Congratulations are in order for Carl XVI Gustaf, who turns 80 on 30 April! To mark the momentous occasion, the Swedish king hosted a gathering of his own family and a host of royals from around Europe.
The day began with a Te Deum mass at 10:30 a.m., which will be followed by a military guard of honour. After a series of concerts and an official luncheon, the festivities will culminate in a formal state banquet to honour the monarch, who has reigned over Sweden since 1973.
Ahead of his special day, the Swedish Government presented a gift to the monarch in a formal ceremony: a textile rug described as "a piece of Swedish dream history and a decorative success that all visitors to the Hall of State will be able to enjoy now and in the future," according to the King himself.
The official gift has been installed on the podium of the Hall of State at the Royal Palace, becoming part of the royal collections. His birthday will likely be a day full of special memories.
To see all the best photos from the first day of Carl XVI Gustaf's eighth decade…
© Getty ImagesThe birthday boy arrives
The main man arrived in style with his wife, Queen Silvia, on his arm. Carl Gustaf wore a medal-adorned military uniform, while the queen looked elegant in a blue shift dress and matching coat, accessorising with a pillbox hat and a string of pearls.
© Getty ImagesCrown Princess Victoria
Also dressed in military garb was Carl Gustaf's daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, 48. In 2024, it was reported that Victoria was undertaking intense officer training to prepare for her future role as head of state. She was joined by her husband, Prince Daniel, 52.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Estelle and Prince Oscar of Sweden
The couple's children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar of Sweden, were also in attendance. Oscar, 10, was his father's double in a little suit, while Estelle, 14, looked lovely in a cornflower blue lacy dress and ballet flats.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill
Carl Gustaf's second child, Princess Madeleine, 43, and her husband Christopher O'Neill, 51, were joined by their daughters, Princess Leonore, 12, and Princess Adrienne of Sweden, eight.
© Getty ImagesPrince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia
Carl Gustaf's son, Prince Carl Philip, 46, and daughter-in-law, Princess Sofia, 41, also made an appearance alongside their four children – Prince Alexander, 10, Prince Gabriel, eight, Prince Julian, five, and baby Princess Ines.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Sofia's icy blue look was particularly head-turning for she chose a hat that almost entirely covered her face.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Denmark
King Frederik X of Denmark, 57, and Queen Mary of Denmark, 54, were seen after they enjoyed a family celebration of their own earlier this month for Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent's confirmation. We love Mary's ultra-modern addition of snakeskin heels.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Thailand
The king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, was joined by his wife, Queen Suthida, 47, who dazzled in an embroidered gold look with heels to match.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Liechtenstein
Hereditary Princess Sophie and Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein were in attendance. The 58-year-old, who wore a fringed tweed dress, was joined by her 30-year-old son, known also as the Count of Rietberg.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Serbia
Princess Katherine of Serbia, 82, and Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia, 80, attended the celebration. Princess Katherine clearly got Princess Estelle's cornflower blue memo, opting for a similar outfit to the teen.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Luxembourg
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, 71, who abdicated in 2025, was closely followed by his brother, who took over the reins in 2025.
© Getty ImagesGrand Duke Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie of Luxembourg, 44, and his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie de Lannoy, 42, were also seen upon arrival.
© Getty ImagesRoyals of Romania
Crown Princess Margareta, 77, and Crown Prince Radu of Romania, 65, also joined in on the festivities. Princess Margareta looked striking in a crimson fit-and-flare dress that looked straight out of 50s Hollywood.
© Getty ImagesBirthday gifts
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden received flowers from local children in the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace during the celebrations.
© Getty ImagesPomp and ceremony
As with any important royal milestone, the pomp and ceremony were on full display. Here, the military guard of honour and changing of the guards took place in the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace.
© Getty ImagesBalcony appearance
The Swedish royal family watched on from the balcony, waving to onlookers as they did so.
