As the Swedish Royal Family came together to mark the birth of a brand new princess, there were other important matters to bear in mind, too. Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine both attended a church service for their niece, Princess Ines, in pale blue grey.

The shade has long been used in more sombre circumstances. Ines was born as Sweden came to terms with the worst mass shooting in its history and the country’s royal family has had to balance its celebrations with national grief. Pale grey is a traditional colour of mourning and was an important choice for the two royal women.

They were together to mark the birth of Princess Ines, daughter of their brother, Prince Carl Philip and his wife, Princess Sofia. She was born on 7 February. On Monday, the family attended a Te Deum service in honour of the baby princess with her aunts forming a united sartorial front.

King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Madeleine, and Christopher O’Neill joined proud father Prince Carl Philip and brothers Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Julian for a Te Deum (Thanksgiving service) at the church at the Royal Palace. 

Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine coordinated their looks with lighter shades the order of the day. The Crown Princess wore a blue-grey pleated midi dress with a ladder lace overlay from favourite brand, By Malene Birger. Princess Madeleine also turned to one of her favourite design houses, Valentino, for the happy occasion on Monday. The light blue silk wool dress features a coordinating blue Valentino belt. 

Just before the service, the full name of the baby princess was revealed. She is Ines Marie Lilian Silvia and is named for both of her grandmothers, Queen Silvia and Marie Hellqvist. Lilian honours Princess Lilian, the aunt of King Carl Gustaf. 

The Kingof Sweden also announced that the young princess has an additional title, Duchess of Västerbotten.