Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden added a special touch to her country’s National Day on Thursday when she took to the kitchens of the royal palace to whip up a batch of cakes for her fellow Swedes. Members of the public were then invited into the palace and grounds to sample the royal bake-up.
Although it is not a public holiday, June 6 – Swedish Flag Day since 1916, but adopted as national day in 1983 – is celebrated throughout the country. Towns are decked out with the blue and yellow flag, musical performances are held and a special pastry, the Sverigebakelsen – an almond, marzipan and fresh strawberry confection – is baked.
The day marks several historic events in the country’s history including the accession of Gustavus Vasa to the throne in 1523 ending Danish rule, and the 1809 adoption of a new, democratically founded constitution. This year, the day has added significance in that it coincides with the week-long celebrations to mark Stockholm’s 750th anniversary.
Along with their parents, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Victoria and her sister, Madeleine, joined in the celebrations, attending an evening concert and later sampling a giant, 200-kilo tart in the form of a map, which was shared with 2,000 fellow concert goers. During the day the princesses also participated in the traditional ceremony for those who recently gained Swedish citizenship in which they are presented with a diploma acknowledging their new status.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
