The 40th Birthday - 14 July, 2017

Duke of Marmalade · Jul 12, 2017

I think Victoria hits the right note with her festivities. In 10 years time we will see bigger celebrations, she might be Queen at this stage, with full program foreign royals included.

camelot23ca · Jul 12, 2017

ROYAL NORWAY said:
1. You mention this in many of your posts, and I don't agree with any of it.

2. It's a tradition in the UK, Norway, Denmark and Sweden to have public celebrations with the people and foreign royal guest when the monarch has a milestone Jubilee/birthday.

3. If they start to only celebrate privately, then the criticism will be strong from both experts/commentators and the media (especially in the UK, Denmark and Norway). It's already been criticism about the lack of celebrations for QMII's golden wedding anniversary and the fact that King Harald has desided to downplay his wedding anniversary next year after two years with Large scale celebrations in Norway. (I will make a post about it in the 80th birthday thread when I have the time.)

4. Had Victoria been the monarch, then her birthday would have been marked with larger celebrations and rightly so.

5. United Kingdom: The Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in the UK was even bigger, and there were some criticism of the desision to not selebrate the Sapphire Jubilee this year. QEII's 60th and 80th birtdays was also marked with large celebrations - but not as big as the 90th who was celebrated through the year. The difference between QEII and the Scandinavian monarch is that the Queen doesn't marks her milestones with large official dinners, but the celebrations in the UK is still much bigger.

6. And if BP had said last year that the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations would not be celebrated, then people in the media and royal commentators etc would have gone through the roof. They had reacted even worse if the Diamond Jubilee hadn't been marked. And there were much criticism of the desission to not celebrate when HM become the longest reigning british monarch in 2015.

I'm not sure what you think I mention in many of my posts. That was the first time I'd mentioned anything to do with Victoria's birthday. In a more general sense I think we'll start to see less ostentation from royal houses as the old generation passes on, and I do think that's a good strategy to ensure the monarchies continue to thrive, (and in some cases survive), over the longer term. It's already starting to slowly happen as can be seen by your examples above.

Media criticism isn't necessarily a reason not to do something. The media is always criticizing something and media opinion doesn't necessarily line up with the opinions of regular people.

So yes, I do think a generational shift in terms of toning many of these celebrations down, (although not doing away with them entirely), will happen. And I think that's a good thing.

LadyFinn · Jul 12, 2017

Dutch royal reporter Rick Evers on his Twitter:
CP Victoria turns 40 Friday. I asked Dutch King WA about her: "We have a very special bond. Great godmother to Amalia. We meet quite often."

https://twitter.com/x/status/884406801176944640

Folk celebration awaits the popular princess
A busy weekend awaits the Crown Princess. On Friday, she is 40 years old - a birthday that is widely noted in both the capital and Öland.
- She is the first at the top list of the royal house. I think she's going to pull a lot of people on the streets on Friday, says royal expert Sten Hedman.
Friday begins with Thanksgiving service in the Palace Chapel, followed by reception and cortège by horse and carriage through Stockholm. A few hours later, a festive show at Borgholm Sports Arena in Öland.
But it does not stop there. The festivities continue on Saturday, when Crown Prince Victoria traditionally celebrates outside Solliden Palace. Many devoted visitors come there year after year to leave presents and get a glimpse of the birthday child.
The Crown Princess is certainly well-liked, says Sten Hedman.
- She is the first royal who has come close to the Swedish people. It's her way of being royal in a modern way. The etiquette is there but with a twinkle.
The popularity is probably also based on the fact that she turned out to be human, not least because of the eating disorders she suffered as a younger person.
Many have followed the country's future queen over the years, says Sten Hedman.
- She has struggled and done well. She has shown humanity and strength to overcome the problems.
Folkligt firande väntar populär prinsessa _ Aftonbladet

Swedish company Bisou has designed a bracelet to celebrate the crown princess on her 40th birthday. The bracelet has five charms (Moon, four-leaf clover, crown, heart and star) and is gold plated. The bracelet will also be delivered as a birthday gift to the Crown Princess Victoria on her birthday. People can order the bracelet from Svensk Damtidning's webshop.
Vackra smyckeshyllningen till Victoria _ Svensk Damtidning
Guldarmband Bisou

LadyFinn · Jul 13, 2017

Expressen has a great article with some good photos and videos
"Environmental fighter with reading and writing difficulties and our next head of state - 30 friends, teachers and co-workers provide a unique insight into the life of Crown Princess Victoria"
Expressen has spoken to 30 people close to her - Confirmation priest Hans Rhodin, mentor Louise Dinkelspiel, close colleagues at the court, friends, fellow students, teachers, diplomats, politicians and professors of the Boards the crown princess has been a member in, to find out more about how our prospective head of state addresses the challenges of the office and how she is as a friend, wife and mother of two. Beyond tiaras, beautiful dresses and bland superlatives about her person.
Kronprinsessan Victoria fyller 40 år – så är hon privat
Translation

Some things from the article
In 1992, at a confirmation camp
Priest Hans Rhodin: "Is there anybody who would like to volunteer to clean the toilets ?" One hand stretches immediately. Crown Princess Victoria's. Today again.

In 2000, as a student in Uppsala University
Victoria had help and extra studies due to her dyslexia.
"But then the Crown Princess was expected to cope totally alone in the university and she did not feel so good during this period. I was therefore asked to give the Crown Princess a study guide", explains Louise Dinkelspiel, Crown Princess's mentor and former English teacher.

The article has some new things, for example, that Daniel asked in 2008 professor Claude Marcus to meet Victoria at this gym to talk about children's and young people's health. Marcus has been involved in the Crown Princess couple's Foundation and En Frisk Generation, which Daniel founded, but that Daniel has known him very long and even Victoria from 2008, is new information. Marcus was training at the gym when Victoria came to meet him. "I feel a bit stupid. How do you greet a royal person when you are very sweaty? It's not like jumping down and bowing, wearing training clothes". He perceives Victoria's attitude as "relaxed" and they talk on. "She manages her role with integrity, popularity and without losing her role as crown princess. She can really joke and ease the mood", says the chief physician.

When Expressen talks to a long-time employee at the court, the person says that the Crown Princess works very much to be a parent and to be there for their children. "The king and the queen traveled around much more during the birth of their children. The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel may as long as the king is the Chief of State have it a little easier and have not as many official missions as they would otherwise. One of them is often at home with the children. It is rare to see the Crown Princess without a child on her arm. She is present and committed to her children's upbringing", says the co-worker.
Louise Dinkelspiel feels that the Crown Princess has gained a better balance in existence since she became a mother. "In the past she could never let go of her demands, but after she had children, she is careful that parenthood needs to take time. She is very present as a parent, doesn't hang on the phone or watch emails when she is with the children".

When princess Madeleine and prince Carl Philip and their families recently traveled to Saint Tropez on the French Riviera, the Crown Princess couple chose to go to Hälsingland and camp, without any staff other than bodyguards.
"The Crown Princess cares very much of her in-laws, Ewa and Olle Westling. The grandparents are also often babysitters for Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar", said a co-worker at the court.

Something that also characterizes how the Crown Princess is as a leader is her willingness to have a "happy ship" and bring the entire crew with her. If she is at the Nobel Prize she wants to hear that the one of the twelve adjutants who currently serves, knows what's going to happen in the evening and feels comfortable there.
Yet how busy the Crown Princess is, she seems to be careful to keep contact with her friends and acquaintances. Louise Dinkelspiel who in January lost her husband Ulf Dinkelspiel in cancer says: "Victoria often rings to ask how I feel. And we have had other sorrows in the family too, when she showed a lot of empathy and care."
And Johan Ericsson, former chairman of Daniel Westling's gym and, as his friend, invited to the Crown Princess couple's wedding, explains that the Crown Princess couple always gives attention to the friends' children: "Names are remembered and the crown princess is present in the room. Everyone feels seen and recalled, she is inclusive in a way that makes her unique", says Ericsson.

The article has also good comments from Johan Rockström, the executive director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. And Johan Kuylenstierna, the executive director of the Stockholm Environment Institute.
Rockström tells that when he and his colleagues were at Haga Palace to inform Victoria, they thought they had about an hour at their disposal. But it took two and three hours without that the Crown Princess made any effort to stop asking questions. "When you have an education opportunity with the future head of state you don't want to interrupt. It's like a marathon run when you're with her!", says Rockström.
Kuylenstierna says: "She can say things that many others can't. It's about knowing what and how she says, for she can't, for example, have views on Sweden's fisheries policy. When the king spoke about the seals yacht, it wasn't popular. The Crown Princess has an exciting network and I hope we in Sweden can use this advocate role for climate goals in a good way".

Strengthened police effort at Victoria celebration
The Security Service Säpo and police work at the birthday celebration following fixed routines. Säpo and the police share responsibility for safety. The reason is an analysis of the threat to the royalty.
- The Security Service is responsible for the close protection of the people they protect. Then it is the police authority, with whom we cooperate and share these threat scenarios, which are responsible for distance protection, explains Nina Odermalm Schei, Press Officer at the Security Service.
Ewa-Gun Westfall in the South Region Police tells that safety work at the Crown Princess's birthday celebration follows fixed routines. One thing is different this year.
- This year, we have increased it a little because it is a zero at the end of her year rate, said Ewa-Gun Westfall at the Police in the South Region.
This means, among other things, major police barriers at Borgholm Sports Arena, where Victoria is celebrated on Friday evening, and at Solliden where the royal couple and the crown princess couple meet the public on Saturday.
- We will be in place, at the Sports Arena and at Solliden, but we will stick to the background so that the celebration will not be disturbed in any way, said Westfall.
That more people than usual are expected to celebrate the Crown Princess - do you regard it as a special challenge?
- No we don't. First of all, we hope for a good weather, it facilitates the whole event and is good for the feeling. Secondly, we expect people to arrive in good time.
The royals come most close to the people on Saturday outside Solliden.
- Last year it took 3,5 hours for the crown princess, prince Daniel, little Estelle, the king and queen to go from one part of the crowd to the other. It is hugged, sung, cheered and handed over presents and flowers. There is a very kind and loving atmosphere. She takes a very long time for it and comes very close, said Westfall.
Even Kay Wieståhl, who organizes Victoriadagen, confirms that more people are expected than usual.
- We are making new public record this year. As for safety, we are quite knowledgeable and know what to do. We have incredibly good cooperation with the police and Säpo. We are working to make it a calm family event.
Ökad polisinsats vid årets Victoria-firande _ Nyheter _ Expressen

Hänt i Veckan writes that they have got information that Daniel has planned his celebration for Victoria in every detail. It will be love gifts and a speech. In the morning Daniel and the children go to wake up Victoria with a song and gifts. According to Hänt's sources, Daniel has gone to Nymans Ur and bought an exclusive watch to Victoria. Daniel makes Victoria feel very special. Victoria will get moved to tears, writes Hänt i Veckan.
Hänt i Veckan has also a big special about Victoria's birthday.
http://imageupper.com/i/?S1100010020011S1499938354902961
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LadyFinn · Jul 13, 2017

Daniel said at Victoriagolfen to Expressen's photographer Alex Ljungdahl about Victoria's birthday celebration:
- It feels a lot of fun!
When it's 40th anniversary, many wonder if the prince will do something special to surprise Victoria.
Daniel reveals secretive that that, of course, is the case.
- There's nothing I want to talk about. It's private what I'm going to do, says the prince and laughs.
At least, a gift is arranged, he reveals.
- Yes, that's clear!
Så ska prins Daniel överraska sin Victoria på födelsedagen _ Kungligt _ Expressen

Expressen had today a special magazine with their usual issue
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWe2yHiDMmM/?taken-by=expressenkungligt
Aftonbladet had a special magazine too
http://gfx.bloggar.aftonbladet-cdn.se/wp-content/blogs.dir/247/files/2017/07/omslag1.jpg

And many news pages have galleries of Victoria's life
Victoria fyller 40 –*Kronprinsessans liv i bilder
härligaste bilderna på Victoria _ Svensk Damtidning
Grattis, Victoria 40 år! – Kruununprinsessan elämää kuvina _ Yle Uutiset _ yle.fi

38 important events and years at Victoria's life
Viktiga händelser och årtal i kronprinsessan Victorias liv _ Nyheter _ Expressen

Madeleine and Chris met Expressen's royal reporter Elias Giertz in Stockholm. Madeleine said about Victoria's birthday:
- It will be so much fun. It's always fun to celebrate my sister on her birthday.
Chris O'Neill also looks forward to the big day.
- We look forward to celebrating her birthday. My wife has arranged gifts from us. She has been responsible for steering it up, he says with a smile.
Madeleine tells that she and Carl Philip have arranged a gift together.
When the Crown Princess gets that gift?
- It's full program tomorrow, so I don't really know when it will be! Maybe it will be the day after, Madeleine says, laughing.
- No, it will be in the evening after she has been celebrated on Vidtoriadagen. Then we usually have a family dinner together and then we will celebrate her privately.
The rest of the summer, Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill spend mainly in Sweden, something that the couple looks forward to.
Prinsessan Madeleine fixade present till systern Victoria _ Kungligt _ Expressen

Expressen has a photo of prime minister Stefan Löfven's invitation to tomorrow's Te Deum and reception, the office of the government has published it.
The Crown Princess's birthday celebration begins at 10 o'clock on Friday in Stockholm with a thank-you service, Te Deum, in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace.
- It's the royal family, representatives of parliament and government, representatives of governors and court employees who are invited, says Ulrika Näsholm, information officer at the court.
- No royals from other European countries.
Is there any particular reason for that?
- No, but it is the way it has been wished. I would say that between 200 and 300 people are invited.
There are usually so many?
- Since the crown princess is celebrating 40, she is celebrated in Stockholm too, so it's not like that in other years - she usually celebrates only in Öland. But this celebration resembles her 30th birthday very much, continues Ulrika Näsholm.
After the church service, a reception takes place at Logården when guests from Te Deum hand over gifts to the Crown Princess.
Inbjudan till Victorias firande sommarens mest eftertraktade _ Kungligt _ Expressen
EDIT. Expressen updated the guest list to their article later in the evening when it was published.

The court published this video of Victoria's birth today at their Youtube

The guest list to Te Deum and reception. According to it Estelle, Oscar, Leonore and Nicolas attend. Also princesses Margaretha, Désirée, Birgitta and Christina attend. Gustaf and Vicky Magnuson and Victor and Frida Magnuson bring their small children too. Many former employees of the court and huge amount of staff members of the court. Victoria's friends aren't at the guest list. And we will not see 101-year old Dagmar von Arbin this time. Among the guests is 96-year old Nina Lagergren, half-sister of Raoul Wallenberg, she was married to Marshal of the Court Gunnar Lagergren.
Only the Speaker of the Riksdag and prime minister from the Riksdag and government, and governors from Stockholm and Västra Götaland county. Victoria has wanted to celebrate officially with her family and the staff of the court who have worked there during her life.
Gästlista vid firandet av H.K.H. Kronprinsessans födelsedag i Stockholm - Sveriges Kungahus

The public can leave written congratulations for The Crown Princess at the Royal Palace. There will be greetings lists for the general public in the Hall of State between 14:00 and 17:00, entrance via the South Gate.
Anteckningslistor med anledning av H.K.H. Kronprinsessans födesledag - Sveriges Kungahus

Madame Verseau · Jul 13, 2017

On the guest list why isn't Alexander there? He and Oscar are two months apart in age and Oscar is going to be there.

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

Madame Verseau said:
On the guest list why isn't Alexander there? He and Oscar are two months apart in age and Oscar is going to be there.

Of course Oscar will be there on her mother's birthday. Maybe Alexander's parents don't want him there, or maybe he is sick.

Anders Lindberg, who writes columns to Aftonbladet, writes today at his column
Give Victoria the throne as a 40th birthday present
Carl XVI Gustaf is the seventh of the Bernadotte dynasty to rise the throne. He has ruled for 43 years, which is almost world-class.
When crowned, he took the motto "For Sweden - With the times". It was a wise strategy. Monarchy is a remainder from an evil prehistoric age, a predemocratic and warrior Sweden where people lacked both rights and food.
But the royal family has adapted well and sometimes, as in the tsunami or terror attack in Stockholm, they have been extremely important.
Victoria's short words at the flower sea beyond Åhlens were the most important thing that was said that day.
- The Swedish society is based on huge trust, a community and cohesion that will make us stronger, she said with tears in her eyes.
It was real leadership. In addition, she was right.
The king should take his language "For Sweden - With the times" seriously and let her rise to the throne.
Victoria and her family are in so many ways the image of modern Sweden. Surely, she continues the tradition and the royal mystique but in a less pompous and more present way.
She also shows courage. Like when she awarded the prize for "Gay of the Year" to Jonas Gardell at QX Galan.
The applause and tribute from the gay audience would never end.
- I cried at the end. That we have come so far in Sweden that even our future queen is present, ski star Anja Pärson told to Expressen.
The main objections to the monarchy are strong. But Victoria has every chance to become an excellent head of state.
Gladly as soon as possible.
LEDARE_ Ge Victoria tronen som 40-årspresent _ Aftonbladet

SVT put to their SVT Play an hour long broadcast of Victoria's and Daniel's wedding, to be seen all over the world.
Grattis kronprinsessan! - Avsnitt 1_ Det kungliga bröllopet - sammandrag _ SVT Play

No special products at the Royal Gifts Shops due to Victoria's birthday. Photo from a Gift Shop yesterday.
https://static.ilcdn.fi/kuninkaalliset/Vickan_juttu5_miia_130717_kg.jpg

Victoria's life in photos
Victorias 40 år som prinsessa – en bild för varje år _ SvD
Grattis kronprinsessan Victoria – här är ditt 40-åriga liv i bilder …

Mari-Anne · Jul 14, 2017

Madame Verseau said:
On the guest list why isn't Alexander there? He and Oscar are two months apart in age and Oscar is going to be there.

I think Alexander may still attend but probably they did not want to add his name in case he didn't feel like attending. We will soon see if he will be there along with his parents.

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

At the court website
Kronprinsessan Victoria fyller 40 år - Sveriges Kungahus
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Kungahuset...515803374007/1497640346961539/?type=3&theater
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWhApDsnC68/?taken-by=kungahuset

Crown Princess Victoria's in-laws Ewa and Olle Westling are of course invited to her 40th birthday today.
But when the local newspaper visited Ockelbo they didn't miss the opportunity to congratulating Victoria there too.
- She is a wonderful daughter-in-law, very cosy, says Ewa Westling to Gefle Dagblad.
The newspaper sent a team to Prince Daniels hometown Ockelbo in Gävleborg to see if the people would send congratulations to the Crown Princess on her birthday.
Outside of the city's Ica store some of the first to pass by are no less than Victoria's in-laws Olle and Ewa Westling.
- We will say Congratulations directly to Victoria on her birthday. But we can do it through the newspaper as well. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary, they say to Gefle Dagblad.
Olle och Ewa Westling i Ockelbo gratulerar Victoria, 40 år _ Kungligt _ Expressen

You have to pay to read the original article at Gefle Dagblad, but here is the photo of Ewa and Olle at the article.
https://images.mmcloud.se/api/v1/images/faea9d49-8c5b-59d1-a22b-70a8285de87b/980.jpg
Här gratuleras Victoria av svärföräldrarna i Ockelbo_ _Vi har en underbar svärdotter_

Svensk Damtidning writes that Victoria plans a private birthday party in August or September. Her closest friends will be invited and royals: Haakon, Mette-Marit, Märtha Louise, Frederik, Mary, Willem-Alexander, Maxima and representatives from Belgium and Luxembourg. The party will be arranged either in Drottningholm Palace or Haga Palace, then a party tent will be built for the party.
Svensk Damtidning avslöjar_ Då ska Victoria ha sin hemliga födelsedagsfest _ Svensk Damtidning

Expressen writes that Victoria has wanted a rather long cortège way in Stockholm so that people can see her and her family on her birthday.
- It will be a very long cortège. It's about half the distance they went when they married 2010. Three military bands will be along the way and there will be a long cortège where the public will be able to wave and see her, says Richard Beck-Friis, head of the Commandant Staff in Stockholm.
Beck-Friis says that the cortège's way was designed in consultation with the Crown Princess and her coworkers.
- I think they, and herself, want to take this opportunity to show up. It is a very good opportunity for the Swedish people to have a glimpse of her and congratulate.
Margareta Thorgren says:
- It's over three kilometers long and is similar to the one at the Crown Princess couple's wedding in 2010. It's for the public to congratulate and see the family.
Kortegen is via Slottsbacken, Slottskajen, Norrbro, Gustav Adolfs square, Fredsgatan, Tegelbacken, Vasagatan, Kungsgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan.
- It's over after about half an hour when the cortège ends at the Royal Stables.
The court's and family's plan is that Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar will join the cortège.
- The information I have is that the children are scheduled to attend. But then you never know with little children, it depends on the day. But that is planned, says Thorgren.
Kronprinsessan Victorias krav på födelsedagen – lång kortege _ Kungligt _ Expressen

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

Expressen has already now live-TV, they show the guests arriving.
LIVE-TV_ Kronprinsessan Victorias 40-årsfirande

TV4's live-TV with Ebba Kleberg von Sydow as host. They will also re-show Ebba's interview of Victoria in two parts during the day.
LIVE_ Kronprinsessan Victoria 40 år - följ firandet med oss

Aftonbladet's live-TV
Live 1 - De senaste nyheterna på Aftonbladet.se - Sveriges nyhetsportal

SVT's broadcast starts at 11.25 (when the reception has started)
Grattis Kronprinsessan Victoria 40 år _ SVT Play

But SVT sends at also of the arrivals to Te Deum:
https://www.svtplay.se/video/144588.../svt-nyheter-direkt-victoria-40-ar?start=auto

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

Mari-Anne · Jul 14, 2017

Countess Marianne Bernadotte always look so lovely. Hard to believe that she will be 93 tomorrow.
Great to see that prince Alexander was also present.
Both Victoria and Madeleine looked very pretty and elegant. They were both dressed in romantic dresses that look great for the summer. Sofia looked also good but that hat didn't match her dress.

Its good to see that the weather in Sweden is sunny. Hope no rain to spoil the celebrations!

Minister of Court · Jul 14, 2017

LadyFinn said:
It seems that princess Margaretha isn't there.

Or possibly she couldn't manage the stairs anymore and entered the chapel through the side entrance. She's had trouble walking for good many years now.

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

Minister of Court said:
Or possibly she couldn't manage the stairs anymore and entered the chapel through the side entrance. She's had trouble walking for good many years now.

Yes, Margaretha was there after all. Here:
https://media.shootitlive.com/5d168rGeSe4Xmj5mALsyJ51oCwW/1200.jpg?project_id=expressen/2835

Here are the galleries from Aftonbladet and Expressen
Live 1 - De senaste nyheterna på Aftonbladet.se - Sveriges nyhetsportal
Kronprinsessan Victoria fyller 40 Ã¥r â€“ fÃ¶lj firandet med Expressen | Kungligt | Expressen

Margot Wallström, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, congratulates Victoria on her Twitter

https://twitter.com/x/status/885775266634752001

Charlotte_Aster · Jul 14, 2017

Looks like Estelle got a getting told to from Princess Madeleine, now she is behaving herself

Those aunts.. They always know what to say

crm2317 · Jul 14, 2017

Nice group shot of the royal family, how come Leonor is not in it?

An Ard Ri · Jul 14, 2017

Members of the Swedish RF gather for Crown Princess Victoria's 40th Birthday.

PPE Agency

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

crm2317 said:
Nice group shot of the royal family, how come Leonor is not in it?

There is a lot of photos of Leonore and Nicolas sitting at the Palace floor, so obviously they were hard to get to the photo this time too. There is a group photo even without Nicolas.
https://x.cdn-expressen.se/images/6e/5d/6e5d4325e3114a259e4061bff0e99637/16x9/original.jpg

It is great that Victoria's former governess Ulla-Gitta Kronberg, her mentor Louise Dinkelspiel and other people in connection of her studies are interviewed at SVT's program.

The king seems quite moved in his speech. He told that yesterday they had a lovely evening at Haga Palace, his family and Victoria's family. The king's sisters told to Victoria how it was to live at Haga Palace and many memories were shared.

crm2317 · Jul 14, 2017

Madeleine and Chris have their work cut out for them with those two!

TortillaChips · Jul 14, 2017

Well I have absolutely no idea what is going on (language barriers!) but it all looks lovely and I love how happy everyone looks. As ever Crown Princess Victoria appears to be so animated and happy :flowers:

iceflower · Jul 14, 2017

.

Here are more great pics from today:

** robinutrecht.photoshelter gallery ** gettyimages gallery **

** zimbio/gettyimages: The Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden's 40th birthday Celebrations in Stockholm **

** dailymail: Butterflies for the birthday girl! Princess Victoria of Sweden dons a pink frock with fluttering details as she marks her 40th **

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

The weather has made this day perfect, and it's now great to see the whole family at the cortège. They go below Logården and the royal family and other guests wave to them. Wonderful. Oscar's first cortège.
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Estelle, always a little pro.
https://media.shootitlive.com/6xVyBbSOsELxeY8XhI0l2lGnu6Z/1200.jpg?project_id=expressen/2835

uneas314 · Jul 14, 2017

Everyone there looks great and all the children are very cute and enjoying themselves ! And sure Swedish royal family is a very happy one![emoji8]

Baron Brockdorf · Jul 14, 2017

disappointed at how small the cortege is...hardly any cavalry just 9

An Ard Ri · Jul 14, 2017

Will there be a gala dinner to mark Crown Princess Victoria's 40th birthday?

rominet09 · Jul 14, 2017

What a lovely family.... these children are marvellous !

xenobia · Jul 14, 2017

I love this picture! Leonore is almost getting away... I think that reflects very much her personality

http://www.svenskdam.se/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/familjebild1.jpg

LadyFinn · Jul 14, 2017

Baron Brockdorf said:
disappointed at how small the cortege is...hardly any cavalry just 9

I think that it was a great choice. On this beautiful, light summer day, a heavy cortège with a large cavalry wouldn't match the feeling of the day at all. Victoria had wanted a familiar celebration with her family, the court staff and the people of Sweden and the whole world. A nice liittle cortège with three military bands was just right. No need to have 60 people at the cortège.

Some interesting things came up on the interviews at SVT's program. Photographer Charles Hammarsten told how he was photographing the royal family in the Millennium. He gave his gloves to someone who had really cold. The royal family came and Charles started to take photos. Victoria saw that he didn't have gloves, and came to Charles and gave him her gloves so that he could take photos in the cold.
Host Mark Levengood said that Victoria is often seen at Royal Dramatic Theatre nowadays (nothing about that at the media, so she does that private) and that she is very interested in culture. Royal expert Roger Lundgren said that many people don't know that Victoria loves to draw. He has seen Victoria's drawings and liked them.

An Ard Ri said:
Will there be a gala dinner to mark Crown Princess Victoria's 40th birthday?

No, this evening there is a Victoriadagen concert in Borgholm in Öland. After that the family has always a private dinner in Solliden. Tomorrow at 11.00 Victoria, Daniel, the children, the king and queen meet the people in Solliden. It takes probably three hours.
Svensk Damtidning wrote that Victoria will have a private party for her friends and closest royal friends in August or September at Drottningholm Palace or Haga Palace. That isn't official information.

I'm sure Oscar is tired after the day's celebration.
https://media.shootitlive.com/HlzcBa3S6ZQZE29DRgcI6f8f3rW/1200.jpg?project_id=expressen/2835

Arriving to the Chapel

Oscar doesn't want to walk at the Chapel

Leaving the Chapel

The Speaker of Riksdag and the Prime Minister give their gift

Victoria's speech (starts at 0.55)

sm1939 · Jul 14, 2017

xenobia said:
I love this picture! Leonore is almost getting away... I think that reflects very much her personality http://www.svenskdam.se/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/familjebild1.jpg

cute but I bet a hand full at times

Minea · Jul 14, 2017

Wonderful to see the whole family celebrating Victoria, who looks gorgeous, I love her dress! They all look so happy and are dressed beautifully (ditch the hats, though).

So happy to see all the children. Estelle is growing up so fast, what a radiant girl she is! It's funny how Oscar has his grandad's grumpy look, and Leonore and Nicolas sure are keeping their parents busy. Alexander often smiles curiously like wondering what on earth is going on in this peculiar family gathering

The 40th Birthday - 14 July, 2017

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