Sweden's Princess Madeleine's boyfriend will make his royal debut at Princess Estelle's baptism today (22.05.12).
The ceremony for the daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel will take place at the Royal Chapel located in the Royal Palace in Stockholm, with 400 guests set to attend including New York-based financier Chris O'Neill after King Carl Gustaf gave his permission.
Carl has also permitted Madeleine's brother Prince Carl Philip to bring along his girlfriend Sofia Hellqvist, a former Swedish glamour model, to the event.
Roger Lundgren, royal expert and editor of Kungliga Magazine, told The Local: "It's clearly a sign that the king officially recognises them as family members.
"This has never happened in Sweden. Before, people had to get engaged to a member of the royal family to get invited to official events. And I think we'll see two engagements in the not too distant future."
Estelle will be carried into the service in Karl XI's wooden cradle, complete with a red canopy, which dates back to 1655 and was last used in 1979. It is thought to be one of the oldest preserved cradles in the world.
A reception at the Bernadotte apartments in the palace will take place after the ceremony, which will be presided over by Archbishop Anders Wejryd and features a dress code of morning dress for the ladies and dark suits for the men.
Victoria and Daniel have asked anyone wishing to give a gift to Estelle to instead make a donation to the Crown Princess Wedding Foundation, which aims to combat exclusion and promote good health among kids and adolescents in Sweden.
by Helge Krupski 24th May 2012 07:52
King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf clearly demonstrates that his blessing on our marriage (Princess Madeleine and me), King of Sweden gave (read from the book of prayer in Swedish language ... Read More