On Sunday, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden celebrated his 71st birthday in Stockholm in the traditional way. The flags waved throughout the country, a 21-gun salute was fired from fortresses across Sweden, and the Royal Family participated in a celebration in the courtyard of the Royal Palace in the Swedish capital.
Many gathered at the Royal Palace to celebrate the King turning 71-years-old. Military bands and soldiers from the Royal Guard participated in the celebration. After the military band had played several famous Swedish military marches, the King received flowers from the children who were lined up to greet His Majesty on his birthday. Prince Carl Philip was in the Palace Square with his father while the other members of his family stood on the balcony of the Royal Palace watching the festivities.
His Majesty on the balcony with his wife, Queen Silvia and their granddaughter, Princess Estelle. Photo: Kungahuset.se
While many saw that Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar were present on the balcony together with their grandfather, the King, many noticed that Prince Alexander was not present. Both of his parents, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, were present. In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the Swedish Royal Court said that the Prince was present at the palace, even though he was not seen on the balcony.
Who is His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf? You can read more about the King here.
The King on the balcony this morning with his wife, Queen Silvia; his daughter, Crown Princess Victoria; and son, Prince Carl Philip. Photo: Kungahuset.se
Many inquired why the King’s youngest daughter, Princess Madeleine, and her family did not attend the celebration of the Swedish monarch. The Princess and her American-British husband currently reside in London. “Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to attend the celebration,” the Swedish Royal Court said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
In the past, the Princess’s husband, Chris O’Neill, has been criticised by Swedish and international media. A few days ago, it was revealed that the businessman had financial problems and owed significant amounts of property tax to the US authorities.
