A retired chief psychiatrist is calling for the immediate release of Felix Prince, a gifted concert pianist held in forensic psychiatric care at Vadstena Clinic in Sweden. Dr. Magnus Nilsson argues that Prince suffers from a metabolic disorder rather than a severe mental illness, and that prolonged institutionalization has caused serious physical harm.
Prince, whose family has ties to the American entertainment elite, experienced a breakdown on Iceland years ago. The incident, initially interpreted as a violent outburst, was, according to Nilsson, a panic attack triggered by news of his grandfather’s death.
His grandfather was a prominent figure known for staging West Side Story in New York. Prince was subsequently placed in forensic psychiatric care at Vadstena, where he remains detained despite years of advocacy by his mother, Christina.
In a recent interview with Torbjörn Sassersson, editor of NewsVoice, Dr. Nilsson — a former chief physician in forensic psychiatry who worked at Sankt Sigfrids Hospital in Växjö — described Prince as “a completely normal person, probably a bit more intelligent than most” when not affected by his condition. Nilsson emphasized that Prince has performed acclaimed piano concerts on Finland’s national stage and was regarded by conductors as a savant-like talent during his teenage years.
Metabolic Disorder, Not Mental Illness
Nilsson, who has reviewed extensive medical records, stated that Prince was thoroughly evaluated at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, one of the world’s leading institutions. Doctors there identified an inherited metabolic disorder that explains his reactions to certain foods and substances.
“Autism spectrum disorder is being used as a broad label,” Nilsson said. “It ranges from severe cases to highly functional individuals such as skilled programmers or conductors. Felix was never mentally retarded, and the claim that he has suffered from this since birth is nonsense.”
He added that multiple psychiatrists have documented in Prince’s journal that pharmacological treatment has no effect.
“The only things that help are treating infections or addressing the care-related injuries he has sustained,” Nilsson noted.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Neglect
The interview highlighted serious concerns about Prince’s treatment at Vadstena. His mother has reported deliberate physical abuse, including an incident where a staff member allegedly slammed a hatch on his hand multiple times, causing suspected fractures. As a professional pianist, such injuries are particularly devastating.
During a permission visit, Prince complained of elbow pain. He was taken to Danderyd Hospital near Stockholm, where X-rays confirmed both an elbow fracture (from a fall on icy grounds at the clinic) and a previously injured hand that had healed incorrectly. Upon return to Vadstena, clinic chief physician Susanne Noske reportedly ordered the cast removed. A nurse later documented the case in a way that suggested simulation, according to Nilsson.
“Removing a cast against medical advice from a properly examined fracture constitutes, in my view, mistreatment,” Nilsson said.
He described the clinic’s handling of Prince’s physical injuries as negligent, noting that patients in forensic care are restricted from seeking external medical help without approval.
Prince’s mother has also been denied visits and permission meetings, which Nilsson finds troubling. While acknowledging that restrictions on relatives can sometimes be justified, he suggested that, in this case, it may be to limit external scrutiny.
Legal and Financial Dimensions
Dr. Nilsson has submitted a detailed analysis to the family and NewsVoice, arguing that the legal criteria under Section 16 of the relevant Swedish law for continued forensic psychiatric care are not met. There is, he contends, no ongoing psychiatric disorder warranting detention, and practical matters such as housing (Prince is registered with his mother in Täby) and future prospects are resolved.
He also pointed to strong financial incentives for clinics to retain out-of-region patients, describing the daily reimbursement from the home municipality as comparable to “a 30-year American government bond” — reportedly 12,000 to 20,000 SEK per day.
Diverging Views
Vadstena Clinic maintains that Prince requires continued care and has disputed claims regarding his musical abilities and the nature of his condition. Officials have reportedly described his injuries as resulting from incidents during restraint or other events and have questioned the metabolic explanations.
Prince himself has consistently provided the same account of events over more than a year of contact with Nilsson, a trait the experienced psychiatrist views as a strong indicator of truthfulness.
The future for Felix Prince remains uncertain. Despite his talents and documented medical history, he continues to be held at Vadstena. His mother and supporters hope that increased public attention, including this interview, will prompt a review by the administrative court and secure his release.
This case raises broader questions about the boundaries between metabolic conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, and the safeguards in Sweden’s forensic care system. NewsVoice will continue to follow developments.
The latest information NewsVoice has regarding Felix is that he is now being prescribed a heavier course of medication than ever before by the consultant in charge, Susanne Noske; that his opportunities for leave have been severely restricted; and that his mother has been completely barred from seeing her son, despite having succeeded in improving his health during his periods of leave. Among other things, Felix has lost 20 kg.
Interview and production by Torbjorn Sassersson
Related
- NewsVoice (November 2024): Felix Prince With Severe Food Allergy Locked Up at Mental Ward in Sweden
