Last modified: 19 December 2011
Stockholm, Saturday, 19 June 2010
Program
- 2pm: Guests start arriving at the cathedral
- 3.30pm-4.30pm: Wedding ceremony
- 4.40pm-5.30pm: Cortège
- 5.35pm-5.45pm: Walk at the Logården
- 6pm-6.25pm: Bridal couple appears on the terrace of the Royal Palace (Lejonbacken)
- 6.30pm-7.15pm: Family photography
- 7.30pm: Wedding banquet at the Rikssalen of the Royal Palace
- 10pm: Cutting of the wedding cake at the Bernadottegallerie of the Royal Palace
- 11pm: Wedding ball at the ballroom of the Royal Palace
Wedding location
Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan or Sankt Nikolai kyrka, is situated in central Stockholm, in Gamla Stan (old town). The church was built in Swedish Brick Gothic style. It is situated next to the royal palace. The church was mentioned first in a source dated 1279. It became a Lutheran Protestant church in 1527. Since 1942 it is the mother church of the Church of Sweden, Diocese of Stockholm. The last king to be crowned in the cathedral was King Oscar II in 1873.
Most famous treasure in the cathedral is a wooden statue of St George and the Dragon, that commemorates the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. It contains relics supposedly of St George and two other saints. The cathedral also houses the oldest known image of Stockholm. The painting Vädersolstavlan (The Sun Dog painting) is a 1632 copy of a lost original from 1535. The main altar is of ebony wood with scultured reliefs in silver in ascending order of the Last Supper, the Crucification of Christ, the burial of Christ, the harrowing of Hell of Christ and his resurrection.
The cathedral has been restored in the winter of 2009/2010.
Entry of the guests of honour
The Office of Ceremonies compiled detailed plans on how the guests were to be seated both in Stockholm Cathedral. The Masters of Ceremonies and Lords in Waiting together with the church wardens welcomed the guests to the wedding ceremony at Stockholm Cathedral and escorted them to their seats. The Masters of Ceremonies and chamberlains were also responsible for ensuring that the many guests were escorted between the Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. At 15:00, the guests of honour — who sat in the chancel at the front of the cathedral — processed from the West Gate of the Royal Palace to Stockholm Cathedral in the following order:
- The Marshal of the Realm
- Hasse and Anna-Britta Åström
- Nils and Ann-Catrin Westling
- Olle and Anita Henriksson
- Erik and Birgitta Westling
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex
- Walther L. and Ingrid Sommerlath
- Ralf de Toledo Sommerlath
- Prince Richard zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Princess Benedikte of Denmark
- Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein
- The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands
- The Duke and Duchess of Brabant
- Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg
- Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia
- Prince Radu and Crown Princess Margarita of Romania
- Prince Johann Georg and Princess Birgitta von Hohenzollern
- Princess Margaretha, Mrs Ambler
- Baron Niclas Silfverschiöld and Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld
- Tord Magnuson and Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson
- Count Carl-Johan and Countess Gunilla Bernadotte
- King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece
- King Simeon and Queen Margarita of Bulgaria
- The Prince and Princess of Asturias
- Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
- Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
- Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan
- Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock
- Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg
- Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, and Dr Pentti Arajärvi
- King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan
- Dr Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Iceland, and Mrs Dorrit Moussaieff
- King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians
- King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway
- Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
- Queen Sofia of Spain
- Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark
- Anna Westling Blom and Mikael Söderström
- Olle and Ewa Westling
- Princess Madeleine of Sweden
- Prince Carl Philip of Sweden
- Queen Silvia of Sweden
Order of service
Officiant: The Most Reverend Anders Wejryd, Archbishop of Uppsala
Liturgists
The Right Reverend Lars-Göran Lönnermark, Bishop Emeritus, Royal Court Chief Chaplain
The Right Reverend, Dr Antje Jackelén, Bishop of Lund
The Very Reverend Åke Bonnier, Dean of the Cathedral, Royal Court Chaplain
Musicians
Assistant Cathedral Organist Mattias Wager
Concert Singer Jeanette Köhn
Singer Björn Skifs
Singer Agnes Carlsson
Brass Ensemble from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Centre
The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Concert Leader: Joakim Svenheden
Orsa Spelmän
Gustaf Sjökvist’s Chamber Choir
Stockholm Cathedral Choir
Conductor: Royal Court Organist Professor Gustaf Sjökvist
Entrance of the guests
Herald trumpeters from the Armed Forces Music Centre playing from the tower of the Cathedral.
Adolf Fredriks flickkör (girl’s choir)
Conductor Bo Johansson
- Gånglåt från Äppelbo (Äppelbo March)
- Husby brudmarsch (Husby bridal march)
- I denna ljuva sommartid (In this sweet summertime), by A. Öhrwall
- De blomster som på marken bor (The flowers that bloom on the ground), by E. von Koch
Kungliga Filharmonikerna (The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra)
Conductor Gustaf Sjökvist
- Ur Drottningholmsmusiken (From Drottningholm Music), by J. H. Roman
- Allegro — Allegro — Vivace
National Folk Musicians Hugo and Tomas Westling (relatives of the groom) with accordionist Britt-Marie Jonsson
- Vårisen (Spring ice), by Britt-Marie Jonsson, Hyllning (Tribute), by Hugo Westling (First performance)
- Bröllopsmarsch (Wedding March for Victoria and Daniel), by Hugo Westling (First performance)
Ceremony
Kronprinsessan Victorias fanfar (Crown Princess Victoria’s Fanfare), by Ingvar Lidholm (1921-), originally performed at the Opening of Parliament 1995.
Processional music
The Duke of Gloucester’s/Gloster’s March by Jeremiah Clarke, (1674-1707), arrangement Mattias Wager
Hymn
by Karin Rehnqvist (1957-) (First performance)
A gift to the Bridal Couple from the Kungliga Musikaliska Akademien (Royal Academy of Music).
Psalm 57:8-11
Vakna, min själ, vakna, harpa och lyra,
jag vill väcka morgonrodnaden.
Jag vill tacka dig, Herre, bland folken,
jag vill sjunga ditt lov bland alla folk.
Ty till himlen når din godhet,
till skyarna din trofasthet.
Visa din höghet i himlen, o Gud,
och din härlighet över hela jorden!
Höga Visan 8:6
Bär mig som ett sigill vid ditt hjärta,
som ett sigill vid din arm.
(English translation)
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
Your faithfulness extends to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm.
Psalm 201
by C.D. af Wirsén (1842-1912); music: W. Åhlén (1894-1982)
En vänlig grönskas rika dräkt
har smyckat dal och ängar.
Nu smeker vindens ljumma fläkt
de fagra örtesängar,
och solens ljus
och lundens sus
och vågens sorl bland viden
förkunna sommartiden.
Sin lycka och sin sommarro
de yra fåglar prisa:
ur skogens snår, ur stilla bo
framklingar deras visa.
En hymn går opp
av fröjd och hopp
från deras glada kväden,
från blommorna och träden.
Men du, o Gud, som gör vår jord
så skön i sommarns stunder,
giv att jag aktar främst ditt ord
och dina nådesunder.
Allt kött är hö,
och blomstren dö,
och tiden allt fördriver;
blott Herrens ord förbliver.
(English translation by Carolyn and Kenneth Jennings)
The earth adorned in verdant robe
Sends praises upward surging,
While soft winds breathe on fragrant flowers
From winter now emerging.
The sun shines bright
Gives warmth and light
To budding blossoms tender,
Proclaiming summer’s splendour.
From out the wood, the birds now sing
And each its song now raises,
To join with all the Universe
In voicing thankful praises.
With hope and joy
Their songs employ
A rapturous exultation
In praise of God’s creation.
O God, amid these joys of life,
Creation’s glory beaming,
Grant us the grace to keep your word
And live in love redeeming.
All flesh is grass,
The flowers fade,
And time is fleeting ever;
God’s word remains forever.
Act of Praise
Underbara är dina verk Herre vår Gud,
underbart har du skapat man och kvinna.
Av din kärlek lever vi.
Dig vill vi tacka för livet
som oupphörligt förnyas.
(English translation)
Marvellous and wonderful is your creation oh Lord.
You have created man and woman
to live in your love.
We give thanks and praise you Lord
for the unceasing renewal of life.
Words of introduction
Bible reading
Matthew 19:4-6
Skaparen gjorde från början människorna till man och kvinna. Därför skall en man lämna sin far och sin mor för att leva med sin hustru, och de två skall bli ett. Vad Gud har fogat samman får människan alltså inte skilja åt.
(English translation)
The Creator who made them at the beginning made them male and female and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Romans 12:9-10, 15
Er kärlek skall vara uppriktig. Avsky det onda, håll fast vid det goda. Visa varandra tillgivenhet och kärlek, överträffa varandra i ömsesidig aktning. Gläd er med dem som gläder sig och gråt med dem som gråter.
(English translation)
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
First Letter of John 4:7
Mina kära, låt oss älska varandra, ty kärleken kommer från Gud, och den som älskar är född av Gud och känner Gud.
(English translation)
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Galatians 6:2
Bär varandras bördor så uppfyller ni Kristi lag.
(English translation)
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
Ephesians 3:16-17
Måtte Gud i sin härlighets rikedom ge kraft och styrka åt er inre människa genom sin ande så att Kristus genom tron kan bo i era hjärtan med kärlek.
(English translation)
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, God may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
The Questions
(Everybody rises)
Blessing of the Rings
(Everybody rises)
The Exchange of Vows and Rings
(Everybody rises)
The announcement
Ni har nu ingått äktenskap med varandra och bekräftat detta inför Gud och denna församling. Ni är nu man och hustru. Må Herren vara med er och leda er i sin sanning nu och alltid.
(English translation)
In the presence of God and before this congregation you have made your vows to one another. I therefore proclaim that you are husband and wife. May the Lord be with you and lead you in his truth now and always.
Vilar glad. I din famn (Resting blissfully in your arms)
Music Benny Andersson (1946-); text: Kristina Lugn (1948-) (First performance by Kalle Moraeus and Orsa Spelmän)
Sjön vilar tätt mot stranden.
Himlen oändligt blå.
Jag står med dig i handen.
Mörkret faller. Och du lyser så.
Vinden vill famna skogen.
Havet ger vågen ro.
Vännen vill vara trogen.
Där du vandrar vill min längtan bo.
Det är kärleken som bär
min förtröstan genom livet.
Så jag söker dig, jag ropar överallt ditt namn
tills jag är i din famn; vilar glad i din famn.
Vilar glad. I din famn.
Nära vill jag vara.
Lugn vid din varma själ.
Jag är en barnsång bara.
Den är enkel och menar så väl.
Det är kärleken som bär
min förtröstan genom livet
Så jag söker dig, jag ropar överallt ditt namn
tills jag är i din famn;
Vilar glad. I din famn.
Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer
To be prayed in one’s own language
Fader vår som är himmelen.
Helgat varde ditt namn.
Tillkomme ditt rike. Ske din vilja,
såsom i himmelen så ock på jorden.
Vårt dagliga bröd giv oss i dag,
och förlåt oss våra skulder,
såsom ock vi förlåta dem oss skyldiga äro,
och inled oss icke i frestelse utan fräls oss ifrån ondo.
Ty riket är ditt och makten och härligheten i evighet.
Amen.
(English translation)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
The blessing
Hymn 84b
By E. A. Welch (1860-1932); adapted by A. Frostenson (1906-2006); music: M. Teschner (1584-1635)
Vi lyfter våra hjärtan till dig, o Fader vår,
i tacksamhet och lovsång och bön för dessa två.
Vi ber dig, låt dem lämna sig själva i din hand
och hjälp dem hålla löftet som de har gett varann.
Vi tackar för den glädje som du har gett åt dem.
Välsigna deras framtid, välsigna deras hem.
Tack, Fader, för den kärlek som gjorde dem till ett,
det största du som gåva och ansvar åt oss gett.
(English translation)
We lift our hearts, O Father, in mingled prayer and praise.
Praise for the priceless blessing of love’s response to love.
Praise for the joy of loving, all other joys above,
that each be one with other, and both be one in You.
We praise you and we pray for home and future life. Your love
has made them one, now keep them ever close. Our prayer
that you’ll accomplish the promise of today, and crown their
years with blessings as time will pass away.
The Archbishop’s address to the bridal couple
To live a good life, you must be allowed to take responsibility, to have an influence.
We wish each of us the possibility of making our way through life successfully and of having control over our lives.
Your situation, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel (we can now use this title for the first time), is both shared and unique. You’ll be taking on tasks that you won’t be able to turn down — but that you can influence. One of you has had many years to prepare for and live this life — and one of you only a few. You won’t have complete control over your lives — but you will successfully make your way through life if you keep your focus on people other than yourselves, on wider contexts, on society, on family and on the future. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
We wish each of us the possibility of being needed and useful.
There are several stages of usefulness. Each individual needs to think several steps ahead. What will be the consequences of this choice or that choice? What am I capable of — and what should I do even though I wonder whether I can actually do it? None of us is indispensable, not even a crown princess or a prince. But we are still needed. We can all be called into question, not least if we are public figures. Criticism costs nothing, not even when it’s spiteful. But we all still need to try to make a positive contribution using our talents.
Your usefulness in major contexts will perhaps be clearest when you can stand up for important values that are under threat, such as gratitude, a sense of belonging during crises and losses, hopefulness in troubled times, and indignation about and commitment to combating breaches of human rights. Your significance to loyalty and fellowship in society, with free scope for true, vital democracy and debate, may be great.
At the same time, you can easily be reduced to people who add sparkle to an event, or to lowest common denominators. A great deal may be expected of you that fundamentally does not seem that important to you. May you in such cases be able to maintain your curiosity and enthusiasm!
So, you are now husband and wife. Privately, you have set up a ‘refuge’ that has now been confirmed as publicly as is possible. Through marriage, a bridge is forged between the most personal side of your lives and the public side. “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” We who all over world are following your wedding are responsible for helping you with this. We have prayed for you, we will carry on praying for you and thinking of you, and will help you to stay together — in the same way as we have done at all other weddings we have been to, and will attend in the future!
Within the family, space can be made for openness and reciprocity that could never be accommodated in public life, with its pressure to perform. Within the family you have each other, because you love each other and want this sense of belonging together to form a reliable and steadfast foundation for your lives. You do not need to prove anything to each
other — but you do need to focus on each other. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
We wish each of us the possibility of being carried and of accepting help.
Independence, self-determination and freedom are important concepts. Nobody should need to crawl; nobody should need to be subservient. Feeling that you´re in someone’s debt is difficult.
Being the underdog means being on shaky ground if you cannot trust the other person. In society at large and in public life, this is often the reality. In a close relationship, when everything works out as we wish, things are different. Mutual, secure, loving dependence on the other person gives us a sense of well-being. This is what the two of you are experiencing. May your refuge remain free and protected, but still welcoming for those you hold dearest!
And a lifetime can be long. A strong person can become weak, and a person born weak can become strong. This is something you will have to deal with in your family. A person who feels secure has the courage to be carried!
In a close and trusting relationship, you can pray together and individually.
Use this power! “… love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” God manifests Himself through love. And, according to our faith, he also manifests Himself to those who do not believe they know God!
We wish each of us the possibility of getting a second chance when we fall short.
I do not believe that anyone lives up to what he or she would ideally like to live up to. We all have our shortcomings. The excellent ethical principles of loving your neighbour as yourself and doing to others what you would have them do to you are beautiful, but they´re difficult. Sometimes, when you look at all your shortcomings, the self-contempt becomes overwhelming.
You are now married. You have come so close to each other that you know that your love is mutual and that you have the capacity to forgive each other. This means that your love for each other can also accommodate failure and weakness!
You have not done anything to deserve life. Nobody has. It is given to us. The air, the existence of the universe and relative equilibrium, memories and hopes. It is given to us by God, who wants good things for us. The God of Love. Through what Jesus did for us, we know that God forgives and believes that we deserve to live and get another chance, even though we fall short!
We wish each of us the possibility of making our way through life successfully and of having control over our lives. We wish each of us the possibility of being needed and useful. We wish each of us the possibility of being carried and of accepting help. We wish each of us the possibility of getting a second chance when we fall short. We wish the two of you all this!
“I pray that [the Father] out of his glorious riches … may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Stand firm and be constantly rooted in him.”
When You Tell the World You’re Mine
By Jörgen Elofsson (1962-); music: Jörgen Elofsson, John Lundvik (1983-) (First performance by Björn Skifs & Agnes Carlsson)
I’m standing by an angel
tears well up inside
feelings of belonging
Of gratitude and pride
I’m blinded by your presence
In this moment that we’re in
If God was to describe you
Where would he begin
Your colours blend together
And you become the light
If only you could see the way you shine
Darling, when you tell the world you’re mine
You’re the future I believe in
I know you, through and through
Your each and every heartbeat, every breath
Eveytime I look at you
I’m blinded by your presence
In this moment that we’re in
If God was to describe you
Where would he begin
Your colours blend together
And you become the light
If only you could see the way you shine
Darling, when you tell the world you’re mine
You’re mine, against all odds my love
What we have, it is unbreakable
If God was to describe you
Where would he begin…
I’m blinded by your presence
In this moment that we’re in
If God was to describe you
Where would he begin
Your colours blend together
And you become the light
If only you could see the way you shine
Darling, when you tell the world you’re mine
I’m standing by an angel…
Bridal recession
Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals by Siegfried Karg-Elert (1877-1933); arrangement Thomas Brantigan.
Insignia in the cathedral
Regalia
Early on the morning of the wedding, the Crown of Sweden’s Heir Apparent and Prince Wilhelm’s Crown were removed from their showcases in the Treasury at the Royal Palace. The crowns were taken to Stockholm Cathedral and placed on the special regalia tables to the left and right sides of the altar respectively. The tables were covered with blue crown covers, on which blue velvet cushions are placed. On a third regalia table sat the Order of the Seraphim’s insignia, a decoration in the form of a cross, and a grand star. The Seraphim standard stood in the chancel.
The Crown of Sweden’s Heir Apparent
The Crown of Sweden’s Heir Apparent (King Karl X Gustav’s Crown of the Heir Apparent) was made in a great hurry when Queen Kristina was due to be crowned in 1650. It was only on 3 October 1650 — 17 days before the coronation — that the queen reminded the council that, according to tradition, the heir to the throne wore a special costume consisting of a cloak, a crown and a cap. Jürgen Dargeman only had just over a week to make a new crown for Karl (X) Gustav. Because time was so short, Dargeman reused the crown that had been created for Queen Kristina the Elder for King Karl IX’s coronation. He applied enamel decorations from the old crown and newly-mounted stones to a newly- made plain crown ring with eight triangular points.
At the coronation, the crown is not worn directly on the head — instead, it is placed over a hat of brown velvet, embroidered in gold and silver and edged with ermine.
The Crown of Sweden’s Heir Apparent remains virtually unchanged to this day. The only alteration of any significance was carried out for the coronation of King Gustav III in 1772, when two of the lower sceptres were replaced with black enamelled corn sheaves, the symbol of the great Vasa dynasty. These would represent the Vasa blood that ran through King Gustav’s veins, a fact that the king was keen to remind others of, but would also link the traditions of the royal power back to the Gustavian kings.
The hat, which is kept at the Royal Armoury, was replaced by a pale blue cap in connection with the coronation of King Adolf Fredrik in 1751.
King Oscar II was the last king of the Bernadotte dynasty to be crowned wearing the King’s Crown in 1873. On this occasion, his son, Crown Prince Gustav (V), wore the Crown of the Heir Apparent.
The last time this crown was seen at a royal ceremony was at the christening of the then heir to the throne Carl Philip on 31 August 1979. The crown was then placed on its cushion at the altar.
Since Gustav III’s time as crown prince, Karl X Gustav’s Crown of the Heir Apparent has been the crown of the heir to the throne. Right up until Victoria became heir to the throne, it was known as the Crown Prince Crown, but it is now known as the Crown of Sweden’s Heir Apparent, regardless of whether the heir to the throne is male or female.
Prince Wilhelm´s Crown
It was King Gustav III who introduced the principle that every member of the Royal Family should have use of their own crown. When Prince Wilhelm (1884-1965), son of King Gustav V and younger brother of Gustaf (VI) Adolf, reached the age of 18 in 1902, the regalia were added to. The Prince was to be declared of legal age in connection with the opening of Parliament in 1903, and according to tradition had to be dressed in insignia of rank.
Since all the older ducal crowns were being used by other male family members, a new crown had to be commissioned from the jeweller to the King, C.G. Hallberg, Stockholm. Palace architect Agi Lindegren provided a proposal, based on Prince Oscar’s crown from 1844. However, one key heraldic difference is that one sceptre was positioned in front on the crown ring, instead of the Vasa corn sheaf shown on the proposed design. This was because tradition dictated that a normal ducal crown should be designed in this way.
The crown is made from gold, with decoration that is partly engraved and partly in relief. The enamel work is in black and white. The crown is set with pearls, diamonds and emeralds. The insides of the sceptres are lined with blue satin. The blue satin cap is decorated with gold leaf. The crown is 13.8 centimetres high, and the inner diameter of the crown ring is 17.1 x 20 centimetres.
The last time Prince Wilhelm wore the ducal crown was for the opening of Parliament in 1907. King Oscar II died in December that same year. He was succeeded by King Gustaf V who chose not to be crowned, whereupon the custom of wearing the royal crown came to an end.
The Order of the Seraphim
The Order of the Seraphim is Sweden’s supreme order and has one rank, knight or member (ladies). The order is now only conferred upon members of the Swedish Royal Family and to foreign heads of state or people of an equivalent standing.
The insignia of the order are a cross, worn on a chain or a light blue ribbon, and the grand star, worn on the left breast. The chain can be awarded to Seraphim knights as a special mark of honour. The order also has the Seraphim medal.
When a knight or a member is appointed, a coat of arms is painted on a copper plate. A selection of the coats of arms of living knights/members is displayed in the Seraphim Hall at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The knight/member’s coat of arms is not hung up in Riddarholm Church until they die. On the day of the funeral, a Seraphim Toll rings out in the church from 12:00 until 13:00.
Cortège and royal barge
After the wedding ceremony Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel were cheered at the head entrance of Stockholm Cathedral. They stepped into an open horse-drawn carriage that took them for a 6,8 kilometres long ride through the streets of Stockholm. The route was chosen by the couple. The couple was travelling in the Parade Barouche from the royal mews. This carriage was made by L.V. Nylund’s coach factory in Stockholm around the turn of the 20th century. The same carriage was used by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on their wedding day, 19 June 1976. The carriage was drawn by four horses à la d’Aumont, which means there was no coachman in the driver’s seat. Instead there was a mounted driver on the left horse. This made it able to see the couple as good as possible.
The cortège itself was 400 metres long. Some 6400 people took part in the parade along the route. 1200 of them represented voluntary and civil organisations. 210 people of the Swedish Civil Defence League and the Swedish Red Cross manned the first aid units and provided information to the public. Twenty bands played along the route, and both the Navy and the Air Force took part. 500.000 people stood along the route of the carriage to cheer the just married couple.
Troops along the cortège route
- Cathedral: Life Guard Officersvakt
- Royal Palace & Outer Courtyard: Life Guard Dragoon Battalion
- Slottsbacken: Life Guard Guards Battalion
- Skeppsbron: Swedish National Home Guard
- Slottskajen: Life Guard Dalecarlia Regiment & Life Guard Gävleborg Unit
- Norrbro: Life Guard Grenadier Company & Försvardsmaktens Fanborgare
- Strömgatan: I19-Norrbotten Regiment & K3-Life Regiment Hussars
- Kungsträdgårdsgatan: P4-Skaraborg Regiment, P7-South Scanian Regiment, LV6-Anti-aircraft Regiment & ING2-Göta Engineer Regiment
- Hamngatan: Command Regiment & Swedish Armed Force’ Helicopter Wing Sveavägen: MHS K-Swedish Armed Forces Staff College
- Kungsgatan: LSS-Air Combat Training School, F17-Blekinge Wing & Armed Forces Technical School
- Birger Jarlsgatan: Försvarsutbildarna, Air Force Region Central, Svenska Pistolskytteförbundet, Swedish Working Dogs’ Organisation, Svenska Skyttesportförbundet, Bilkåristerna & Swedish Red Cross
- Berzelli Park: Swedish Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation
- Strandvägen: Blå stjärnan, Scouts, Auxiliary Naval Corps, Naval Base & Amphibious Regiment
- Djurgårdsbron: Folk dance guild Kedjan
- Djurgården: Amphibious Regiment, 3rd and 4th Naval Warfare Flotilla & Naval Warfare Centre
- Vasa Museum
Route of the cortège
Stockholm Cathedral – Slottsbacken – Skeppsbron – Slottskajen – Norrbro – Gustav Adolfs Torg – Strömgatan – Karl XII:s Torg – Kungsträdgårdsgatan – Hamngatan – Sergels Torg – Sveavägen – Kungsgatan – Stureplan – Birger Jarlsgatan – Nybroplan – Strandvägen – Djurgårdsbron – Galärvarvsvägen – Vasa Museum
At the Vasa Museum the couple left the carriage and entered the Royal Barge Vasaorden. The Crown Princess was given a lovely bouquet of flowers by the captain. The crown princessely couple was rowed by eighteen cadets from the Naval College via Ladugårdslandsviken, around Kastellholmen, up Strömmen to land at Skeppsbron, below Logården. Along the route of the Royal Barge were Swedish and foreign warships flying their flags high. The HMS Visborg and the saluting battery at Kastellholmen fired a 21-gun salute in honour of the bridal couple.
On the west side of Djurgården were the M 20, T 26, T 46 and T 56, while the HMS Spårö was on the east side of Skeppsholmen. The T121 Spica and the R142 Ystad were at the east side of Kastellholmen, while the Gladan, HMS Gävle and the HMS Koster were on the west side of Kastellholmen. On the west side of Skeppsholmen were the Af Chapman, the East Indies Ship Götheborg and the Falken. At the Stadsgården side were the royal yacht Dannebrog, HDMS Viben, the royal yacht Norge, HMS Härnösand, HMS Visby, HMS Visborg, HMS Sundsvall, HMS Södermanland and the British HMS Kent. After landing at Skeppsbron the couple crosses Skeppsbron and climbed the steps up to the royal palace, where they were welcomed by their guests.
My report
Already before 9am some friends and I reached Norrbro. We were in time to get first row places closest to the balcony at Lejonbacken, and for quite a while had more than enough space to move. Choosing this spot meant we would be able to see the carriage passing and see the choral tribute at Lejonbacken around 6pm. It also meant we unfortunately wouldn’t see something of the royal barge. Time went surprisingly quickly. We didn’t expect it, but we were not the only ones being curious. First we saw Countess Alice Trolle- Wachtmeister, grand mistress of the Swedish royal court, appearing on the balcony with two other for a short inspection probably. Then also Eckbert von Bohlen und Halbach, husband of Princess Désirée von Hohenzollern, and his two brothers-in-law Hubertus and Carl-Christian appeared to have a look outside. Also Count Michael Bernadotte was spotted by one of my friends taking pictures from a window.
Happily we managed to see a little bit of the wedding, because a camera of SVT was near us. The small screen showed the guests and bride and groom arriving at the cathedral, and afterwards leaving it. So we got our first glimpse of bride and groom. Finally at about 4.40pm the carriage passed Norrbro. Somewhat to our disappointment the carriage passed quite quickly and we hardly saw something, because of all the guards and a camera in front of us. We just hoped that the choral tribute more than an hour later would be better.
Choral tribute at Lejonbacken
After hours of waiting it turned out to be quite a good choice to stand on Norrbro all day. At 6pm Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel finally came outside at the Lejonbacken side of the Royal Palace. Already before they appeared the choir and musicians had been practising, which was quite entertaining. Apart from six songs we even more enjoyed the appearance of guests on the balcony, in the windows and on the sides of the balcony. But the best was that the crown princessely couple with family and guests stayed on the balcony for no less than half an hour. And not only that: we also heard very nice short speeches from both King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria, which we hadn’t really expected.
The choir of almost 300 singers from nine choirs was lead by Cecilia Rydinger Alin, the conductor of the Swedish Choral Society. The performing choirs include: Allmäna Sången (Uppsala), Erik Westerberg’s Vocal Ensemble (Piteå), KFUM’s Chamber Choir (Stockholm), La Cappella (Uppsala), Maria Magdalena Motett Choir (Stockholm), St. Johannes Chamber Choir (Stockholm), Stockholm Chamber Choir, Stockholm Student Singers and the Swedish Chamber Choir (Gothenburg). The trumpet call, entrance music and concluding piece will be performed by the Army’s Music Corps.
Musical programme
- Brudmarsch (Bridal March) from Valbo, Gästrikland
- Duvemåla hage (Duvemåla Pasture) by Benny Andersson
- Önskevisa (Wish Song) by August Söderman
- Så skimrande var aldrig havet (The Sea was Never so Shimmering) by Evert Taube
- Sommarbröllop (Summer wedding) by Pontus Edling
- Swedish national anthem
The King’s speech
Kära stockholmare och alla invånare runt om i landet. Det är en underbar dag och en underbar syn att se alla som samlats här för att hylla brudparet.
Jag skulle vilja att vi alla gemensamt utbringar ett fyrfaldigt leve för Kronprinsessan och Prins Daniel.
De leve… hurra, hurra, hurra, hurra!”
(Thank you Kaija and Satu for helping me making this wonderful translation)
“Dear Stockholmers and all other fellow-countrymen. This is a wonderful day and it is a wonderful view to see all of you have gathered here to celebrate the bridal couple.
I would like to propose four cheers for the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel.
Long may they live … hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
The Crown Princess’s speech
Kära, kära vänner!
Jag vill börja med att tacka svenska folket för att ni har gett mig min prins.
Vi, min make och jag, är så otroligt glada och väldigt tacksamma för att så många vill vara här och fira tillsammans med oss.
Det är en enorm upplevelse, det är vår absolut största dag hittills i vårt liv.
Att känna ert stöd betyder mer för oss än vad ni någonsin kan förstå.
Det är något otroligt.
I dag är en dag som vi kommer att bära med oss i våra hjärtan för resten av vårt liv.
Tack!
(Thank you Kaija and Satu for helping me making this wonderful translation)
Dear, dear friends!
I would like to start with thanking the Swedish people for you have given me my prince.
We, my husband and I, are so unbelievably happy and extremely grateful that so many of you are gathered here to celebrate with us.
It is an enormous experience, and it is absolutely the biggest day in our lives so far.
It means more to us to feel your support than you ever can imagine.
It is something unbelievable.
This day is a day we will keep in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Thank you!
Wedding banquet
The wedding banquet in honour of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel was held in the Hall of State (Rikssalen) at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. It is the main ceremonial room of the palace and was created in 1717 by palace master builder Nicodemus Tessin the younger. The banquet was hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The restaurateur for the banquet was Stefano Catenacci of the restaurant Operakällaren in Stockholm.
During the banquet the blind windows of the walls in the hall were softened with floral paintings in shades of pink depict roses, hydrangeas, carnations, peonies and rhododendrons from the grounds of Sofiero Palace. The table’s floral arrangements were grouped around gaudy bouquets of bleeding heart, sweet peas, lady’s mantle, lilac and lilies of the valley. The 32-metre long table in the centre and the table of honour under the canopy were adorned with a mirror plateau the length of the table, slightly raised from the table top, with the edges decorated with various pink flowers. The round tables were set up in the same way, but with a round mirror plateau. The palace’s gala silver, candelabra, candlesticks and vases and terrines filled with flowers were placed in groups on the plateaus.
The table linen used consisted of tablecloths and 582 napkins that are more than a hundred years old, woven from damask. The whole of the table of honour and 21 of the 38 round tables in the Hall of State were spread with the Union Linen. This was woven in 1891, in Lille in France by a textile factory called Lemaitre Demestre & Fils. The pattern features the coat of arms of the Swedish-Norwegian union, woven into the middle of the tablecloth.
Every reigning generation of the Bernadotte dynasty was represented in the choice of silver, porcelain and glass used for the table setting. The table silver has been chosen so that the banquet began and ended with the first and last generations, from King Karl XIV Johan and Queen Désirée to King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Used were the Gustaf III’s Sèvres porcelain (King Gustaf IV Adolf), the Brazilian silver service (Queen Josefina), the Geatish service (King Oscar I), glassware given by the Swedish people to King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on the occasion of their wedding in 1976, silver plates (King Karl XIV Johan, King Adolf Fredrik, King Gustaf III).
The first course was served at porcelain from the state service, commissioned in France in the 1850s and in Sweden up until the 20th century. The cutlery was commissioned by Queen Désirée in Stockholm around 1830-40. The fish course was served on porcelain made by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur in Berlin probably in the 1760s, and bought by King Oskar II in 1886. The cutlery was from the Swedish design Olga: the forks were made in Sweden in the mid 1800s, and the knives were commissioned by King Gustaf VI Adolf in the 1950s. The meat course was served on porcelain commissioned by King Gustaf V in 1910. The cutlery of the Prince Albert design was commissioned by Queen Josefina. The dessert was served on plates from the great Sèvres service, which was a gift from King Louis XVI of France in 1771 to the later King Gustaf III, and on copies of this service commissioned by King Karl XV.
During the dinner there were three speeches. First King Carl XVI Gustaf spoke, followed by the father of the groom Olle Westling, and at the end also Prince Daniel spoke. Daniel’s speech was emotional and brought tears in the eyes of many. Almost all the time he looked at Victoria and took her hands.
King Carl XVI Gustaf’s speech (in Swedish)
Your Majesties,
Your Imperial Highness,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Her Majesty the Queen and I wish to greet you all with a most heartily welcome to the Royal Palace and to this wedding gala dinner. It is wonderful to see you all here! On behalf of my family — and especially on behalf of my oldest daughter and my son-in-law — I wish to thank you for coming and for participating in our joy! You will always be a part of this unforgettable and memorable day!
Your Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel!
Dear newly-weds!
The Queen and I would like to wish you — The Crown Princess of Sweden and Prince Daniel — all the best for the life ahead together!
It is a major step in life to enter into marriage. Not only for the bride and groom, but also for their parents. The promise you have given to each other today on mutual support and loyalty ties the two of you further together. It is, however, an unavoidable consequence of your decision that the ties to your parents thus will be changed. From now on, your first loyalty will be to one another.
We as parents take joy in the affection by which you look at each other. But — as so many parents before us have experienced — the joy of seeing one’s children standing on their own to build their families, is also spiced with a touch of grief. I wish that you also one day will be able to experience such happiness that we feel today.
Dear Victoria!
You are the successor to the throne of Sweden. It is a mission that comes with duties and responsibilities. And it is with pride and gratitude I have seen you grow into this role.
One day you will — because so it is stated in our constitution — succeed me as the head of state of Sweden. My mind is put at ease when I see the wisdom and determination by which you prepare yourself for this task.
I know that I share this confidence with a large number of the Swedish people. You could, perhaps, with a reference to our ancestor Karl XIV Johan, say “The love of the people is my reward.”
Our relation is, however, deeper than that between a monarch and his successor. I am your father. You are my beloved daughter.
No one should believe anything else than that my highest wish has always been — and is — to see you happy. It has therefore always been self-evident to your mother the Queen and me, that you — as any person in our country — should have the freedom to choose your life´s companion as your heart desires. I have today seeked to make this point clear by accompanying you to your future husband, and thereby confirming the decision to approve of your marriage according to our constitution.
Dear Daniel!
On behalf of the Queen and myself I would like to welcome you most warmly into our family. We would also like to congratulate our daughter on her choice of husband. And we — your parents-in-law — congratulate you on your choice of wife.
We have got to know you as a very ambitious and skilful entrepreneur. I have often been impressed by the purposefulness and the go-ahead spirit which you have shown. And we have with approval noticed the energy and determination by which you have been preparing yourself for your mission as Prince Consort. That is: to give your wife, the Crown Princess, support and confidence.
We are also delighted to have made the acquaintance with your parents Eva and Olle Westling as well as your large and lovely family.
Dear Victoria and Daniel!
The Queen and I, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine would like to congratulate you and wish you all the best. On your walk through life together, you can always count on our support and affection. And we pray that God Almighty always will be merciful to you.
Finally, I would like to propose a toast to — and that we all raise a cheer for — the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel, our beloved and beautiful bridal couple.
Four cheers for them!
Olle Westling’s speech (in Swedish)
Your Majesties,
Your Imperial Highness,
Your Royal Highnesses,
The bride and groom,
It is wonderful to see you both, Victoria and Daniel, radiant with happiness on this day — this great day.
It is indeed a great day for all of us who have the privilege of being here with you both, but for you this is one of the absolute highlights of your lives — you are now husband and wife.
Your marriage is not only a family affair — it is something that affects all the people of Sweden. The warmth and joy that stream towards you today from near and far are a wonderful acknowledgement of appreciation.
Many people see the fact that you met and fell in love as something of a fairytale. The man of the people who won the Crown Princess. Yes, it is indeed a fairytale, but I do not think it is a coincidence that this has happened here in Sweden, where The King´s motto is “For Sweden — With the Times”.
Daniel,
You are our dear son, and your mother, your sister and I have always been extremely proud of you. You have always chosen to go your own way, and you have done so with honour, whether in terms of your career choices, your friends or your leisure activities. Of course you never became a professional hockey player, but we´re still proud of you!
Instead, we are proud to see that you have built up a successful company that brings together your great passions: health and people´s development.
We were overjoyed when you told us that you had met a girl that you wanted to bring home to introduce to us. But we hadn´t counted on it being this particular girl!
But once we had met you, dear Victoria, and experienced the warmth that you bring and the openness you show to everyone in our family — and not just our family; I remember one day in the lingonberry forest in Ockelbo, how you greeted everyone who crossed your path and showed such wonderful warmth. That´s when we understood why Daniel had fallen for you. It was quite clear that he had waited and made his choice with great care. He had once again gone his own way.
Daniel, you have had to learn the hard way that life isn´t always a bed of roses. As a sixteen-year-old, you discovered just how important health is. You learned that you would need a kidney transplant — and yet you still kept your positive outlook on life and your belief in the future. Your warmth, your delight in life and your energy are important qualities that I hope you will hold onto all your life.
Dear Victoria and Daniel,
The best way of dealing with the great and important work that lies ahead of you is by helping each another. Talking with each other, supporting each other and working as a team are what will serve you best in the long run. This is something that Ewa and I have plenty of experience of, and we will gladly give whatever advice we can. As your parents, Daniel, your mother and I know that in Victoria you will have a loving, warm and kind-hearted wife.
I will refrain from giving any other advice about how to keep your love alive. You have already proven that you know what to do. The way the two of you interact is truly exceptional. No-one who meets you can fail to see the deep love and sincere respect that you have for each other — I have no doubt that your feelings rub off on all those around you.
Not only The Crown Princess, but also The King, The Queen and the entire Royal Family have received us with great kindness, and I would like to thank you warmly for this.
It falls to me — and this is a great honour — to thank you for the hospitality that we have all shared this evening. Our hosts have invited us to this gala evening with personal warmth and generosity — an evening that is far from over, and which we will always remember. But for the food and drink that we have enjoyed so far, I would like to thank you most humbly and sincerely on behalf of myself and all my fellow guests!
Let me conclude by once more giving four cheers and proposing a toast to the two most important people on this great day, the bride and groom!
Four cheers for the bride and groom.
Hurrah… Cheers!!
Prince Daniel’s speech (in Swedish and English)
Your Majesties,
Your Imperial Highness,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Excellencies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear family and friends.
Dear Victoria. Crown Princess Victoria. Princess of Sweden. Princess of my heart.
Nine years ago I had the privilege to get to know a young woman with a great sense of humour, a strong sense of duty, and on top of that great wisdom. We became friends, but the more I got to know her, the more irresistible she became.
These years with you Victoria have flown by, they have been the best years of my life.
There have been times when Victoria’s official duties have separated us. Often taking her to far away countries and continents. I will never forget some years ago when she left for one of her many trips. This time to China.
We were going to be apart for a whole month.
The night before she left, she got home late after an official engagement and she had many preparations to make for the long month ahead. Instead of getting some valuable sleep, she stayed up the whole night, writing.
In the morning, after she had gone, I found a box, and in that box I found 30 beautiful letters, all addressed to me. One for every day she would be away.
This romantic gesture is so typical of you, Victoria. It says everything about the loving person you are.
Once upon a time, the young man was perhaps not a frog in the beginning of the fairytale first told by the Grimm brothers, but he was certainly not a prince. The first kiss did not change that. His transformation was not possible without the support of the wise King and Queen, who had ruled the kingdom for many years, and who were full of wisdom, experience and had good hearts. They knew what was best, and guided the couple with a gentle hand, generously sharing all their valuable experience.
I feel a great sense of gratitude towards Your Majesties, the king and queen, for your whole-hearted support and the way you have welcomed me into your family. My thoughts are of course also with my own family, to my mother and father, my sister and her daughters.
Mother and father. Throughout my childhood you gave me your unconditional love. You have helped me with your wisdom, and helped me build a good sense of self-confidence and security, through healthy values which have guided me through my life.
When we passed through the streets of Stockholm today we were met by such joy and warmth, a memory we will take with us forever. During the years Victoria and I have been together, I have felt a huge sense of support from the people I have met. That has been very important to me. Thank you.
I feel great respect for the duties that await me. It will no doubt be a big challenge. I will do my best to live up to the expectations placed on my shoulders. I will do my best to support my wife, Sweden’s Crown Princess, in her important role.
Dearest Victoria. I’m so proud of what we have together. I’m so happy to have become your husband. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you stay as happy as you are today.
Victoria, love is the greatest thing of them all, I love you so much.
Menu
Norway lobster from the west coast, served with summer truffles and truffle caviar, citrus marinated farmed cod on a bed of flowers with cucumber jelly and chilled green pea soup with Kalix whitefish roe
Landö char with herb coating, poached quail egg, green asparagus and beetroot from Gotland, served with a nettle and ramsons sauce
Sirloin of veal from Stenhammar with roasted shallot crisps, potato gratin with Allerum cheese, tomato terrine, carrots cooked with thyme in a white cabbage and tarragon gravy
Strawberry mousse with rhubarb centre and vanilla ice cream in white chocolate
Wines
Champagne Pommery 2000 Grand Cru
Sancerre Les Pierris 2008 Domaine Roger Champault
Pommard 1:er Cru Epenots 2002 Louis Jadot
Château Simon 2007 Sauternes
Wedding cake
The wedding cake was a gift from the Swedish Association of Bakers and Confectioners. It was served in the Bernadotte Gallery on plates from a service commissioned by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The coffee cups and tea cups were designed by Karin Björqvist. They were a gift from the Riksdag and the Government on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Queen Silvia in 1993.
The white four-leaf clover-shaped wedding cake was 330 cm high and weighed 250 kg and was made up of 11 tiers. More than 95% of the ingredients used to make the cake were organic, except for the wild strawberries. A 125 cm daquise base (a soft almond meringue made from almond flour) was topped with chocolate crisp, followed by a fragilité base (a soft almond meringue made from almond paste). On top of this was a champagne mousse with a wild strawberry curd centre. This was followed by a layer of wild strawberry compote. Champagne mousse and daquise base were then layered, finishing off with champagne mousse. The care was decorated with 100 handmade roses and 40 lilies, made from caramel. The top of the cake was decorated with a wavy gelatine sugar layer. On top of this were edible triangular spirals in transparent gold and blue, made from isomalt sugar. At the top, the diameter of the cake was 25 cm. Here, the Crown Princess Couple´s monogram was reproduced in cast caramel. The sides of the cake were decorated with four-leaf clovers, symbolising the Crown Princess Couple and their wedding.
Wedding waltz
Musical performance
- The Romeo and Julia Chorus
- The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Conducted by Gustaf Sjökvist
- Roxette
- Cotton Club
- Carola
Wedding dress and attires
Wedding dress
Crown Princess Victoria’s wedding dress was designed by Pär Engsheden. It was made of cream-coloured duchess silk satin, with short sleeves and a turned-out collar, which follows the rounded neckline. The dress had a v-shaped back with covered buttons. The sash at the waist was buttoned up at the back. The train was edged with a border, fastened at the waist, and had the same shape as the veil. The train was almost five metres long. The shoes were made up in the same fabric as the dress.
Cameo tiara
The word “cameo” means a precious stone decorated in raised relief. The tiara is made of gold, pearls and cameos. The central cameo depicts Cupid and Psyche from Greek mythology. The seven cameos were not originally carved for the tiara, as can be seen in their different shapes and colours. The cameo tiara was also worn by Queen Silvia at her wedding on 19 June 1976. Victoria was therefore continuing a tradition started by Princess Birgitta. She was the first Haga Princes to marry, and chose the cameo tiara for her wedding in 1961 to Prince Johann Georg of Hohenzollern. Princess Désirée also chose the same tiara as her bridal crown when she married Baron Niclas Silfverschiöld in 1964.
The tiara was probably a gift from Emperor Napoleon I of France to his wife, Empress Josephine, in 1809. It was made at the Nitot studio in Paris. The empress bequeathed the tiara to her granddaughter Josefina who, on 19 June 1823, became the Crown Princess of Sweden when she married the future King Oscar I of Sweden. With the next generation of the Bernadotte dynasty, the tiara was owned by Queen Josefina’s daughter Princess Eugenie, who in turn left the tiara to her nephew Prince Eugen. The prince gave the tiara to Princess Sibylla upon her marriage to Prince Gustaf Adolf in 1932. King Carl XVI Gustaf was left the tiara by his mother.
Bridal veil
Crown Princess Victoria was wearing the lace veil of Queen Sofia of Sweden. Also Victoria’s mother Queen Silvia, wore the veil at her marriage to King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1976. The veil was given by Queen Sofia to her youngest son, Prince Eugen. Prince Eugen then passed the veil on to Princess Sibylla, who wore it under a garland of myrtle at her marriage to Prince Gustaf Adolf in Coburg in 1932. The veil was also worn by the Princesses Désirée in 1964, Margaretha in 1964 and Christina in 1974.
Bridal bouquet
Crown Princess Victoria’s bridal bouquet consisted of a mixture of traditional Swedish summer flowers and more exotic flowers. All the flowers were white, and the bouquet was tied into a free teardrop shape. The bouquet included the following flowers: lily of the valley, rose, phalaenopsis orchid, peony, clematis, cosmos, wax flower, sweet pea, dicentra formosa, Mårbacka pelargonium, Amazon lily, gardenia, azalea, bleeding heart and the traditional myrtle from Sofiero.
Prince Daniel
Daniel Westling, after the wedding HRH Prince Daniel of Sweden, wore formal evening dress.
King Carl XVI Gustaf decided his son-in-law would become Knight of the Order of the Seraphim after the wedding. At the end of the wedding ceremony, just before leaving the cathedral, Prince Daniel received the order, and came outside wearing it.
The King
King Carl XVI Gustaf was wearing mess dress model 1878. This mess uniform for the navy – the King is an admiral in the Swedish Navy – is the military equivalent of formal evening dress and can be worn on festive occasions, when a tail coat is worn according to civil custom. The mess dress comprises a navy blue mess jacket, white waistcoat, navy blue trousers with gold stripes, dress shirt and black bow tie.
The King wore the Order of the Seraphim and Order of Vasa on chains. Around his neck the King wore the Order of the Sword, the Swedish military order. He furthermore wore two grand stars; the Swedish Order of the Seraphim’s grand star at the top and the grand star of the Order of Vasa underneath. On the chest (from inside outwards) the King wore decorations in miniature: the Order of the Seraphim, Gustav V’s Jubilee Order, Gustav VI Adolf’s Commemorative Medal, the Order of the Sword, the Order of the Polar Star and the Order of Vasa.
The Queen
Queen Silvia was wearing a pink tulle dress with pearl and gemstone embroidery.
The Queen wore the Brazilian Tiara, which is chiefly a French 18th century piece that was modernised around 1820 to give it its current form. It is called the Brazilian Tiara because it belonged to the Brazilian Empress Amelie. Empress Amelie was the younger sister of the Swedish Queen Josefina. This magnificent tiara was one of the items that were inherited by Queen Josefina on the death of the Empress in 1873. The Queen wore a necklace, earrings and brooch of diamonds and pink topaz to match the Brazilian Tiara. These items of jewelry were ordered by the Russian Tsar Paul I ahead of his daughter Maria Pavlovna’s marriage to the Grand Duke of Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach in 1804. The jewelry was then passed down from daughter to daughter and the necklace was eventually inherited by Queen Victoria of Sweden, King Gustaf V’s consort.
Prince Carl Philip
Prince Carl Philip was wearing mess dress model 1878. This mess uniform for the navy – the Prince is a captain in the Swedish Amphibious Corps – is the military equivalent of formal evening dress and can be worn on festive occasions, when a tail coat is worn according to civil custom. The mess dress comprises a navy blue mess jacket, white waistcoat, navy blue trousers with gold stripes, dress shirt and black bow tie.
The Prince wore the Order of the Seraphim’s chain and grand star. On his chest (from inside outwards) he wore H.M.K. Commemorative Medal, the National Service Medal and a training medal from Karlberg.
Princess Madeleine
Princess Madeleine was wearing a forget-me-not-blue chiffon dress with a crystal-embroidered bodice.
Princess Madeleine wore the Connaught diamond tiara, which features five loops of forget-me-not flowers and leaves – each with a diamond hanging pendent. As a necklace she was wearing what is known as the processional jewels (intågssmycket). The piece was given to the newly named Swedish Crown Princess Victoria for her procession into Stockholm following her wedding in Karlsruhe in 1881. Victoria was given the necklace by her husband, Crown Prince Gustaf, later King Gustaf V. The necklace is made of Ceylon sapphires, baroque pearls and diamonds.
The King’s sisters jewelry
Princess Margareta, Mrs Ambler was wearing her diamond and aquamarine tiara, a wedding gift to her from her mother Princess Sibylla of Sweden in 1964. The tiara originally belonged to Crown Princess Margaret. The tiara was last seen as wedding tiara of Sibylla Ambler, daughter of Princess Margareta, in 1998.
Princess Birgitta von Hohenzollern was wearing the tiara which, in accordance with Bernadotte family tradition, is known as Queen Sofia’s tiara. This was probably made for Queen Sofia around 1860.
Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld wore jewelry featuring amethysts and diamonds. This set of jewelry belonged to Queen Josefina (the consort of King Oscar I).
Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson was wearing the six-button tiara. King Karl XIV Johan had these diamond rosettes affixed to the crown ring of King Erik XIV’s royal crown from 1560 in preparation for his coronation at Stockholm Cathedral in 1818. During the reign of King Gustaf V, the old royal crown was restored and the diamond rosettes were removed. These have since been shaped into the six-button tiara.
Bridal children
- Baron Ian De Geer af Finspång
- Léopold Sommerlath
- Prince Christian of Denmark
- Vivien Sommerlath
- Giulia Sommerlath
- Hedvig Blom
- Baroness Madeleine von Dincklage
- Princess Amalia of the Netherlands
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
- Vera Blom
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden choose ten bridal children. Among the bridal children were three royal children, all godchildren of Crown Princess Victoria. 6-year-old Princess Amalia is the eldest daughter of the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands. 6-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. 4-year-old Prince Christian is the son of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
11-year-old Madeleine is the daughter of Baron Cornelius von Dincklage and his former wife née Sibylla Ambler, daughter of Princess Margareta, Mrs Ambler née Princess of Sweden. 8-year-old Ian is the eldest son of Baron Hans De Geer af Finspång and his wife née Baroness Christina Silfverschiöld, daughter of Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld née Princess of Sweden. They are both godchildren of Crown Princess Victoria.
The three godchildren of Crown Princess Victoria from the Sommerlath family, relatives from her mother’s side, were also among the bridal children. 15-year-old Vivien is the eldest daughter of Jörg and Simone Sommerlath. Her late father was a brother of Queen Silvia. 14-year-old Giulia is the daughter of Thomas and Susanne Sommerlath. Thomas is the son of Queen Silvia’s brother Ralf. 7-year-old Leopold is the son of Patrick Sommerlath and his former girlfriend Camilla Ludén. Patrick is the son of Queen Silvia’s brother Walther.
The other two bridal children were 11-year-old Hedvig and 6-year-old Vera, daughters of Anna Westling Blom, the sister of the groom.
The bridal children’s attire
The bridesmaids were wearing full-length pearl white dresses in silk organza with short sleeves and roll collars. They were also wearing white ballet slippers.
The page boys were wearing sailor suits, which is a Bernadotte family tradition.
Their bouquets were lilies of the valley.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
On Sunday morning we checked the Grand Hotel again to see if we could see some guests leaving their hotel. Some of the guests had to get up early again to leave Stockholm or go to the private brunch at Drottningholm Palace. We missed several interesting guests, but still managed to see some of them. Lots of luggage and dress covers were put into cars. To our surprise most of the guests didn’t even look that tired after a long day and night partying.
Biographies of bride and groom
The couple’s engagement was announced on 24 February 2009. After the wedding they will reside at Haga Palace. The exact date of the move hasn’t been set yet.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland was born at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm on 14 JUly 1977. She was the eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia née Sommerlath. Victoria was christened at the Royal Chapel on 27 September 1977. Her godparents were Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Désirée baroness Silfverschiöld, King Harald V of Norway and Mr Ralf Sommerlath. She has two siblings: Carl Philip (* 1979) and Madeleine (* 1982).
From 1982 to 1984 Victoria attended Västerled parish pre-school. She moevd to the Smedslättsskolan in Bromma in the Autumn of 1984 and completed her junior level there. She completed her intermediate level at Ålstenskolan in Bromma. She followed a Science and Social Studies programme at the Enskilda Gymnasium in Stockholm, and graduated from secondary school in 1996. In the Summer of 1996 she travelled among others to Germany and the USA. In 1996-1997 she studied French at the Centre International d’Etudes Francaises at the Université Catholique l’Ouest at Angers, France. She started studying Political Science and History at Yale University in the USA in the Spring of 1998. Victoria also spent time at the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC and had work experience at the United Nations in New York. She completed studies in Conflict Resolution and International Peace-building in Uppsala, Sweden, in the Autumn of 2000. She embarked upon a diplomatic programme at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs in September 2006 and completed it in June 2007. She was awarded a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University in the Spring of 2009.
Victoria followed a special programme to gain a general insight into the work of the Swedish Parliament and Government in the Autumn of 1997. In the Autumn of 2001 she followed a study programme at the offices of the Swedish government. In the Spring of 2002 she completed a study programme at the Swedish International Development Cooperation. In the Autumn of the same year she completed an internship at the Swedish Trade Council in Berlin and Paris. She completed a few weeks of basic military training for soldiers in international service at SWEDINT in Almnäs, Södertälje, in 2003. She made study visits to the Swedish industry, and followed a study and work experience programme in agriculture and forestry. She studied Political Science, International Relations and Conflict Resolution at the Swedish National Defence College in Stockholm in the Autumn of 2004.
Crown Princess Victoria lives in her own appartments at the Drottningholm Palace. Her interests include nature and outdoor activities, walking, skiing, gardening, bee- keeping, art, painting and animals (dogs).
Daniel Westling
Daniel Olof Westling was born at Örebro University Hospital in Örebro on 15 September 1973 as son of Olle Gunnar Westling and his wife Ewa Kristina. He was christened in 1973 at Almby church. His elder sister is called Anna.
Daniel attended Rabo primary school and Perslunda school in Ockelbo. He attended the Hammargymnasiet in Sandviken where he graduated in 1992. During his schooltime and before his military service Daniel worked with elderly in Ockelbo. After his military service he worked for a year at a school and recreation centre for children with special needs. He studied at the Gymnastics Federation’s Folk High School in Stockholm from 1994 to 1996 and studied the youth recreation leader programme, focusing on sport.
Daniel Westling worked for a fitness company during his studies, and worked for it fulltime afterwards. He also teached a course for personal trainers and body building coaches there. He started his own company in 1997 and worked as a consultant in the fitness industry. Afterwards he ran his own gym, Master Training. In 2006 he started his gym company Balance in central Stockholm.
He is interested in social issues, health, sport and entrepreneurship. His other interests are skiing, golf and theatre.
Guestlist
Close family members
- King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
- Prince Carl Philip of Sweden
- Princess Madeleine of Sweden
- Olle and Ewa Westling
- Anna Westling Blom and Mikael Söderström
- Hedvig Blom (bridesmaid)
- Vera Blom (bridesmaid)
The bride’s family
- Princess Margaretha, Mrs Ambler
- Edward and Helen Ambler
- James and Ursula Ambler
- Baroness Sybilla von Dincklage
- Baroness Madeleine von Dincklage (bridesmaid)
- Prince Johann Georg von Hohenzollern
- Princess Birgitta von Hohenzollern
- Prince Carl Christian and Princess Nicole von Hohenzollern
- Prince Hubertus and Princess Ute Maria Von Hohenzollern
- Eckbert and Désirée von Bohlen und Halbach
- Baron Niclas Silfverschiöld and Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld
- Baron Carl and Baroness Maria Silfverschiöld
- Baron Hans and Baroness Christina De Geer af Finspång
- Baron Ian De Geer af Finspång (bridal page)
- Baroness Hélène Silfverschiöld
- Tord Magnuson and Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson
- Gustaf Magnuson
- Oscar Magnuson and Emma Ledent
- Victor Magnuson and Frida Bergström
- Countess Marianne Bernadotte
- Count Michael and Countess Christine Bernadotte (not sure about the last one)
- Countess Kajsa Bernadotte
- Count Carl Johan and Countess Gunilla Bernadotte
- Philipp Haug and Countess Bettina Bernadotte
- Count Björn and Countess Sandra Bernadotte
- Madeleine Kogevinas
- Count Bertil and Countess Jill Bernadotte
- Dagmar von Arbin
- Ralf and Charlotte de Toledo Sommerlath
- Carmita Sommerlath Baudinet and Pierre Baudinet
- Thibault de Radiguès de Chennevière
- Chloé de Radiguès de Chennevière
- Thomas de Toledo Sommerlath and Bettina Aussems
- Tim de Toledo Sommerlath
- Philip de Toledo Sommerlath
- Susanne de Toledo Sommerlath
- Giulia de Toledo Sommerlath (bridesmaid)
- Walther L. and Ingrid Sommerlath
- Sophie Pihut-Sommerlath
- Patrick Sommerlath and Maline Luengo
- Leopold Lundén Sommerlath (bridal page)
- Camilla Lundén
- Helena Christina Sommerlath
- Vivien Nadine Sommerlath (bridesmaid)
- Carlos Augusto de Toledo Ferreira and Anna Luiza de Toledo Ferreira
- Eduardo Longo and Maria Virginia Braga Leardi
- Luiz Machado de Melo and Maria Fernanda Machado de Melo
- Vera Quagliato
- Carlos Quagliato
- Pedro Ferreira
The groom’s family
- Olle and Anita Henriksson
- Tommy Henriksson
- Hans Henriksson
- Nils and Ann-Catrin Westling
- Andreas Westling and Amanda Tegnér
- Frida Westling
- Sara Westling
- Hasse and Anna-Britta Åström
- Hans Åström and Helena Olsson
- Anders Åström and Kety Lund
- Anna-Karin Åström and Christer Wigren
- Erik Westling and Birgitta Westling
- Ove and Yvonne Westling
- Bo and Carina Westling
- Per and Rose-Marie Westling
Royal and noble guests
- Baron Jan Carl and Baroness Curie Adelswärd
- Baron Gustaf and Baroness Agneta Banér
- Christina Banér
- Prince Manuel and Princess Anna von Bayern
- Johan Beckman and Eliane de Gunzburg Beckman, Lady-in-waiting
- Countess Beck-Friis
- Frank and Helena Belfrage
- King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians
- Prince Philippe of Belgium, Duke of Brabant and Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant
- Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este and Princess Astrid of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este
- Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium
- King Simeon and Queen Margarita of Bulgaria
- Prince Kyril and Princess Rosario of Bulgaria
- Baron Carl and Baroness Christina De Geer
- Baron Jacob and Baroness Nicole De Geer
- Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark
- Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
- Prince Christian of Denmark (bridal page)
- Marianne von der Esch
- Signe von der Esch
- Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan
- King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan
- Princess Iman of Jordan
- Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and Princess Rym Ali of Jordan
- Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan
- Prince Rashid bin El Hassan of Jordan
- Princess Noor bint Asem of Jordan
- Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary
- Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein
- Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg
- Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg
- Prince Felix of Luxembourg
- Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock
- Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
- The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands
- Princess Amalia of the Netherlands (bridesmaid)
- Prince Friso and Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau
- Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands
- King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway
- Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (bridesmaid)
- Ari Behn and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway
- Crown Princess Margarita and Prince Radu of Romania
- Hereditary Prince Hubertus and Hereditary Princess Kelly von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha
- Prince Richard zu Sayn-Wittgestein-Berleburg and Princess Benedikte of Denmark
- Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Carina Axelsson
- Count Jefferson-Friedrich von Pfeil und Klein-Ellguth and Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
- Alexander Johannsmann and Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
- Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia
- Queen Sofia of Spain
- The Prince and of Asturias
- Infanta Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo
- Infanta Cristina of Spain, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca and Iñaki Urdangarín, Duke of Palma de Mallorca
- Baron Gustav Thott and Louise Gottlieb
- Michael Treschow and Lena Treschow Torell
- The Earl and The Countess of Wessex
Presidents
- Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland, and Dorrit Moussaieff
- Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, and Dr Pentti Arajärvi