Each year on 14 July, Victoriadagen (or Victoria Day in English) is celebrated in Sweden on the island of Öland. The day is significant as it is Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday, and it was first celebrated in 1979 – when Victoria was two-years-old. For milestone birthdays, like her 40th birthday in 2017, the celebration is extended to other days, as well.
The day begins at the Swedish Royal Family’s summer home, Solliden, when the Crown Princess greets the public on the grounds of the palace alongside her parents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, her husband, Prince Daniel and their two children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar. The crowd always sings happy birthday to Her Royal Highness before the family undertakes a walkabout.
Later in the day, a concert is held with Victoria’s brother, Prince Carl Philip; sister-in-law, Princess Sofia; sister, Princess Madeleine; and brother-in-law, Chris O’Neill usually joining the festivities which are broadcast on live television. The Crown Princess awards a scholarship “Victoria Scholarship” each year to a Swedish athlete who has represented Sweden well and has accomplished great things over the past year.
With the holiday just a couple days away, let’s take a look at Victoriadagen through the years.
