But three years into Carl's reign in March 1976, the couple announced their engagement and tied the knot three months later. Silvia became the first queen to have a career, and 40 years later the pair is still going strong – happily supporting each other through duty, children, grandchildren and all problems big and small. Today, as the royal couple celebrate their milestone anniversary, we look back at some of their most loving moments...
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Kungahuset
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Kungahuset