Erika Bernadotte saddened by war outbreak

Embed from Getty Images 

 September 4, 1939

The Los Angeles Times has an interview with "Princess" Erika Bernadotte, the German-born wife of the former Prince Sigvard of Sweden. {The paper writes incorrectly that Sigvard was the Crown Prince who "renounced all claims to the Scandinavian throne four years ago. )

Erika arrived in Los Angeles today, "not looking very happy." For one thing, her husband, Sigvard, will not reach America until September 28 from his summer home in Denmark.

The outbreak of war in Europe has "rudely wrenched the Princess' loyalties: she is German-born."

As Erika stepped off the Santa Fe Chief, she "sadly answered questions about the European conflict." She begged: "Please, please remember, I cannot speak of politics. I'm trying not to think about the war. It is better for me that way."
She "stoutly maintained that she had no apprehensions" about her husband's safety or his forthcoming trip across submarine-infested waters. She herself arrived in New York from Denmark two weeks ago.

The Princess said that her husband will "conduct several exhibitions of Danish art on the Pacific Coast." Sigvard, who served as an apprentice in the German film industry, was a director in Hollywood. The couple have a home in Santa Monica.

Erika, described as the "blond daughter of an old German family," said "I am happy -- so very happy -- to be back in California."

[When Prince Sigvard married Erika Patzek, he lost all his royal titles and privileges. He became Mr. Sigvard Bernadotte, and was not styled as Prince Sigvard. He received the title of Count Bernadotte af Wisborg in 1951 from Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. Sigvard married Erika Patzek in London in 1934.]