Sweden's birthday king gets ready for his big day

It's just what they always wanted - Queen Silvia looks on as her husband gets another unusual birthday present ahead of his 70th on Saturday

With just days to go until he turns 70, celebrations are well and truly under way for King Carl XVI Gustaf. Today it was the turn of authorities from around Sweden to visit the monarch in the Royal Palace in Stockholm and pay tribute and give presents. And the presents were rather unusual as well as traditional.

More presents for a birthday king on April 28th

There were hats, there was sporting equipment, there were quite a lot of framed certificates and wishes of happiness. And there were lots of smiles. These birthday celebrations are proving to be very happy for the King of Sweden.

A very posh hat box and a rather handy hat - the birthday King of Sweden gets another gift

Earlier in the week, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended a special concert at the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace to mark his birthday. It was given by the Defence Forces and included a performance from the Navy Band.

The King and Queen of Sweden at a special concert for Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th birthday given on April 26th 2016

Meanwhile, books are open for wellwishers to send their birthday congratulations to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The Royal Palace is open from 10 until 4 today and tomorrow, April 29th, for those who wish to send a special birthday message.

There's no chance of missing the birthday books at the Royal Palace in Stockholm today

On April 29th there will be more receptions for organisations invited to wish King Carl XVI Gustaf a Happy Birthday. There is also a concert in Stockholm in the evening. On the big day itself, April 30th, there will be a Te Deum at the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace. King Carl XVI Gustaf will hear some birthday singing with a public appearance after that which will include music at the changing of the guard and then in the afternoon, parliament and government will be giving their best wishes. The evening will see a gala banquet for the Swedish Royal Family and their many royal guests from across Europe. Sit down and enjoy, this is going to be a very busy birthday.