Prince Carl Philip's engagement

He took his bride, and his country, by surprise by proposing on a quiet Friday in June but at least it meant he didn't have to keep his secret long.  Prince Carl Philip of Sweden has met the press and shown off his brand new fiancee to them after asking for her hand in marriage this morning and getting the constitutional approval he needed to marry this afternoon.  As the early evening began, Sofia Hellqvist walked out into the cool June air as a royal bride in waiting and showed off her diamond engagement ring.

Sealed with a kiss - Sofia and her prince announce their engagement

The prince and his wife to be talked to reporters about their marriage plans before they were joined by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia who spoke of their joy that their only son is to become a married man.  Sofia called her husband to be 'the humblest man she had ever met' while Carl Philip praised his princess in waiting too.  And then there was another chance to show off the sparkler.

Sofia and her sparkler - a future princess announces her engagement

There is to be a small reception to mark the engagement and more details of the wedding will be announced in due course.  It means that within five years, the three children of the King and Queen of Sweden have all married and begun a new generation of royals.  But today belongs to Carl Philip and his bride, Sofia - a very happy couple.