Swedish king’s alleged mistress breaks silence

STOCKHOLM - A former Swedish pop star Friday broke her silence about an alleged relationship with Swedish King Carl Gustaf, describing him as a “funny” person.

A chapter in a new unauthorized biography of the Swedish king was devoted to the alleged year-long affair between him and Camilla Henemark, one-time member of the pop group Army of Lovers.

Henemark distanced herself from the book’s description of her as a courtesan, but told the Stockholm tabloid Expressen in an exclusive interview that “we played and had fun”.

The former singer has in recent years struggled with depression.

By granting the interview she wanted to end the “wild speculation” about her life and move on, she said.

The book, “Carl XVI Gustaf - The Unwilling Monarch”, alleges that the king risked his security by attending private parties at sleazy night clubs.

The book has generated headlines and provided tabloids with ample material about the king and his closest circle of friends.

The palace a week ago said it would not seek legal action, and the king told reporters that he had not read the book but had seen headlines and had talked to his family and the queen.

“We will turn a page and move on,” he said, adding that the alleged events took place a long time ago.

Many claims were based on unnamed sources. The authors and publisher Kristoffer Lind insisted the information had been repeatedly confirmed and checked.

Deanne Rauscher, one of the three authors, told Expressen she was relieved Henemark had given the interview.