Victoria's birthday party unmarred by rain
Saturday marks Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria’s 35th birthday, with celebrations taking place at the royal family’s residence Solliden on the Baltic island of Öland, despite warnings of ominous weather.
Crowds began milling around outside Solliden early on Saturday morning, waiting to to congratulate the princess on her birthday when she made her appearance at 2pm.
However, Sweden's unpredictable summer weather didn't dampen spirits after the day began with rain, which looks set to continue into the evening.
Meteorological institute SMHI warned that heavy rains and thunder are to be expected during the afternoon.
All members of the royal family have gathered on Öland, and on Saturday evening a tribute concert is planned on Borgholm’s sports centre, where among others Loreen, Rigmor Gustafsson and Ulrik Munther are slated to perform.
A real veteran among the guests at Solliden is Laila Tegnér. Together with her husband Sven Tegnér she’s visited Solliden seven times to congratulate Victoria.
She explained to the TT news agency that this year was particularly special.
“This year I’m turning twice the Crown Princess’s age, so now I’m almost competing with her for the attention,” said the 70-year-old.
Four-month-old Princess Estelle, Victoria's daughter, is not present at the festivities, with royal experts adding that this is not unusual in the royal family.
"This makes sense. Victoria herself didn't take part before she was five-years-old," said Kay Wiestål, who is responsible for the celebrations, to the Aftonbladet newspaper.
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Crowds began milling around outside Solliden early on Saturday morning, waiting to to congratulate the princess on her birthday when she made her appearance at 2pm.
However, Sweden's unpredictable summer weather didn't dampen spirits after the day began with rain, which looks set to continue into the evening.
Meteorological institute SMHI warned that heavy rains and thunder are to be expected during the afternoon.
All members of the royal family have gathered on Öland, and on Saturday evening a tribute concert is planned on Borgholm’s sports centre, where among others Loreen, Rigmor Gustafsson and Ulrik Munther are slated to perform.
A real veteran among the guests at Solliden is Laila Tegnér. Together with her husband Sven Tegnér she’s visited Solliden seven times to congratulate Victoria.
She explained to the TT news agency that this year was particularly special.
“This year I’m turning twice the Crown Princess’s age, so now I’m almost competing with her for the attention,” said the 70-year-old.
Four-month-old Princess Estelle, Victoria's daughter, is not present at the festivities, with royal experts adding that this is not unusual in the royal family.
"This makes sense. Victoria herself didn't take part before she was five-years-old," said Kay Wiestål, who is responsible for the celebrations, to the Aftonbladet newspaper.
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