The Swedish Royal Court has released new photos of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden ahead of her 40th birthday on 14 July 2017.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia’s eldest daughter Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée, Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Vastergotland, was born on 14 July 1977 at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm.

The Princess was christened in the Royal Chapel on 27 September 1977 with King Harald V of Norway, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Désirée Baroness Silfverschiöld and Mr Ralf Sommerlath were chosen as godparents.

However, Sweden changed their Act of Succession in 1979 to absolute or lineal primogeniture so the first-born child inherits the throne, regardless of gender. This law came into effect on 1 January 1980.

Originally Victoria’s younger brother Prince Carl Philip was the heir to the Swedish throne when he was born on 13 May 1979 but, seven months later, he was demoted in the line of succession.

Crown Princess Victoria will be the first Queen Regnant of the Bernadotte dynasty. Sweden has had only two reigning Queens, Christina and Ulrika Eleonora (1718-1720).

She first met Daniel Westling in 2001 during a session at a Stockholm gym whilst trying to overcome an eating disorder. He became her personal trainer and soon became a couple.

The Swedish Court announced their engagement on 24 February 2009, after King Carl Gustaf and the Government granted permission to marry, eight years later.

They were married in a lavish fairytale wedding in Stockholm Cathedral on 19 June 2010.

It was said to be the biggest royal wedding since Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

They moved into Haga Palace, north of Stockholm, later that year, where they have set up home with their two children. Princess Estelle (born 23 February 2012) and Prince Oscar (born 2 March 2016).

Official Celebrations

Friday, 14 July

10.00 am Te Deum Thanksgiving Service in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The Royal Family, Representatives of the Riksdag, the Government, officials and staff from the Royal Court will also be present.

11.15 am to 1.00 pm Reception at Logården for guests who attended the Te Deum Thanksgiving Service.

The Prime Minister, President governors and organisations who have Crown Princess Victoria as their patron will present gifts.

12.00 noon Gun Salute from Skeppsholmen

The Crown Princess family will travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Logårdstrappen to the Royal Mews, before travelling to Solliden Palace on Öland.

6.35 pm Royal procession leaves Solliden Place to Bornholm’s IP.

7.00 pm Victoria Day Celebrations at the Bornholm’s IP, including the presentation of the Victoria Scholarship for sporting achievements.

Saturday, 15 July

8.30 am Gates open to the public at Solliden Palace.

11.00 am Crown Princess Victoria greets well-wishers on her birthday at Solliden Palace.

A new website – www.kungahuset.se/kronprinsessan40 – been launched with details of celebrations taking place on 14-15 July.

Hashtag #Kronprinsessan40