After several days filled with a variety of official engagements, one of the highlights of the Swedish royal calendar, the Nobel Prize week, has concluded.
As every year, King Carl Gustaf hosted a dinner at the Royal Palace honoring the laureates of these prestigious awards. He was joined by his wife, Queen Silvia of Sweden, and their three children, Victoria, Madeleine, and Carl Philip, as well as two sons-in-law.
The only notable absence was Princess Sofia, which sparked plenty of discussion. In her absence, the fashion spotlight turned to Victoria and Madeleine, both of whom impressed with their stunning gowns and fabulous tiaras.
Madeleine of Sweden has repeatedly proven herself to be an unconventional princess in every sense. Having lived in the United States for several years, away from the palace, her style reflects a modern sensibility, making her arguably the most fashion-forward member of the royal family.
Yet her looks remain absolutely elegant. She delivered another style masterclass with a show-stopping gown worthy of a red carpet event, festive without falling into clichés, and sophisticated without ever being boring.
The gown, by designer Monique Lhuillier, known for her bridal and evening wear and available online for just over €5,000, features a black velvet bodice perfect for the season, with thin straps, a deep V-neckline, and a back slit from which a matching velvet train cascades, adding a dramatic touch ideal for such a high-profile event. The skirt, made of golden sequined fabric, flows to the floor, accentuating her figure beautifully.
A new tiara for Madeleine:
For the first time, the middle princess wore the Napoleonic Cut Steel Tiara, a unique piece from the Swedish royal collection previously seen only on Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria.
This striking jewel is entirely crafted in polished steel and gold, with no precious stones. Its intricate motifs, oak leaves, acorns, and delicately worked flowers, catch the light and mimic the sparkle of diamonds without any gemstones. Dating from the early 19th century, it originally belonged to Empress Joséphine of France.
Victoria and Madeleine’s gala looks at the 2025 Nobel Prize:
The awards in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics were presented in Stockholm. For the ceremony and the subsequent gala dinner, Crown Princess Victoria paid tribute to her mother, Queen Silvia, by wearing a gown her mother had worn to the same event 31 years ago, the 1994 Nobel Prize ceremony.
This breathtaking evening gown, made of zibeline with a special French faille trim no longer in production, was custom-made by designer Jacques Zehnder for the German-born queen.
The dress stands out for its architectural, elegant style, modern at the time yet sophisticated, perfectly suited to such a prestigious occasion. It features a geometric, asymmetrical neckline that leaves the shoulders bare, a fitted bodice, and a long pleated skirt revealing a contrasting black silk layer underneath.
Victoria completed her look with the historic Fringe Tiara of Baden, adorned with 47 diamonds inspired by sun rays. This diadem once belonged to Victoria of Baden and was gifted to her as a wedding present by her parents, the Grand Dukes of Baden.
Meanwhile, her sister Madeleine did not debut any new pieces either, but she delved into her own wardrobe to find the perfect ensemble. She chose an ice-blue tulle and beaded gown with an integrated cape by Jenny Packham, paired with her favorite Kokoshnik tiara, featuring aquamarines and diamonds, a nod to traditional Russian headdresses. This treasured piece arrived in the Swedish royal family through Princess Margaret of Connaught.