On Sunday, Princess Estelle joined her grandfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother, Crown Princess Victoria, at the inauguration of the new Slussbron in Stockholm. The new bridge connects the areas of Stadsholmen and Södermalm in the capital.
The Slussbron is part of a larger redevelopment project in the city. The bridge itself is the largest single component in the traffic area. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.
The King gave a speech before cutting the ribbon to officially open the bridge. His Majesty said: “The new bridge is an important milestone, in the Slussen project and in Stockholm’s history. And when it now opens to traffic, it links not only north and south but also today’s and tomorrow’s Stockholm.”
He has followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather in opening a new bridge in the area as King Gustaf V opened the Klöverblads bridge in October 1935. Gustaf V was accompanied by his son, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s grandfather) and Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s father) on that day, and the King pointed to the similarities with that day and Sunday.
He said: “Ladies and gentlemen: In October 1935, the so-called Klöverblads bridge was inaugurated by my great-grandfather, King Gustaf V. Also present at that time was my grandfather Gustaf Adolf, who was then Crown Prince, as well as my father, Prince Gustaf Adolf.
“And today, 85 years and ten days later, I stand here in the company of my daughter, the Crown Princess and little Princess Estelle, ready to inaugurate the new Slussbron – or Guldbron as it has come to be called.”
“We are very happy to be able to participate in this solemn occasion. And very soon, when the ribbon is cut, we will be able to cross the bridge in the company of representatives of the next generation of Stockholmers,” the King added.
Carl Gustaf concluded his remarks saying about the bridge, “May it be of benefit and joy to many generations of residents of the capital and visitors.”
Later, the King got some help from eight-year-old Estelle and Crown Princess Victoria when he cut the ribbon on the bridge. The young royal helped hold the ribbon as her grandfather officially cut the ribbon and declared the bridge open. The King, Crown Princess and Princess Estelle then crossed the new bridge alongside students from Hammarby IF and Bollstanäs SK.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, attendance at the event was limited; there was a live stream online so those at home could follow along. The full ceremony can be viewed here.
