Princess Madeleine of Sweden and her husband Chris O'Neill have sent a message thanking their followers for their well-wishes.The new parents welcomed their first child and fifth-in-line to the throne Princess Leonore Lilian Maria at the end of February, and have since been flooded with messages of congratulations. "We are delighted to have received so many messages of congratulations in connection with the birth of Princess Leonore, and would like to extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of you," wrote Madeleine and Chris on the royal palace's official website.
The royal couple are based in New York — the city they have called home for several years — where Madeleine works for her mother Queen Silvia's non-profit organisation, World Childhood Foundation.
Chris and Madeleine included a special request in their message, making mention of the international charity. "We would be extremely grateful if all those who have contacted us regarding gifts to mark The Princess' birth would consider making a donation to the World Childhood Foundation or the My Big Day Foundation," added the new parents. "In this way, many people will benefit from your generosity," they concluded. "Your thoughtfulness and generosity mean a great deal to us. Madeleine and Christopher. "The World Childhood Foundation fund local projects in 17 countries, working globally for "children's right to a safe and happy childhood." The organisation helps youngsters who are street children, victims of abuse, those living in alternative care and families at risk in general.
Chris and Madeleine's message was also uploaded on the royal palace's Facebook page, alongside an adorable photo of baby Leonore. Her full name, Leonore Lilian Maria, is a likely nod to the late Princess Lilian of Sweden who passed away last year, while Maria may be in honour of Chris' mum Eva Maria.As keen users of social media, Chris and Madeleine have kept followers updated on news of their beautiful daughter via Madeleine's Facebook page.The new mum shared a photo of the family-of-three leaving hospital on 23 February, three days after Madeleine gave birth. In their first family snapshot made known to the public, the princess and her London-born husband are pictured standing in the corridor of the hospital, with baby Leonore sleeping in a car seat gently covered with a blanket.