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The Swedish royal family make balcony appearance to celebrate King Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th birthday

April 30, 2016

The Swedish royal family waved at the crowds who had gathered to wish King Carl XVI Gustav a happy 70th birthday on Saturday. The family were dressed to the nines to celebrate the king at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

Princess Sofia made her first public appearance since the birth of her son Prince Alexander in April. Dressed in a stunning long white coat with her hair in a stylish bun decorated with flowers, the new mum looked happy and well rested as she attended the choral tribute and cortege with her husband Prince Carl Philipand the rest of the royal family before leaving festivities early to be with her young son.

The royal family smiled as they waved to the crowd

The king's birthday marked the balcony debut of the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden's second child, Prince Oscar. The baby, who was born in March, was dressed in a pointed grey hood and white sleeper suit as he slept in his mother's arms.

Princess Victoria's four-year-old daughter, Princess Estelle, stole the show while waving enthusiastically to the crowds in a pale blue coat and white tights.

The festivities were also attended by Princess Madeleine and her husband, Christopher O'Neill. The princess, who looked stunning in a pale pink coat and black and white fascinator, posted a sweet tribute to her father on Facebook before the celebrations. Sharing two throwback photos of them together when she was a toddler, she wrote: "Happy Birthday Pappa! I can't believe you turned 70 today, you have more energy than all of us! Love you."

The celebrations took place on Saturday

Sweden has gone to great lengths to celebrate His Majesty's birthday, with festivities beginning this morning with a thanksgiving service, followed by a military parade and gun salutes before the king waved to his people from a horse-drawn carriage on a ride through Stockholm. The king then arrived at Stockholm City Hall for a lunch, where he was greeted by a choir singing All You Need is Love by The Beatles.

The festivities will continue later on Saturday evening as the king and his guests, including King Carlos of Spain and Norwegian royals King Harald V and Queen Sonja, will enjoy a reception at the royal palace followed by a lavish banquet.

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