Stockholm was in a celebratory mood to celebrate their Crown Princess’s 40th birthday on 14 July 2017 with festivities taking place across the nation for two days.
While 14 July is mostly known as Bastille Day, especially in France, it is celebrated as Victoria Day (Victoriadagen) in Sweden, in honour of the Crown Princess’ birthday.
The day is also known as Öland’s National Day, where the Royal Family have their summer home, Solliden Palace.
A recent poll said Crown Princess Victoria is the most popular member of Sweden’s Royal Family, as she is said to be a very down to earth person. However, 40% believe King Carl XVI Gustaf should retire and hand over to his daughter.
Meanwhile, King Carl Gustaf says he has no plans to abdicate but said he would leave it in God’s hands.
Stockholm and Öland, 14 July
The Crown Princess’ birthday started with the traditional Te Deum Thanksgiving service in the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace.
One-year-old Prince Oscar was seen clinging to his mother’s leg and hiding behind her skirts shortly after Crown Princess Victoria put him down after entering the chapel.
Swedish Television (SVT) broadcasted the events live with crowds gathered outside in the street outside the Royal Palace, and on Strömborn bridge, with blue skies on a warm summer’s day.
Some were waving Swedish flags.
Many had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Crown Princess as they waited patiently outside the palace.
The Local Sweden reported, “it was a lovely day in Stockholm today: 20°C and blue sky”.
The Swedish Royal family, their extended family, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, county governors, the Riksdag (Parliament) representatives, the government, officials and court staff attended the service.
Like most parents, Princess Madeleine had trouble trying to keep two restless toddlers to behave afterwards.
A reception was held in Logården for all the guests who had attended the Te Deum Thanksgiving Service.
The Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and President Urban Ahlin presented a gift to the Crown Princess on behalf of the Parliament and the government: a silver spice consisting of three bowl-shaped shakers which were made by silversmith Petronella Ericsson.
The design features flowers and climbing plants which were inspired by Crown Princess Victoria’s love of nature.
Engraver Lisa Henrich engraved the Crown Princess’ monogram on one bowl.
The Crown Princess also received other gifts from visitors, followed by speeches.
King Carl XVI Gustaf gave a speech and led the cheers for his daughter.
However, five-year-old Princess Estelle appeared to be tired from standing during all the speeches so she sat down through some of the speeches.
At 12 noon a 21-gun salute was fired from across the river at Skeppsholmens. Gun salutes were also fired at Boden, Härnösand, Karlskrona and Goteborg in honour of the Crown Princess’ birthday.
Crowds cheered and waved as Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and their two adorable children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar rode in a horse-drawn carriage in a procession through Stockholm to the Royal Mews.
The Swedish Royal Family travelled by jet to Öland afterwards where more Victoria Day Celebrations continued.
The Royal Family travelled in horse-drawn carriages to the Victoriadagen concert at Borgholm’s IP where Crown Princess Victoria presented the Victoria Scholarship to Olympic Gold medalist and mountain biker Jenny Rissveds from Falun.
Solliden Palace, 15 July
Thousands gathered at Solliden Palace to congratulate the Crown Princess and to wish her a Happy Birthday.
The band played Happy Birthday as King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel appeared with Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.
King Carl Gustaf gave a speech before leading the crowd in three cheers for Crown Princess Victoria.
The Crown Princess later greeted some of the well-wishers at Solliden Palace, including those who presented flowers and gifts.
However, Prince Oscar was more interested in the garden, especially some red flowers, than listening to his grandfather’s speech.
Send Your Birthday Greetings
Well-wishers can post their messages on the Kungahuset Facebook Page or via the Swedish Royal Court’s website.
Official hashtag: #Kronprinsessan40
Watch the Swedish Royal Court’s (Kungahuset.se) video of the celebrations.
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