Princess Estelle, the 14-year-old heir to the Swedish throne, showcased remarkable grace with a perfect curtsy during festivities for her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf’s 80th birthday. The event unfolded on the Lejonbacken Terrace at Stockholm’s Royal Palace, where guests gathered for an Armed Forces Salute and Air Force Flyover on Thursday.
Footage from the occasion captures Estelle executing the traditional gesture—bending her knees while subtly bowing her head—for Queen Sonja of Norway, accompanied by King Harald. She also curtsied impeccably to Princess Beatrix, the former Queen of the Netherlands, exemplifying strict adherence to royal protocol.
Monarchs Unite for Milestone Birthday
European royals converged in Stockholm to celebrate King Carl XVI Gustaf, who has reigned since 1973. Estelle presented her grandfather with a thoughtful gift: a map symbolizing “a joint journey to the Duchy,” as described by the royal household.
Schedule of Grand Celebrations
The day featured a Te Deum mass at 10:30 a.m., a military guard of honor, concerts, an official luncheon, and a culminating formal state banquet.
Distinguished Royal Attendees
Swedish participants included King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel with their children Estelle, 14, and Prince Oscar, 10. Princess Madeleine attended with husband Christopher O’Neill and daughters Princess Leonore and Princess Adrienne. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia brought Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, Prince Julian, and infant Princess Ines.
International guests led by King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark also featured representatives from Thailand, Serbia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Romania.
Estelle’s Growing Poise and Lineage
Princess Estelle, Duchess of Östergötland and second in line to the throne, increasingly resembles her mother, Crown Princess Victoria. Born on February 23, 2012, in Solna near Stockholm, she prepares for future royal duties.
Her father, Prince Daniel, emphasized family joys in a 2017 interview, stating, “Being with your children is the best thing in the world.” He expressed hopes for his children to enjoy everyday experiences like his own before marrying Victoria in Stockholm Cathedral in June 2010, with international royals such as Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward in attendance.
