A hot debate has been sparked over the Swedish King's alleged infidelity. Once again the role of the monarchy is under scrutiny. But is a King's or a President's private life really relevant as long as they're carrying out their profession to satisfaction?
The biography - The reluctant monarch, was released a couple of weeks ago and has already sold in 20,000 copies in Sweden.
The book claims that King Carl XVI Gustaf has had affairs with several women since he married in 1976. It also describes him as a frequent guest of "wild sex parties".
The King has neither denied nor admitted to the claims, and said he hasn't read the book but understands the incidents described relate to events taking place long ago.
He said in a recent press conference that he and his family have decided to turn a page and look ahead.
Sad statistics
As we know, the Swedish King is far from he only monarch, prime minister or president being accused of infidelity.
Who doesn't remember President Clinton's falling popularity when "Monicagate" revealed embarrassment upon embarrassment.
Other American Presidents claimed to have definitely been unfaithful to their wives during term of presidency are Lyndon Johnson, JFK, and Roosevelt.
In Europe we're all familiar with Berlusconi's escapades - nowadays so common hardly an eyebrow is raised when we see the headlines.
In a survey taken by MSNBC 50% of men admit to being unfaithful at some point in their life. Thus, how sad it might be - unfaithful men are all around.
Women are not much better at all according to the statistics, but due to the overrepresentation of men in power we seldom hear of female leaders cheating.
The question is: should the private life of our national leaders and representatives really be in the public's interest? Do they not deserve to be judged on how they carry out their profession?
A dedicated monarch
The Swedish royal family is doing an extraordinary job in representing their country. The King, not having even chosen his profession, is working around the clock, and travelling all over the world in what he feels is his duty.
If anything they say or do as representatives of the Swedish state is considered inappropriate - then an open and critical debate should be welcomed.
Infidelity affairs however, no matter how wrong we consider them, should only concern the involved and their families.
When they become part of a public debate it's simply because it's feeding into the need of gossiping and should only be recognised as primitive behaviour - feeling satisfaction bringing some-one powerful down.
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