Swedish Royal Family celebrates National Day
On Tuesday, the Swedish Royal Family celebrated National Day! This year’s National Day also marks the 500th anniversary of the election of King Gustav I in 1523 which meant the definitive end of the Kalmar Union and the country entering a new era that would shape the Swedish nation-state.
Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, and Prince Oscar began the day by opening the Royal Castle in Stockholm. On National Day, the castle is open with free admission and two areas that are normally closed to the public were opened: the Bernadotte Library and Logården (Royal Palace Garden).
Foto: Henrik Garlöv/Kungl. Hovstaterna
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia were in Strängnäs, the city where Gustav Vasa was elected King in 1523. They first attended a festive gathering in the cathedral.
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
Afterward, they took part in the National Day celebration in Västerviken where the King distributed flags to the ten associations and organizations.
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
In his speech, King Carl Gustaf said: “Since Gustav Vasa was elected, approximately 20 generations have been born, lived, and passed on to the next. That may sound like a lot. But if you think about it a bit, it's almost the opposite. A person my age may have met six of these generations. Think what extraordinary development has been achieved by each family line in Sweden. Everywhere in our country.”
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
Meanwhile, Prince Carl Philip attended the changing of the guard at Yttre borggården, Royal Palace.
Princess Madeleine also shared a photo with her husband Chris O’Neill and their children Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas, and Princess Adrienne.
Afterward, the Royal Couple and the Crown Princess Couple with their children travelled in a horse-drawn procession to the national day celebration at Sollidenscenen at Skansen. They were joined by Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia as well as Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill.
During the celebration, King Carl Gustaf distributed banners to various associations and corresponding associations.
In his speech, King Carl Gustaf said: “We celebrate this year that it is 500 years since Gustav Vasa was elected king of Sweden, at the meeting in Strängnäs which was a precursor to the Riksdag. Since June 6, 1523, Sweden has been an independent country, a nation-state. During these 500 years, Swedish society has been shaped and developed. We have a lot to be proud of this National Day. for me, it has been a privilege to be able to travel around the country for almost 50 years to follow the developments that are constantly taking place. To pay attention to important progress and take part in the challenges.”
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
The Royal Family, joined by Princess Christina and her husband, then attended a National Day reception at the Nordic Museum for representatives of the government, the Riksdag, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
The National Day celebrations concluded with the Army Band performing their tapto for the Royal Family in front of the Nordic Museum.
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
Foto: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna
For the visit to Strängnäs, Queen Silvia wore a Georg & Arend outfit with a matching hat, black pumps, her Hermes bag, and her Cartier bracelet.
For the celebrations, the Swedish Royal ladies wore their traditional Stockholm national dress. Princess Sofia also wore her In2Design earrings.
Prince Oscar wore his Paul Smith jacket.
Prince Nicolas wore a Mango jacket.
