Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden celebrated her 40th birthday in style with a two-day celebration in Sweden. People were encouraged to use #Kronprinsessan40 on social media for the festivities which took place on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, Victoria’s birthday, began with a Te Deum service at the Royal Chapel of Stockholm Palace. All of the Swedish Royal Family were in attendance – including Prince Alexander who was not expected to attend. Representatives of the government, official Sweden and the Royal Court also were in attendance.
A reception was held afterwards at Logården for those at the Te Deum. A 21-gun salute fired from Skeppsholmen at noon, and salutes were also fired from Constance, Harnosand, Karlskrona and Gothenburg.
The Crown Princess Family later rode through the packed streets of Stockholm in a carriage from the Royal Palace. The Royal Family then travelled to Öland in the evening for the continuing celebrations. They rode in carriages from Solliden Palace to the traditional concert held each year in her honour at Borgholm Sports Field. Artists including Malena Ernman, Magnus Uggla, Jill Johnson, Marcus & Martinus, Boris René and Christer Lindarw performed.
The Victoria Scholarship went to mountain biker and Olympic gold medalist Jenny Rissveds this year. Victoria presented the award and spoke to the assembled crowd saying, “The first time Victoria Day took place here in Borgholm, I was only two-years-old. Now I’m … well, somewhat older. And I’ve managed to get many great memories from here.”
Victoria added that she was thrilled to “get to hand out the Victoria Scholarship to this year’s sports personality. And what great athletes we have been celebrating over the years – and again this year! Jenny, your Olympic gold in Rio was absolutely incredible!”
Her Royal Highness also took the opportunity to thank the Swedish people and the island of Öland, “This day is called the sometimes Öland’s National Day. It makes me proud and happy – that my birthday has come to be associated with this beautiful island. For me, Öland has always been a summer paradise – for my family, for many generations. A big thank you to all Ölanders that make us feel at home here.
“And I would also like to thank the Swedish people for all the warmth and love that you have given me! I can not express how much it means to me!”
The festivities continued on the island of Öland on Saturday at Solliden Palace. As is tradition, the King, Queen and Crown Princess Family (all matching in light blue) greeted the crowds outside of the palace at 11 am. Many brought Crown Princess Victoria gifts and flowers. Princess Estelle walked with her mother collecting the flowers in a basket, and Prince Oscar was seen playing with the pebbles on the walkway.
A few months ago a new survey showed that Victoria was the most popular royal in Sweden, and 40% of respondents wanted King Carl XVI Gustaf to abdicate in favour of his eldest child. Recently, the King was asked by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet about abdication. He told the publication that handing over the throne was “a matter for God. I will ask God when I die.”
His Majesty added to the newspaper that he would remain as monarch for as long as he is physically able. He became King in 1973.