Swedish Royal Family celebrates National Day
On Thursday, 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.
Foto: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna
Ahead of National Day, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar attended a flag course with soldiers to learn how to lift, haul, and fold it correctly.
Foto: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia started this year’s National Day celebrations in Pajala in Norrbotten County.
At a national day ceremony at Soltorget in Pajala, the King handed out flags to associations and organizations with activities in Norrbotten.
Foto: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna
In his speech, King Carl Gustaf said: “Just as we are proud of our country today and everything we stand for, you should be proud of Pajala. After all, Sweden became independent on June 6, 1523. In the same century, the settler Lasse Pajanen settled here and gave his name to Pajala parish. Now you are a multicultural municipality characterized by tradition and renewal - to both preserve and develop.”
Foto: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia then visited the family business Kero Leather in Sattajärvi to get an insight into their leather production.
Foto: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna
Meanwhile, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel were in Nykvarn in Södermanland. In her National Day speech, Crown Princess Victoria said: “We are all involved in shaping our society. To build on the Sweden that previous generations have created and on the values that make our country so unique. A community in openness. In tolerance. And in caring for each other. It is these values that bind us together and that make us strong. Let's continue to nurture our community for future generations to inherit and manage.”
Prince Carl Philip attended the changing of the guard at Yttre borggården, Royal Palace.
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.
During the celebration, King Carl Gustaf distributed banners to various associations and corresponding associations.
In his speech, King Carl Gustaf said: “It is easy to feel pride in our sporting achievements. When the Swedish flag is raised and the national anthem is played, just like today. But let us also be proud of our values. As obvious as we have to defend our country, it is important that we continue to stand up for openness, tolerance, and everyone's equal value. We do this by showing empathy and concern for our fellow human beings. And through a trust in our community. Together in our quest for peace and freedom. Here in Sweden. Here in the Nordics. You old you forever free.”
The Royal Family then hosted a National Day reception for representatives of the government, the Riksdag, and members of the diplomatic corps at the Royal Castle. The National Day celebrations concluded with the Army Band performing their tapto for the Royal Family in front of the Royal Castle.
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In Pajala, Queen Silvia wore a Georg et Arend suit with her Brunate pumps.
Crown Princess Victoria wore her By Malene Birger jacket with an Ida Sjöstedt outfit with her H&M sandals and her Nancy Gonzalez clutch. She also wore her Luc of Sweden necklace and her Epoch watch.
For their flag course, Princess Estelle wore a ByTiMo dress with her Adidas sneakers.
Prince Oscar wore his New Balance sneakers.
