Sweden’s royals mark rainy National Day

Sweden’s royals have marked a rainy National Day.

The day began with Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia opening the Royal Palace to visitors, and they brought along their almost four-month-old daughter, Princess Ines, for the event.

Over in Kalmar County, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited Pukeberg Glassworks and the National Glass School.

They then headed to a National Day ceremony at Qvarnasläts Hembygdsgård, where the King presented the Swedish flag to associations and organisations with operations in the county.

Sara Friberg/Royal Court, Sweden

By noon, it was time for Prince Carl Philip to oversee the Changing of the Guard and a 21-gun salute.

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel participated in events at Haga Park, outside their home. Soloists from the Royal Swedish Opera, the Royal Swedish Court Orchestra, the Royal Swedish Opera Choir and dancers from the Royal Swedish Ballet performed for the royals during a concert in the park.

The Crown Princess also addressed those who gathered for the event, remarking on the importance of National Day, “For me, National Day is one of the most beautiful holidays of the year. It is a day to feel pride and joy in Sweden.

“A day to feel gratitude for everything we have. And it’s a day that we celebrate together across our country.”

Photo: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna

In the evening, the Royal Family gathered at Skansen Museum for the traditional celebrations. Princess Madeleine and her husband, Chris O’Neill, joined the King and Queen and Crown Princess Family for the carriage ride and event.

The Royal Family was seen in ponchos as the ceremony took place, which included a speech from the King and the presentation of banners to organisations.

National Day concluded at the Royal Palace, where the Royal Family hosted their traditional reception for the Swedish government and the diplomatic corps. As with previous celebrations, the evening ended with the Army’s Band’s performance of the tapto at Logården.