The 30th birthday celebrations for Sweden's unassuming Carl Philip, the only son of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, combined pomp with a family atmosphere and a hint of fun.
Normally known for his reticence in public, on the occasion of his milestone birthday the handsome royal seemed to be enjoying being centre stage. He quickly found himself laden with flowers and homemade Swedish flags from the hundreds of well-wishers, many of them children, who'd gathered outside Stockholm's Royal Palace to wish their prince a happy day.
The family seemed to have co-ordinated their looks. While the royal ladies, his mother and two sisters, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine, in elegant off-white outfits and heels, Carl Philip like his father wore military dress.
A military band kicked off the proceedings, playing Oh Värmland Thou Art Beautiful in tribute to the prince, who is also the Duke of Värmland.
Their next tune - Yes, May He Live, the Swedish equivalent of Happy Birthday To You – provided an unexpected note of mirth. The assembled crowd was confused as to when to join in with the music, so it was left to the king to take charge.
Waving his arms to conduct well-wishers, King Carl Gustaf began singing loudly until they caught on, much to his daughters' amusement.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Rex
