Prince Bertil was popular in Sweden where he was dubbed "Prince Charming" by the media for his long romance with Lilian.

CNN: Sweden's Princess Lilian dies at the age of 97

In 1943, she met Prince Bertil at the Les Ambassadeurs nightclub in the English capital, where he was stationed at the Swedish embassy.

BBC: Princess Lilian of Sweden: Swansea pays tribute

Prince Bertil's two brothers had already renounced their right to the throne by marrying commoners and the only heir, his older brother Crown Prince Gustaf Adolph, died in a plane crash in 1947.

CNN: Sweden's Princess Lilian dies at the age of 97