Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden’s name day will be marked privately this year after the Swedish Royal Family decided to cancel the usual celebrations because of coronavirus. The Royal Court announced that the traditional ceremony by the country’s Armed Forces, which attracts big crowds, wouldn’t take place.
The announcement stated that the decision was based on Sweden’s Public Health Authority’s advice. The ceremony was set to take place on March 12th but was cancelled the day before.
Thousands of wellwishers usually gather in the Inner Courtyard of Stockholm’s Royal Palace to see the military parade held for the Crown Princess’ name day and to catch a glimpse of the royals themselves. However, the statement said the Swedish Armed Forces had decided to cancel the event so that people didn’t take an extra risk of gathering together at a time when the virus is known to be present in the community.
Crown Princess Victoria usually attends the celebration with her family including her husband, Prince Daniel, and children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar as well as her parents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Earlier in March, the Royal Family cancelled a major gala dinner to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19. They have continued with other engagements.
