A 21-gun salute will be fired in Stockholm to celebrate the birth of Princess Madeleine's baby in the next few weeks, the Swedish royal palace has announced.
Although the Princess and her husband Chris O'Neill made the decision that she would give birth in New York where the couple live, the happy news will still be marked with some fanfare in her home country.
© Photo: RexPrincess Madeleine and husband Chris O'Neill.
The salute will also take place in locations outside the capital such as Boden, Harnosand, Karlskrona and Gothenburg.
In a more modern touch, news of the birth will also appear on the royal household's Facebook page and website. The Marshall of the Realm, who is in charge of protocol, will publish the news.
Proud grandfather King Carl Gustaf will also announce the baby's name and titles in a meeting of the Cabinet - as he did when Princess Estelle, the daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and the eventual heiress to the throne, was born in 2012.
© Photo: RexThe royal is thought to be due on February 25.
On that occasion, he told government ministers that his granddaughter was "very cute and did all the right things" on his first visit to see her. The monarch added:"It was a happy moment for the whole family".Estelle was presented to the prime minister, the speaker of Parliament and the Marshall of the Realm as is customary the day after royal births.
The Mistress of Robes, the most senior lady-in-waiting, lifted up the baby for officials to see.
© Photo: PACelebrations will be similar to those held for Princess Estelle.
Alternative arrangements will have to be made for the presentation of the newest royal grandchild since her parents live overseas, but these have not been announced.
In another tradition, the royal family are expected to hold a 'Te Deum' service in thanksgiving at the safe delivery of Madeleine's baby in the Royal Chapel. The last time such a service was held was to mark the 40th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne.
© Photo: PAHer birth was marked by a 42-gun salute since she would eventually be Queen.
It is thought that the pretty royal is expecting a girl following reports that she revealed the gender to her family and friends on registering for a baby shower gift list.
The little princess will make her grand debut exactly nine months after her parents
lavish wedding, which took place against the backdrop of Stockholm's historic old town.
