. headquarters on the morning of the gala illustrates how we operate across all levels, from grassroot initiatives to global advocacy. During the gala, we also honor extraordinary efforts and individuals whose commitment to keeping children safe is crucial. Our hope is that this will inspire others to act.

Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia in New York City for the World Childhood Foundation anniversary in September 2024.Agaton Strom

Agaton Strom

As a mother, how does the work of protecting vulnerable children resonate with you personally? Has motherhood changed the way you approach your role within the foundation?

Princess Madeleine:I would not say that motherhood has changed the way I approach my role within Childhood. For me it is important that my children understand the work Childhood does to keep children safe. And how the work of Childhood can change children’s lives for the better. No child should be a victim of sexual abuse or exploitation. All children have the right to grow up in a safe environment, and for me it is important that my children understand this.

You recently relocated with your family from Florida to Sweden. How does it feel to be traveling back to the U.S. to celebrate the gala for the foundation’s landmark anniversary?

Princess Madeleine:The U.S. will always remain close to my heart. Returning to meet with colleagues and friends of Childhood USA is deeply meaningful to me. Having shared experiences and created memories during my time living in New York City and Miami, I always look forward to reconnecting with those who have been vital to supporting our mission. These gatherings highlight our shared commitment and drive to build a world where every child is safe and protected.

(From left) Jim Cole, Dr. Mary Pulido, Princess Madeleine and Börje Ekholm at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024.Louis Chan

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Speaking to PEOPLE at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala, Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, describes Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia as a “dynamic duo” with an “aura” about them.

“They are passionate, inspirational. If you spend five minutes with them you just want to follow them and do whatever you can to protect children. They have a commitment. It’s almost like an aura about them. You just know that working together with them, we can protect children,” Pulido tells PEOPLE. “We can stop child sex abuse… We need everyone to get involved. It’s everyone’s problem.”

Dr. Mary Pulido and Princess Madeleine at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024.Joy Malone/Getty

A video message from Queen Silvia was featured during the gala, which raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of the foundation’s mission. In her message, the Queen honored the evening’s distinguished recipients—Jim Cole, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, and Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications company—for their outstanding efforts to make both the online and offline worlds safer for children.

“You are an inspiration, you show us what is possible. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, finding new ways to ensure every child, everywhere, so they can grow up free from harm,” Queen Silvia, 80, said in the message.

Queen Silvia’s video message at the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024.Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan/Getty

Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan/Getty

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com