The Swedish Royal Family is marking one of its most significant weeks. King Carl XVI Gustaf is celebrating his 80th birthday, inviting many families from across Europe to commemorate his life and strengthen ties between heads of state and institutional representatives. A day of ceremonies, luncheons, and military reviews culminated in a landmark state banquet at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, where some of the most spectacular jewels from royal collections were on full display.
A royal summit at the Stockholm Palace
© Getty ImagesThe evening brought together some of Europe's most recognizable faces. Queen Silvia of Sweden closed the night in style, wearing the Braganza Tiara, widely considered one of the most valuable tiaras in the world.
Following protocol, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia were the first to walk the historic halls of the palace, followed by Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and Princess Estelle. Princess Madeleine of Sweden, the King's youngest daughter, was also in attendance, accompanied by the Grand Duke William of Luxembourg. The occasion marked her first state banquet alongside European royalty since her abdication last October.
© Getty ImagesAmong the international guests were King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, the newly proclaimed Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark.
Princess Victoria's emotional speech to her father
The evening's sweetest starred Crown Princess Victoria, who delivered a heartfelt speech to her father. She opted for a personal mountaineering story, directing a warm aside to her daughter Estelle. Her speech was translated by our sister website, HOLA! Spain. "I also knew what advice you would have given me: 'Put on all your layers,' as you always say when it's cold. 'Stay the course. Keep going!' And that is exactly what I did, there on the mountain. Because that is what you had always done. I know all my siblings can hear that voice in our heads. Loving, yes, but also a little firm. 'Very reckless!'"
© Patrick van Katwijk"I have to admit I don't always listen to that voice. But I hear it, Papa. And not just in the back of my mind, increasingly, to my great surprise, I hear it coming from myself, as a parent. 'One hand for yourself and one for the ship!' Even your grandchildren already know that nautical rule."
"But the most important thing you have passed on to us, less through words than through actions, is respect and humility towards your duty. Serving Sweden has been, and continues to be, not just the work of your life, but your calling. Together with Mama, you have shown my siblings and me, day after day, what it means to honour your mission. I will do everything I can to pass that on to the next generation."
© Andreas Rentz
