"AUSTRALIA is expecting a double dose of Scandinavian royalty in March
with Sweden announcing a visit by the heir to the Swedish throne, to
coincide with that of Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of
Denmark.
Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will visit in
March for Swedish Style in Australia, a month-long celebration to
highlight Sweden's excellence in design, fashion, music, travel,
environmental sustainability and food.
The Danish Royal couple will visit Sydney from March 2, attending
various gala charity events.
The week of public engagements will include attending celebrations
for the 200th birthday of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen
at the Danish-designed Opera House on March 7, before sharing a week
of private time with Princess Mary's family and friends.
The Swedish events, initiated by the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra,
aims to create new, and deepen existing, relationships between the
two countries.
Confirmed events include gala dinners, design exhibitions, a
performance of the ABBA musical Mamma Mia and a concert with pianist
Robert Wells, opera soprano Katarina Fallholm and Swedish pop star
Meja.
Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist, ambassador of Sweden to Australia, welcomed
the event, which will launch in Melbourne on March 10 and in Sydney
on March 16.
"Yes, it is true, Swedes love Australia," Mr Ehnbom-Palmquist said in
a statement.
"And yes, we do know Australians love ABBA and Bjorn Borg, but for
the first Swedish Style in Australia ever, we invite Australians to
experience modern Sweden in a range of exciting fields."
