Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was a glittering presence on what is the most important day in her country's calendar. Having attended the opening of Parliament, the expectant royal showcased her blossoming figure in a shimmering silver smock dress as she arrived for a special performance of the Royal Swedish Opera on Thursday evening. Joined by her husband Prince Daniel, mum-to-be Victoria looked radiant.
Thursday was not just a big event for the Swedish people. It was also an important occassion for the happy couple, marking Daniel's 38th birthday. Victoria and her prince wed in June 2010, and last month announced that they were expecting their first baby together in March 2012. They were joined at the opera by soon-to-be grandparents King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, as well as Victoria's younger siblings, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine.Earlier in the day, the family attended the opening of the Swedish Parliament – the Riksdag – arriving in horse-drawn carriages.It is an important event for the royals, who go along every year.
Prince Carl Philip took a break from his agricultural studies for the day, while his sister Madeleine made the long journey from New York for the occasion.
The supreme decision-making assembly in Sweden, the Riksdag is responsible for passing laws in Sweden, as well as determining governmental spending.