Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has rung in her 27th birthday with a little help from a soul smoothie. The pretty royal appeared arm in arm with the inimitable Lionel Richie as her birthday celebrations got underway at the royal family's summer residence.
A lavish banquet was held at Solliden Palace, on the island of Öland, to mark the princess' big day. Irish singer Ronan Keating and funk legend Stevie Wonder provided the entertainment, as Victoria's loved ones wished her many happy returns.
The only person missing from the gathering was her boyfriend, Daniel Westling. As was the case last year, the personal trainer and gym owner was not invited to the family meal, but he was made welcome at the concert afterwards.
The musical extravaganza marked the climax of a long day of festivities. Earlier in the afternoon the princess appeared outside the gates of Solliden to meet the thousands of well-wishers who had come to offer their congratulations. The young royal had quite a job to collect the many bunches of flowers and gifts that were presented to her, but fortunately her parents, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, were there to offer a helping hand.
Victoria's birthday is something of a national celebration in Sweden, with the highlights of her party being broadcast on national television. And the affection her people feel for her was much in evidence when the huge crowd outside the palace joined together to sing Happy Birthday.
princess victoria, lionel richie, ronan keating, stevie wonder, king carl gustav, queen silvia
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