Royal pictures of 2013: Sweden

There has been plenty to celebrate for the Swedish monarchy in 2013 and as a result, the country's ruling family has been involved in some of the most memorable royal images of the year.  On September 15th 2013, King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrated the fortieth anniversary of his accession to the throne of Sweden and a day of celebrations across the country culminated in dancing in the streets of Stockholm led by the king who earlier toasted the thousands wanting to share the day with him from the top of the Royal Palace.

King Carl XVI Gustaf salutes his people from the Royal Palace in Stockholm watched by his only son, Carl Philip, the prince who lost a throne to his older sister

The marriage of Princess Madeleine, fourth in line to the throne, and Chris O'Neill in Stockholm in June 2013 provided some truly beautiful snaps of a truly beautiful royal bride but it was the unusual and dramatic official wedding pictures that were the most memorable.

 

Princess Madeleine Therese Amelie Josephine of Sweden married Christopher O'Neill in the Royal Palace of Stockholm on June 8th 2013

 

Queen Silvia of Sweden marked her seventieth birthday at the end of the year with several celebrations and a classic royal portrait of a consort in pink.  But it was the behind the scenes images of the queen having her birthday photos taken that were among the iconic images of Sweden's royal family in 2013.

 

 

Queen Silvia of Sweden during the shoot for the special photos to mark her seventieth birthday

 

Prince Daniel of Sweden marked his fortieth birthday on the same day that his father in law celebrated his jubilee but 2013 was the year that the future prince consort took on a much higher profile role within the royal family.  In particular, the prince concentrated on business and promoting entrepreneurship among young people and as part of that mission, spent a memorable day at IKEA to showcase some of his country's greatest success stories.

 

 

The prince who went to IKEA - Daniel of Sweden learns more about one of his country's greatest success stories

 

Princess Estelle of Sweden was highly visible throughout the year and provided some of the cutest images of all.  From national dress to pretty party frocks to mark her first birthday, the littlest princess stole the show - and almost auntie Madeleine's wedding when she ended up next to her mummy, Crown Princess Victoria, as she did a reading at the service.  But it was Estelle's appearance in Christmas outfit on a pony that really had the 'ah' factor.

 

 

Crown Princess Victoria with Estelle as Father Christmas as they celebrate St Lucia's Day in December 2013