 | With her father in the background, Victoria waves to wellwishers at the gates of her family's summer home
Photo: © AFP
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 | King Carl Gustaf embraces his daughter, who will one day succeed him as Sweden's head of state
Photo: © AFP |
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15 JULY 2003
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has been celebrating her 26th birthday with a lavish party at her family's summer residence. King Carl Gustaf and the rest of the family came along to help her celebrate the big day, but they weren't the only ones who wanted to wish her well, as thousands of enthusiastic Swedes gathered at the gates to show their affection.
The princess' birthday has become something of a national event: every year on July 14 the Swedish Royal Court celebrates "Victoriadagen" (Victoria's Day). The country's top entertainment talent is invited to perform for the future queen, and the entire nation gets into the celebratory mood.
This year musicians Per Gessle and Robyn played for the revellers, though organisers had been hoping to book another act of slightly more international renown. "I have tried to book Roxette and Robyn many times, but it is hard as they are so controlled by their record companies," said event planner Kay Wiestal. Illusionists Stefan Odelberg and Peter Glyt were also on hand to give the party that extra touch of magic, however.
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