Every June 6, Sweden celebrates its National Day, a holiday that blends history, tradition, and ceremony. It is one of the most important dates on the Swedish calendar, and the royal family traditionally marks the occasion with a major celebration attended by the entire family.
The Swedish royal family is at the center of the festivities, especially the children. This year, the youngest member of the family, Princess Ines, has captured everyone's attention. Cradled in her father's arms and dressed in traditional Swedish attire, she has become the standout star of the day, both at home and abroad.
During the National Day celebrations, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden shared a heartwarming family moment with his youngest daughter, Princess Ines. Dressed in his official uniform, the prince smiles as he holds his daughter, who is wearing an adorable blue dress accented with yellow details, the colors of the Swedish flag. The photo, taken in a flower-filled garden, reflects the close bond between father and daughter and showcases the warm, family-centered side of the Swedish royal household on such a special day for the country.
On a day like this, the children inevitably become the stars of the show. Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar, the children of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, have appeared in a series of photos that quickly went viral thanks to their charm and beauty. Estelle, dressed in traditional Swedish costume and accompanied by her brother, poses for a collection of memorable images.
© @kungahusetAt 14 and second in line to the throne after her mother, Crown Princess Victoria, Estelle is clearly leaving childhood behind and growing into a young woman with a distinct personality of her own.
In the official photographs released by the Royal Court from Haga Palace, where the royal family traditionally begins the day's celebrations, Estelle wears the traditional Swedish folkdräkt, a symbol of national pride. What has drawn the most attention from royal fashion observers and enthusiasts is her growing maturity. Her more confident posture and stronger presence evoke her mother's classic style while remaining true to her own age and character.
© @kungahusetPrincess Estelle Comes Into Her Own
Although Estelle did not participate in all of the day's official events, her brother Oscar joined their parents while she continued a language-study program, according to the Palace. She still made a point of appearing in the family's opening photo session, sending a clear message to the country: she is ready to gradually step into her public role with confidence and grace.
© @kungahusetLittle by little, the princess is moving beyond the childhood years, when her fashion choices often mirrored her mother's style, and developing a presence that feels more youthful, independent, and self-assured. Her evolution has drawn attention even outside Sweden as an example of how a young royal can grow up with authenticity and poise in the public eye.
Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar on Sweden's National Day 2026
Estelle was the first Swedish princess born with succession rights that cannot be displaced by a younger brother. Although she has a younger brother, Oscar, she retains her place in the line of succession thanks to Sweden's adoption of absolute primogeniture. Over the past two years, her physical transformation has become increasingly apparent. At 14, she already bears a strong resemblance to her mother, and many European media outlets have highlighted her confidence at public events and her growing institutional role.
© Getty ImagesThe King's Speech
Speaking from Skokloster Castle in Håbo Municipality, Uppsala County, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden delivered the following remarks on a day dedicated to celebrating his country and the values that unite its people:
© TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Ima"The Queen and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome. This baroque castle is like a journey through the centuries. Its many rooms, the preserved tools in the unfinished hall, and its magnificent collections make Skokloster a living architectural monument. Here we find the traces of generations who built, created, and preserved Sweden and the cultural heritage that we have a responsibility to pass on."
"This visit marks a milestone for the Queen and me. We have now celebrated National Day in all 21 counties of Sweden, saving Uppsala County for last. Yet visitors have continued to come year after year. Today alone, we have around 10,000 people gathered here."
© TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Ima"My wish is that everyone in our country feels that the flag belongs to them, on National Day and every day of the year. Congratulations to those who received this recognition this year. I hope you will gather beneath these flags at future celebrations and festivities. And now, I believe we should honor our beloved Sweden together with a fourfold cheer: Long live Sweden! Long live Sweden! Long live Sweden! Hurray, hurray, hurray, hurray!"
© @kungahusetThe King and Queen take part in official ceremonies, national flags are raised, and children dressed in traditional costumes present flowers to new citizens, one of the day's most touching traditions. Concerts, cultural events, and receptions are also held throughout Sweden.
© @kungahusetA Look Back at National Day 2025
In 2025, the Swedish royal family marked National Day by releasing a new photo of Princess Estelle wearing regional dress alongside Prince Oscar, who appeared in a suit and tie with a Swedish flag pin on his lapel.
Their parents, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, joined the celebrations in the municipality of Nykvarn in Södermanland County.
© Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden"Together, let's strive to build an even stronger and more inclusive country. A Sweden where everyone feels at home and a Sweden for which we all share responsibility," the heir to the throne said.
Meanwhile, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia celebrated the day in the Tornedalian community of Pajala in Norrbotten County. There, the King and Queen visited the family-owned company Kero Leather in Sattajärvi to learn about its leather production. Hours later, the entire royal family took part in a colorful carriage procession through Stockholm. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia were also present at the official reception with government and local authorities.
