Princess Madeleine of Sweden and her husband Chris O'Neill celebrated the christening of their baby daughter Princess Leonore on Sunday morning. The royal tot, who is fifth-in-line to the throne, was baptised at noon local time, on the same day as her parents' first wedding anniversary. Members of the Swedish royal family stepped out in full force to attend the celebrations, which took place in the Royal Chapel at Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm.
Princess Leonore with her parents Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Chris O'Neill
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel, and Madeleine's older brother Prince Carl Philip all lead the 160 guests in marking the royal baby's special day. In keeping with tradition, Princess Leonore wore the same intricate cream gown that her two-year-old cousin Princess Estelle donned at her christening. Estelle, meanwhile, looked picture perfect in a gold and white summer dress as she sat alongside her mother Victoria. Doting mum Princess Madeleine looked as naturally beautiful as she was on her wedding day, wearing a pink floral dress and matching fascinator. All eyes were on the elegant royal as she walked into church carrying baby Leonore, alongside her husband Chris.
The baptism took place on Princess Madeleine and Chris' first wedding anniversary
The businessman gave a short address at the start of the ceremony, asking God to "bring [His] love to the child for whom [He had] given [Madeleine and Chris] responsibility." Madeleine's older sister Crown Princess Victoria was then tasked with pouring water into the font, which was used to baptise Leonore. The water had come especially from a special spring on Öland, a large Swedish island located in the Baltic Sea.
The three-month-old was exceptionally well-behaved and half-asleep as Archbishop Anders Wejryd baptised her. "We welcome you into the family of God and receive you in love," said the archbishop in English, as Chris cradled Leonore in his arms. Chaplain to The King Lars-Göran Lönnermark and Pastor of the Royal Court Parish Michael Bjerkhagen assisted the archbishop in the 40-minute christening, which was conducted in English in some parts.
Princess Estelle behaved exceptionally well at her baby cousin's ceremony
After the ceremony, the Swedish royal family stepped out to the sounds of cheers from local well-wishers, who had waited outside the church to greet Princess Madeleine and Chris and to catch a glimpse of baby Leonore.
A reception was then held for all 160 guests at the Drottningholm Palace, followed by a private lunch hosted by the King and Queen for 100 special attendees. As previously reported, Princess Madeleine and Chris chose their nearest and dearest to act as Princess Leonore's godparents. Crown Princess Victoria is a godmother, alongside Chris' half-sister Tatiana d'Abo, his childhood friend Alice Bamford and Madeleine's best friend Louise Gottlieb. The royal couple also asked Madeleine's cousin Patrick Sommerlath to be a godfather, as well as Chris' brother-in-law Count Ernst Abensperg und Traun.
Princess Leonore's coat of arms and her monogram
Princess Leonore, whose full name is Leonore Lilian Maria and whose royal title is the Duchess of Gotland, was born on 20 February in New York, where her parents are based. The proud parents arrived in Sweden on Tuesday morning ahead of the country's national day on Friday. The festivities will continue for Princess Madeleine, Chris and the Swedish royal baby, as the mum-of-one will celebrate her 32nd birthday on 10 June.