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Sweden

Taking a look back at the christenings of Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar

Princess Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary, Duchess of Östergötland, was born on 23 February 2012 to Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden. Her christening into the Lutheran faith took place on 22 May 2012 in the Royal Chapel of the Royal Palace of Stockholm (also called Stockholm Palace). As a future Queen of Sweden, her godparents included family and other future monarchs. They were named as then-Prince of Orange (now King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands); Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (who will become queen consort when her husband, Crown Prince Frederik ascends the throne); Crown Prince Haakon of Norway (the future King of Norway); Prince Carl Philip of Sweden (her maternal uncle); and Anna Westling-Söderström (her paternal aunt).

The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel had a laugh at little Estelle’s yawning as the ceremony was beginning, and later, Crown Princess Victoria read a prayer. Prince Carl Philip poured the water into the baptism font before Estelle was officially christened by Archbishop Anders Wejryd.

The guests from the christening attended a reception at the Royal Palace, hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel greeted their guests, while Estelle (and later Oscar) rested nearby in Karl XI’s cradle. In a break with tradition, both Sofia Hellqvist (now Princess Sofia) and Chris O’Neill were invited as the partners of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine, respectively.

King Carl XVI Gustaf with the two future queens: Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle after Estelle’s baptism. Photo: Bruno Ehrs/The Royal Court Sweden

Estelle’s christening can be viewed here.

Prince Oscar Carl Olof, Duke of Skåne, was born on 2 March 2016, and his christening took place a little less than three months later on 27 May 2016 in the same location as his big sister’s christening. His godparents were revealed as Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (future King of Denmark); Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (future queen consort of Norway); Princess Madeleine (maternal aunt); Oscar Magnuson (maternal cousin); and Hans Åström (paternal cousin).

The christening, performed by Archbishop Antje Jackelén, had plenty of laughs, as Princess Leonore could not sit still in her chair and flipped it backwards and fell on the floor as the soloist was performing. Her little brother, Prince Nicolas was distracted sitting by his aunt, Princess Sofia by chewing on a toothbrush. Estelle poured the baptism water into the font and was helped by her aunt, Princess Madeleine. Little Leonore did not like being left out, so Crown Princess Victoria picked up her niece and held her at the baptism font while the water was being poured.

The King gives Prince Oscar the Order of the Seraphim. Photo: Claudio Bresciani, TT / The Royal Court, Sweden

After his christening, he appeared with his family and godparents before the press and assembled crowds outside the Royal Chapel. One reporter asked Princess Estelle about the christening, and ever the professional, she responded, “It went well.” You can watch clips from the christening here.

Like their grandfather, mother, aunt, uncle and cousins, they both wore the Swedish Royal Family’s antique christening gown; it was first worn in 1906 by the future King Gustaf VI Adolph. Their names and the dates of their christenings were embroidered on the gown after the ceremonies. As is the tradition, both were presented with their Order of the Seraphim by the King, but they will not wear it again until they are 18.

Both baptisms were televised live on SVT.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.