King Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th Birthday Celebrations: April 25-30, 2016

[Hannelore]

I heard on Dutch TV that Willem-Alexander & family have left for a holiday in the US.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

I heard on Dutch TV that Willem-Alexander & family have left for a holiday in the US.

Yes, with a stop-over in Rome (private visit to the Pope) they had to plan the American Spring Break between April 27th (King's Day) and May 4th-5th (National Remembrance and Liberation Day). King Carl Gustaf celebrated his 70th birthday exactly in the middle of this period: April 30th.

 

[Dman]

Says who? The British can do whatever they want.

I just think people treat the British royals with kid gloves. I happen to think its kinda disrespectful that the British royals don't really bother sending a senior representative to events like this. Now, perhaps the British royals were to busy to attend, but the two senior couples; Charles and Camilla or the Cambridge's should attend these special occasions.

 

[LadyFinn]

His Majesty The King has strong preferences for the music chosen for preformance at the Royal Palace, and likes proposing concerts. For the Ruby Jubilee The King requested the music, and His choice of music from the Jubilee concert is now available on cd, produced to honour His Majesty on his 70th birthday. The cd is available at the Royal Gift Shop from 30 April.
Royal Music*HMK 70 - The King's choice of music now on cd* - Sveriges Kungahus

Sveriges Radio broadcasted on 30th April program "Grattis Kungen 70!", it had clips of the king's life and interviews, among others princess Christina and opera singer Kjerstin Dellert were interviewed.
Most of the music played at the program was chosen by King Carl Gustaf himself.
Here is the music he chose:
1. From the Pastoral suite of Lars-Erik Larsson "En liten marsch för orkester" Stig Westerberg and the Stockholm Symphony Orchestra.
King's comment: It symbolizes our seasons, our Swedish landscape and nature.
2. Pink Floyd "Another Brick in the Wall"
King's comment: A song that has both good lyrics and music. The song's message is to find one's own way, to find the inner compass regardless of school or training. Pink Floyd is a King's Favorite, and in addition one of the Polar Music Prize winners.
3. Sammy Davis JR: "Mr. Bojangles"
King's comment: The text is about a kind of philosophy of life. Like Mr. Bojangles one may need to take a step extra sometimes. It's about hope, to look life from the bright side - and to move forward!
4. Rene Fleming: "Hallelujah"
King's comment: He likes that this 80's hit is interpreted by a classically trained voice - here a soprano interprets Leonard Cohen.
5. Lill Lindfors: "Så skimrande var aldrig havet" The king loves Evert Taube.
King's comment: One of our greatest musicians and poets. Here is a classic that became a big hit in the 60's.
Hela programmet om kung Carl XVl Gustaf 70 år - P4 Extra _ Sveriges Radio
Translation

 

[maria-olivia]

Who paid these several days Celebrations ?
Who paid the 5 different dresses of the Royal Ladies ?

 

[LadyFinn]

Who paid these several days Celebrations ?
Who paid the 5 different dresses of the Royal Ladies ?

I have posted the article in Aftonbladet about the costs of the birthday celebration earlier in this thread:
https://www.theroyalforums.com/foru...s-april-25-30-2016-a-40344-6.html#post1883523

The court hasn't told exactly who pays what.
The events:
On Monday The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of Naval Sciences, the Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture & Forestry organized the seminar for the king's honour.
On Tuesday the Armed Forces congratulated the king with the Armed Forces Music Corps' birthday concert in the Royal Chapel.
Thursday's and Friday's receptions at the Palace were official events and organized by the court.
On Friday afternoon the Royal Artistic Academies congratulated the king by organizing an event where they presented a new Bernadotte Program.
Friday evening's concert and reception at Nordiska Museet was an official event and organized by the court.
Saturday's events were organized by the court, and according to the court treasurer Jan Lindman, the evening's banquet was private, I think that it means that the king paid the costs of the banquet himself. The choral tribute was a present from the City of Stockholm and they paid it.
As for the clothes, queen Silvia recycled some old outfits at the events.
Victoria needed four outfits, Madeleine three (one was recycled) and Sofia one.

Ebbas blogg _ Ebba Kleberg von Sydow » Fem fullträffar från festen
Ebbas blogg _ Ebba Kleberg von Sydow » Dagens bästa klädda (och kronprinsessan gör det IGEN!)
Hattifnatt hos sessorna i helgen _ Hovbloggen

Galleries from Dana Press
ROYAL: König Carl Gustaf wird von der Künstlerischen Akademie anlässlich seines 70. Geburtstag gratuliert
ROYAL: Die schwedischen Royals zum Konzert anlässlich des 70. Geburtstag des Königs
ROYAL: Diese Gäste waren beim Konzert mit der schwedischen Königsfamilie
ROYAL: Royals zum Te Deum anlässlich des 70. Geburtstag des Königs
ROYAL: Die schwedischen nehmen am Musikprogramm und der Wachablösung des Militärs anlässlich des 70. Geburtstag des Königs teil
ROYAL: Royals bei den Gesangsdarbietungen anlässlich des 70. Geburtstag des Königs teil
ROYAL: Royals zum Lunch im Rathaus anlässlich des 70. Geburtstages vom König
ROYAL: Royals in Kortage zum stockholmer Rathaus zum Lunch der Stadt
ROYAL: Victoria stolz - grosser Auftritt für den süssen kleinen Oscar!
ROYAL: Da drehten die Gäste auf - Beatles-Song für den König
ROYAL: Immer wieder zum Dahinschmelzen - The Very Best Of ESTELLE!
ROYAL: Monacos Fürst hatte Spass - Albert amüsierte sich auch solo
ROYAL: Die schwedischen Royals nehmen am Bankett anlässlich des 70. Geburtstag des Königs teil
ROYAL: Königspaar begüsst die Gäste zu Bankett im Könglichen Schloss

King Carl Gustaf, queen Sofia and king Juan Carlos
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChTkBBbUgAAPiXH.jpg

Galleries from PurePeople
70 ans du roi de Suède _ Carl Philip et Sofia à la fête, Estelle turbulente !
70 ans de Carl XVI Gustaf de Suède _ Entouré de son clan et des têtes couronnées

 

[Muhler]

When one is a little person it sometimes happens that you are overlooked as is evident in this sweet little video with Estelle: Hov! Han glemte den lille prinsesse – Ekstra Bladet

 

[carlota]

When one is a little person it sometimes happens that you are overlooked as is evident in this sweet little video with Estelle: Hov! Han glemte den lille prinsesse – Ekstra Bladet

that little girl is so adorable - and of course she is a natural at this 'royal' thing! i think she will be a great crown princess, she surely likes people!

i did notice in the video however that madeleine shook hands first, and then chris did so; victoria also took the lead prior to daniel (with estelle being cute and given priority by her mum in shaking hands). sofia, on the other hand, offered her hand before CP could do so.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Sweden's Princess Mary goes without tiara for King Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th birthday | Daily Mail Online

 

[CASSARD]

No more Mathilde's fotos? Thanks

 

[Zonk]

I just think people treat the British royals with kid gloves. I happen to think its kinda disrespectful that the British royals don't really bother sending a senior representative to events like this. Now, perhaps the British royals were to busy to attend, but the two senior couples; Charles and Camilla or the Cambridge's should attend these special occasions.

Since this is a semi state occasion...who even knows if the BRF was even invited? And why send the Cambridges? Have they even met the King? I Know they have met Victoria and Daniel (who attended their wedding) but do they know anyone else in the BRF? Again, if anyone should have gone it should have been the Wessexes. But maybe they had something to do?

But only if they were invited.

 

[Muhler]

I cannot imagine the SRF did not extend at least a general invitation to the BRF. After all practically all other European royals were represented.

Why no representatives for the BRF attended is another matter and personally I won't bother getting into yet another such discussion.
Suffice to say that IMO it's the BRF's loss when they, for whatever reason, don't mingle with the Continental royals.
I've stated many times before why I believe royals should mingle and connect (networking if you will) whenever possible.

 

[polyesco]

thank you everyone for the links and information.
they were lovely celebrations. I too enjoy seeing the relationships between the royal families. There is a lovely picture of Queen Margrethe and Princess Beatrix greeting each other with a lovely kiss.
and of course the picture of Frederik with Victoria and baby Oscar (having their photo taken by Mary) and Mary with Estelle. very cute all around

 

[Dman]

Since this is a semi state occasion...who even knows if the BRF was even invited? And why send the Cambridges? Have they even met the King? I Know they have met Victoria and Daniel (who attended their wedding) but do they know anyone else in the BRF? Again, if anyone should have gone it should have been the Wessexes. But maybe they had something to do?

But only if they were invited.

I'm sure an invite was extended to the BRF. Perhaps they were too busy to attend. I just think the heirs of the British Royal family should attend these events. The only way for the Cambridge's to get to know their Royal counterparts is to attend events like this and mingle with them. If Charles and Vamilla can't go, it should be the Cambridge's.

The Wessexs go often, it looks totally odd for other heirs to attend and the BRF sends a Prince way down the list.

I just think people treat the BRF like they are way better than the other European royals and make all kinds of excuses for them when it come time to attend foreign Royal events.

 

[Jacknch]

Although I am British, I have no idea why no one from our royal family attended the 70th Birthday events. Who knows what the answer might be, but I was more than happy to see all the other attendees there and all the fantastic pictures and links posted the last few days.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

The British royals are not that insular. Charles and Camilla were in Amsterdam for two days (Investiture King Willem-Alexander). The Earl and Countess of Wessex were at the weddings in Stockholm and Monte-Carlo. It can happen that they excuse for an event. The Luxembourgers were also not present. Sending William and Catherine, the same age as Madeleine, to the birthday of a 70-years old gentleman is not logic.

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

The king started his speech with "Dear people of Stockholm, dear friends!" He thanked all that had came there and made the day. Not only for him but to all his guests who had come from abroad. The king said that "it is great to be able to show Stockholm at its best. All of you, who have come here, it is you who make it, you make Stockholm. Congratulations. And above all, just today, this fantastic choir below me. You are very skilled. But I have observed something – that there are almost only women there in your choir, and I begin to understand why". (The swedish royal experts were wondering what the king meant with this). The king thanked warmly for the homage and wished everyone a nice continuing Walpurgis night.

Thanks a lot, that was helpful. I was almost right, then!

 

[ashelen]

I know Prince Henrick is retired but wonder why he wasn't there?
?

 

[Muhler]

I know Prince Henrick is retired but wonder why he wasn't there?
?

Well, you are not exactly alone. But there is an entire thread devoted to PH's interpretation of his retirement.

 

[Countessmeout]

Considering he didn't attend Harald's event earlier this year, it really isn't surprising he sat this one out as well.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

I know Prince Henrick is retired but wonder why he wasn't there?
?

From what I see the Prince escorts the Queen during parts of an incoming State Vist, an incidental event here or there and for the rest he keeps a low profile. It is the same pattern followed by royals whom have withdrawn more or less from public life.

 

[Hovikirjeenvaihtaj]

But considering the amount of years Henrik and CG have known each other I would have thought he'd attend the birthday as a friend and a relative. The celebrations were grand but birthday is still a birthday, not official state occasion.

------

Does anyone know who is the gentleman who accompanies Princess Takamado?

 

[muriel]

I'm sure an invite was extended to the BRF. Perhaps they were too busy to attend. I just think the heirs of the British Royal family should attend these events. The only way for the Cambridge's to get to know their Royal counterparts is to attend events like this and mingle with them. If Charles and Vamilla can't go, it should be the Cambridge's.

The Wessexs go often, it looks totally odd for other heirs to attend and the BRF sends a Prince way down the list.

I just think people treat the BRF like they are way better than the other European royals and make all kinds of excuses for them when it come time to attend foreign Royal events.

I think the British have warm relations with a number of royal families and meet them often, but just not publicly. A clear example of this was in a recent documentary re QE2'S 90th, Queen Margarethe talked about meeting QE2 in December when she was in London. These meetings are rarely disclosed publicly.

I can only hazard a guess as to why the BRF keep there distance. This goes back to after Ww1, when George V decided to distance himself publicly from the European royals. They also don't want to be seen publicly with very ostentatious jewellery or too many tiaras either, for similar reasons, IMO.

 

[Dman]

I think the British have warm relations with a number of royal families and meet them often, but just not publicly. A clear example of this was in a recent documentary re QE2'S 90th, Queen Margarethe talked about meeting QE2 in December when she was in London. These meetings are rarely disclosed publicly.

I can only hazard a guess as to why the BRF keep there distance. This goes back to after Ww1, when George V decided to distance himself publicly from the European royals. They also don't want to be seen publicly with very ostentatious jewellery or too many tiaras either, for similar reasons, IMO.

I understand the PR move during the war, but I just think it's odd when the European royals gather for celebratory events, the British royal family aren't really represented well. I just think The Queen's immediate heirs should attend. I don't expect her to go, but she should at least send Charles, William or even Harry over.

Unless The Queen think she should only send an heir for official state events.

 

[Mbruno]

I think the British have warm relations with a number of royal families and meet them often, but just not publicly. A clear example of this was in a recent documentary re QE2'S 90th, Queen Margarethe talked about meeting QE2 in December when she was in London. These meetings are rarely disclosed publicly.

I can only hazard a guess as to why the BRF keep there distance. This goes back to after Ww1, when George V decided to distance himself publicly from the European royals. They also don't want to be seen publicly with very ostentatious jewellery or too many tiaras either, for similar reasons, IMO.

Prince Charles actually used to attend quite a lot of royal events in the continent up to Willem-Alexander's investiture in 2013, which is the last major event he attended if I am not mistaken.

There is a theory, sometimes mentioned in the press, that Charles stopped attending because he feels "uncomfortable" in the presence of the younger European monarchs who have ascended the throne in recent years following the wave of abdications in the continent. I know many TRF members dismiss that theory as baseless gossip, but there may be some truth to it. In any case, as far as CG's birthday is concerned, Charles would have no reason actually to feel awkward about attending it as the only "younger" monarch present was King Philippe (Charles of course couldn't know that a priori though when the British court got the invitation).

 

[tommy100]

I think the BRF like to keep things private, i was mentioned during Charles and Camillas visit to Sween a few years ago that Silvia had visited Highgrove not long before. If they weren't bothered they wouldn't do things in private.
I hope it doesn't turn into a whole thread about the BRF not being there.
I wondered about the gentleman with Princess Takamado, a Japanese official? Ambassador maybe?

 

[ashelen]

Is the medal that all the guest are using made of gold?

 

[LadyFinn]

The Royal Dramatic Theatre has put to their Dramaten play the video of the whole seminar "An Evening about The Baltic Sea - Hopefulness and Threats" on Monday 25th April.
In the beginning the king, queen, prince Daniel and prince Carl Philip arrive. The king's thank you speech begins at 2.42.38.
En afton om Östersjön – hoppfullhet och hot _ Dramatenplay

Photos
En afton om Östersjön – hoppfullhet och hot - Dramaten

From Friday's concert, the king with Gunhild Carling, one of the performers, photo from her Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/gunhildcar...84955703008/10154892466478009/?type=3&theater

 

[Dman]

It was a beautiful gathering for the King's birthday. I think some people of different ethnic backgrounds should've been included, but it was a nice gathering though. I know the King must have felt very touched by the best wishes he received.

 

[tommy100]

I loved when the people sang to him during the balcony apperance.