The countdown has started for Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist 's wedding. The couple, who are set to marry in June, are making the final preparations for their big day and one aspect they have thought of recently is the issue of wedding presents.
Carl Philip and Sofia have kindly requested that any gifts be made in the form of a charitable donation to the Prince Couple's Foundation, which they have set up specifically for the wedding.
The foundation aims to promote and support children and youth in care and educational settings, according to the palace's official website.
New photos show Sofia Hellqvist and Prince Carl Philip one month before their wedding © Mattias Edwall
The statement also noted that any other gifts may be deposited with "Post and Logistik" at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, by Friday 12 June – the day before Carl Philip and Sofia's wedding.
In celebration of the imminent nuptials, the palace have also released new photos of the bride and groom-to-be. The images show the beautiful couple looking relaxed and completely at ease, with just about a month to go before they tie the knot.
Sofia, 30, wore an elegant dovetail grey silk dress that showed off her svelte figure, while Carl Philip, 35, looked dapper in a dark pinstripe suit and blue tie.
Sofia Hellqvist will officially join the royal family when she marries her prince on Saturday 13 June © Mattias Edwall
Later this week on Sunday, a ceremony will take place at 11:30am at the royal chapel, where the couple's banns will be read. Members of the public will be allowed to witness the service, space permitting.
A reception to celebrate the banns will then be held at 2pm at the royal palace for invited guests.
Carl Philip and Sofia's wedding weekend will kick off on Friday 12 June with a special dinner planned for select attendees. The couple will officially be pronounced man and wife in a ceremony on Saturday at the palace's royal chapel – the same venue where Carl Philip's younger sister Princess Madeleine celebrated her nuptials.
