Royal Central - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Photo: Henrik Garlöv/Royal Court, Sweden
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden celebrated his 77th birthday in Stockholm with the debut of a new addition to the Royal Palace.
The King’s traditional birthday salute occurred in the Outer Courtyard of Stockholm Palace while the Navy performed special music for the day.
King Carl Gustaf was joined by his son, Prince Carl Philip, as they received the troops during the Commander-in-Chief’s reception. After the reception, His Majesty returned to the Outer Courtyard to see the High Guard ride into the square with the Dragoon Music Corps of the Life Guard. The military led cheers for the King before all those in the courtyard sang “The King’s Song.”
As is customary, gun salutes took place at 1 pm in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Karlskrona, Härnösand and Boden.
The King also received children gathered in the Outer Courtyard who brought him flowers and wished him a happy birthday before the choirs sang “Marcia Carolus Rex.”
There was a new addition to the King’s celebration this year. In the past, the Royal Family had to view the birthday celebrations from a window and take turns appearing before the crowd. However, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Forgotten Balcony was completed in time for His Majesty’s birthday celebrations, which allowed all of the Royal Family in attendance to appear together before the people.
The King was joined by Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, Prince Oscar, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel and Prince Julian on the balcony for the first time. The King and Queen’s youngest child, Princess Madeleine, could not attend as she currently lives in Florida with her husband and children.