State Visit from Botswana to Sweden (21-24 March 2006)

[Princejohnny25]

Yea I am not a fan of Victorias look either. I think Silvia is wearing dark colors because she is still in morning for her brother. I have always noticed a closeness between Silvia and Lilian.

[crisiñaki]

Originally Posted by Princejohnny25

Yea I am not a fan of Victorias look either. I think Silvia is wearing dark colors because she is still in morning for her brother. I have always noticed a closeness between Silvia and Lilian.

1. Lilian became more or less a mother figure for both Silvia and Carl Gustav and I'm sure the trio think of her as a grandmother so she's big in the family!
2. I'm not that crazy about Victoria's look with boots and hat but I think she looked smashing on the gala dinner

[purple_platinum]

from the Gala Banquet from Scanpix via royalcourt.se'

[GrandDuchess]

His Majesty the King's speech at the gala dinner (from the website of the Royal Court)

Mr President, Mrs Mogae,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great pleasure to welcome you, and your delegation to the Royal Palace in Stockholm and to Sweden, on the very first State Visit from the Republic of Botswana, a country with which we have warm and friendly relations.

The Queen and I have special and fond memories of Botswana. Thirty years ago we spent parts of our honey moon in your beautiful country. The experience of visiting Botswana and its unspoilt nature and spectacular wildlife, under such special circumstances, have been a source of joy and inspiration ever since. Chobe National Park made a particularly deep impression. Despite the chilly season and different aim of your visit, I hope that you will feel as welcome in Sweden this time as we did in Botswana thirty years ago. We have done our best in planning your programme here and are opening our doors with warmth and Swedish generosity at the Royal Palace and elsewhere.

Botswana and Sweden have a long and close partnership in many areas. We share a number of basic values, such as peace and security for everyone, good governance and the rule of law, the need to strengthen the democratic processes and the respect for human rights, the care for the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Your country is duly praised, not just in Africa, but throughout the world for its progress in development, economic growth and stability. Botswana has made valuable contributions to world peace, especially in some of the conflict areas on the African continent. Your country also plays an active role in international organizations, for example in IDEA, which is working to support sustainable democracy worldwide, and which is a participant in the seminar in the Parliament House where you will speak.

Mr President, you and other African leaders, have a major leadership role, promoting peace and development, across the African continent. The New Partnership for Africa's Development is an excellent example of Africa´s determination to take the responsibility for Africa by itself, as well as for the global community as a whole. The Swedish Government welcomes and supports the African Union's efforts to strengthen its conflict prevention and management capacities. Sub-regional organizations such as The Southern African Development Community and The Economic Community of West African States have an important role to play in implementing the NEPAD vision.

Regional co-operation is fundamental in contributing to political stability and economic development. Sweden supports Botswana's endeavours in this regard. SADC, which Botswana currently is chairing, plays a vital role in many areas such as trade, conflict prevention, poverty eradication and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Guiding SADC, in advancing the regional agenda, is a challenge. Sweden will remain an active partner in promoting these efforts.

Over the years, our two countries have worked together in a wide range of activities, from resistance to the apartheid system in South Africa to economic and technical development cooperation in Botswana and the region. This has resulted in numerous lasting contacts between the people of Botswana and Sweden. Even so, there is a wide range of further opportunities for enhancing our contacts at many levels - between our governments, our institutions and, not least, between our private sectors.

Mr President, inspired by your personal leadership Sweden will continue to work together with your Government on prevention, treatment and care in fighting HIV/AIDS. We sincerely hope that Sweden´s new contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is channelled through the UN system as well as bilateral channels, will make a difference for the vital process of coming to grips with this terrible decease with its devastating impact on families and societies worldwide.

Our countries are also partners in other areas of development cooperation. The Swedish Radio and TV are working together with their counterparts in Botswana in an important capacity-building project for independent public service broadcasting.

Mr President, during your stay in Sweden you will have the opportunity to get to know the work of some Swedish companies active in areas of interest to you. We hope that the opportunities that exist for a greater exchange of trade and investment between our countries will be highlighted and reinforced during this State Visit. The creation of a common market for the fourteen member states of SADC, and Botswana´s central position in such a market, could pave the way for your country to become an important commercial hub in the region.

I sincerely hope that you will all have a most memorable stay in our country. Although I know that you have had many contacts with Sweden and Swedes in the past, I am sure you will discover new facets at the same time as you recognise the hospitality and friendship that have existed between our two countries for a long time.

I am confident that your State Visit to Sweden will contribute to the further development of our relations as well as to sending a message of hope for the future. The encouraging story of Botswana´s democratic and economic progress, as well as its future potential, deserves to be told not only in Sweden, but all over the world.

Mr President, to you and your family, to your country and its people as well as to the friendship between Botswana and Sweden I now suggest we all join in a toast.

Skål! Thank you.

[GrandDuchess]

Originally Posted by Alexandria

I am not so convinced of Victoria's look. I don't really care for the hat and in comparison to her mother, who looks so extremely refined and elegant, Victoria looks a bit in a disarray with the knee-high boots, the unbuttoned jacket (though that kind of jacket doesn't really button) and the oddly-perched hat.

I don't love this style either, and it's not one of her better styles, but right now I feel everything which doesn't include a ponytail and only black simple clothes is great on Victoria Meeting one of those criterias, I do feel that her style yesterday was rather refreshing and nice.

[ursulajohanna]

Many thanks to all for posting the lovely pictures from the first day of state visit from Botswana.

The queen and crown princess wear dark colours because the short death of queens brother. But they look beautiful and royal in her dresses.

What did visit the king and queen with the guests yesterday afternoon?

[Princess Robijn]

Originally Posted by Larzen

Victoria wears the strapless Natan dress she wore for Maximas prewedding dinner for the umptieth time, the baden tiara and a three string pearl necklace with a diamond clasp, Lilian in lime green and her laurel wreath tiara. This birthday of Carl Gustav must be expensive since Silvia has not gotten a new dress since May 2004:p

Here is a tiny preview (Charles Hammarsten)

Was that realy wat she wore, or is it what you expect she wore?? and are there more pictures??

[purple_platinum]

Crown Princess Victoria welcome the President of Botswana, Festus G. Mogae and his wife Barbara at the airport
(from Goff photos)

[GrandDuchess]

Here are two pictures from the gala dinner last night, both are by Jonas Ekströmer via Svenska Dagbladet.

[Gita]

I like Queen Silvia's gala outfit.

[alexandra485]

yes she looks good as always!

[purple_platinum]

King Carl XVI Gustaf , Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria hosted the President of Botswana , Mr. Festus G. Mogae and Mrs. Barbara Mogae for a banquet at the Royal Castle in Stockholm , Sweden , on March 21 , 2006.

from DPA, photo by Toni Sica/Stella Pictures

[purple_platinum]

Crown Princess Victoria attends the arrival of His Excellency Festus G. Mogae , President of the Republic of Botswana , and his wife Barbara G. Mogae for an official state visit to Sweden invited by the King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden , in Stockholm , Sweden , on March 21 , 2006.

From DPA, Photo by Toni Sica Stella Pictures

[loving silvia and carl gustaf]

The Queen looked very nice at the gala - I don't really know whether I care for Victoria's new "style" - seems a bit ...less elegant compared to the queen?! :-)

[Gita]

I love Queen Silvia's updo, it is very grand.

[crisiñaki]

This is one of the tiaras that suit Victoria the best :)

[Maxie]

Originally Posted by crisiñaki

This is one of the tiaras that suit Victoria the best :)

Yes, the Baden Fringe looks wonderful on Victoria. It surely is one of my favourite tiara's! :)