Princess says 'U.S. will always remain close' to her heart months after moving

While Princess Madeleine is back living in her native Sweden, the United States will always hold a special in her heart. The Swedish royal, who recently lived in Florida, returned to the states this month to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Childhood Foundation.

In an interview with PEOPLE, published on Nov. 15, Madeleine said, "The U.S. will always remain close to my heart. Returning to meet with colleagues and friends of Childhood USA is deeply meaningful to me. Having shared experiences and created memories during my time living in New York City and Miami, I always look forward to reconnecting with those who have been vital to supporting our mission. These gatherings highlight our shared commitment and drive to build a world where every child is safe and protected."

© Louis Chan/World Childhood Foundation USA

Madeleine and her family — husband Christopher O'Neill and their three kids, Princess Leonore, Princess Adrienne and Prince Nicolas — relocated from Florida to Sweden this year. The family had been residing in the Sunshine State since 2018. The Swedish Royal Court confirmed to HOLA! USA in early July that the family of five had already moved to Sweden. In the states, Madeleine has also lived in New York, where she is said to have met her husband through friends.

The Princess and Christopher’s first child, Leonore, was born in New York City at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. At the end of 2014, it was announced that the royal couple had left their apartment in New York and intended to find a new home in Europe.

During her recent trip to New York City, the Princess presented awards at the World Childhood Foundation USA's 25th Anniversary Gala, which raised $1.4 million. Madeleine also delivered remarks at a United Nations Meeting on child protection. Sharing photos from the United Nations Headquarters on her Instagram, the Swedish Princess penned, "Yesterday was a significant and inspiring day for @worldchildhoodfoundation and me personally. I had the honor of speaking at the UN HQ, surrounded by incredible advocates and Childhood partners who have dedicated their lives to protecting children. There is now a global momentum that we must harness to end violence and abuse against children!"

She continued, "We carried this hope and renewed energy into the evening, where, together with @childhood.usa, we met with partners, inspiring people and champions for children’s rights to mark Childhood’s 25th anniversary. It was an unforgettable night that empowers Childhood USA’s ongoing mission to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation.Ending violence against children is possible, but we can only succeed if we act together!"

Madeleine's mother, Queen Silvia, founded World Childhood Foundation USA in 1999. The mission of the organization is to inspire, promote, and develop solutions to end sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. In her remarks at the United Nations, the Princess said, "I wish I could say Childhood’s mission is complete. Instead, I ask you to join us – and others – in turning commitment into real action. Let us move beyond hope toward concrete steps so that every child can grow up free from violence. We can only succeed if we act – together."