[Sweden] Crown Princess Victoria gives birth to future heiress

Almost two years ago at her lavish wedding, Victoria of Sweden thanked fellow countrymen for giving her her prince, former gym owner, Daniel Westling.

Now, the most modern fairytale in royal history has been marked by another happy chapter as the couple welcome a little princess – the first child to be born into the highest family in the land for three decades.

Beaming at Stockholm's Karolinska Hospital, the former businessman, now Prince Daniel, excitedly shared the news the whole country had been waiting to hear.

He revealed that their baby girl made her entrance at 4.26am, and tipped the scales at 7lb 3oz, holding up his hands to demonstrate the size of his tiny daughter.

"There is a radiant, happy new mother with a baby in her arms. There is something special about becoming parents," Daniel said emotionally.

He added that mother and daughter were "doing very well" but admitted to being overwhelmed, saying: "My feelings are all over the place right now."

The new dad cut his daughter's umbilical cord after she was delivered by Doctor Lennart Nordström.

"They came in just before 1am, so it all went fairly quickly," the medic told the press, adding that he'd been on standby since the New Year and had not left Stockholm.

Sweden’s new princess shares a unique royal destiny with her mother Victoria, who is next in line to the throne currently held by her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Daniel said that his father and mother-in-law, Queen Silvia, had been informed of the birth and "are very happy".

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Who do you think Crown Princess Victoria will pick as Godparents to her first child?

Crown Princess Victoria with her husband, Prince Daniel.

Sometimes, I use my twitter account to ask my fellow royal watchers and enthusiasts a few questions that could be more of guessing games (as Marcia Tracy would suggest).

My question tonight was related to Crown Princess Victoria: she is best known as Godmother of Europe as she has this role with Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Amalia of the Netherlands, Eléonore of Belgium and Christian of Denmark. So, who will she and Daniel pick as Godparents to her child?

As Royalty in the News cited, and I quote: it's "amazing how Crown Princess Victoria and Queen Victoria have motherly links to Europe. Victoria of UK was Mother of Europe, Crown Princess Victoria the godmother". That is so true. The biggest highlight on how Crown Princess Victoria takes her role as godmother very personally, she picked them (except very wee Princess Eleonore) as her bridesmaids and pageboys at her wedding, on June 19th, 2010.

As Order of Splendor reminded me, in Sweden, you cannot have more than 4 godparents - fine for me, as I do have 4 godparents, but this numbers usually burst for other royal and princely houses. Was is interesting though is that her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf's godparents were Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, Crown Princess Ingrid of Denmark, Crown Prince Olav of Norway, Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, King Gustaf V of Sweden, Prince Friedrich Josias of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, Crown Princess Louise of Sweden, Count Folke Bernadotte af Wisborg, and the Countess Maria Bernadotte af Wisborg. If my count is right, he had 10! Would be interesting to know why this changed. I asked myself if it was because Victoria was not Crown Princess at birth (her brother was), but even Prince Carl Philip only had 4 godparents.

Victoria's godparents are King Harald V of Norway, her maternal uncle, Ralf Sommerlath, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and her aunt Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld. 

In light of all this, my first choice would go to: Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Madeleine and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands.

But, I tend to forget: that baby also has a father, so maybe it will be half royal, half Westling.

Why would I choose those two Crown Princes? Both of them, with Victoria, were raised together. The Scandinavian Royal Houses (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) have a close bond, mostly due to geographical proximity, language (I know that there are differences, but the 3 languages are close, could not say the same if we put Finnish in the mix) and family ties. A few years ago, the 3 heirs travelled together, you can watch the video here.

Here are a few answers that popped up on twitter: many confirmed my first intuition by including Frederik and Haakon, like Malaya. Gert-Jan de Wit vouches for Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje. Marcia Tracy has her bet on, as well as Fred and Haakon, on Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Why not?

Order of Splendor goes for both of Victoria's siblings (Carl Philip and Madeleine) and Haakon and Mette-Marit. This combination could happen, living Crown Princess Victoria to choose Frederik and Mary for her second child. Or vice-versa. 

Cheryl Anderson Brown suggested that "probably no catholic godparents" and maybe that would discard Monaco.

The two most sensible and close-to-mine answers I received were from Spanish Royals & Sasha Ackler: Fred, Haakon, Madeleine and Anna Westling, Daniel's sister. This seems like a good fit.

Marie Elizabeth was spot on when she replied "no one from the British Royal Family" which I completely agree with, as there does not seem to be a close relationship between the Swedish House and the British one.

When Janet Webb & The Countess of Grantham answered they would see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge being invited to be the Godparents, I did not picture that happening. Of course, it could, but if there is any bond to be created between Prince William and Princess Victoria, it would be when they are both heirs or both regents. Not before.

Let's come back to this post in 4/5 months, once the baby (a girl? a boy?) is born and being actually christened so that we reveal who was right or wrong!

All links are towards twitter accounts. If you want me to take them out of this post, just... tweet me and I will do it straight away!

Cute couple alert! #royallove

[Sweden] Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel surrounded by children

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel were in Järfälla, just outside Stockholm, this weekend.

Despite the biting cold that welcomed Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, it was with great warmth that they were welcomed to the town as they arrived shortly after 10 o'clock. The couple was greeted with a wedding gift (after a year?) given by the municipality.

The first stop of the day was the playground of Kalhällsparken which is praised for its accessibility. Around the fence all the present children greeted the CP with a "Hello princess!" and Victoria took the time to talk to everybody, even to stop by six-month-old baby Cecilia Rozmeijer. With her twinkling eyes, she gave the princess a gift and the expectant CP could not have been happier.

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This is some PROUD dad-to-be! #princedaniel #sweden

[Sweden] Crown Princess Victoria expecting first child!

Just over a year after tying the knot in a fairytale wedding, Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel have some happy news to share. They're expecting a baby.

A statement from the palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are happy to announce that The Crown Princess is expecting their first child.

"The birth is expected to take place in March of 2012. No changes in the schedule of the Crown Princess' public engagements are planned during the fall of 2011."

Anyone witnessing their joy on their engagement and the day of their nuptials could have guessed that it wouldn't be long before the couple started trying for a child.

And the heiress to the throne said as much, telling her people: "With Daniel by my side I feel secure.

"You have probably noticed that in recent years I have seemed stronger and happier.

"And now the time has come for us to begin building something together and starting a family."

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I mean... I am so happy... I said how much I wanted her to have a kid here... now, if the baby is due in March 2012, means he was conceived in June 2011, right? What an amazing first wedding anniversary celebration!

[Sweden] Prince Daniel triumphs on his own at the Stockholm International Fair

Prince Daniel has been working and making official appearances on his own and... is being great at it. This week, he attended the Stockholm International Fair and met several young entrepreneurs. He also visited the several booths where new entrepreneurs exhibited and displayed their projects and ideas.

The Duke of Västergötland - himself a former businessman - was met by huge cheers as he entered. Hundreds of high school students had gathered in the auditorium of the Stockholm International Fair to see the prince inaugurate the Championship in the Youth Entrepreneurship by cutting a ribbon. He also awarded prizes in four categories to compensate the attendees for their hard work throughout the year.

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[Sweden] Prince Daniel launches "For A Healthier Sweden" Week

We had not seen our favorite "consort" Prince since THE wedding in London and King Carl XVI Gustaf's 65 birthday. 

This week, Prince Daniel will be launching "the "For A Healthier Sweden" with the National Institute in Ostersund. The week aims to highlight the importance of good eating habits and physical activity". And who better to call to sponsor such initiative than the former Personal Trainer turned Prince?

"Two thousand activities will be implemented throughout the country. The major question is to know if these activities can take place on several campuses at lunchtime, the time-slot that can attract the greatest interest from the youth.

But the program does not only focus on students; "its goal is also to address the intellectually disabled with a lighter form of gymnastics that will be executed both seated and standing" said Celie Nenzén, who, together with Anja Flares, are both working in physical training, are responsible for aerobics sessions.

The Duke of Västergötland was not only expected to launch the initiative but he will also be participating in at least two classes. And before he left, a student shared her love with a hug. Well, that's the spirit!

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[The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Wedding] The Crown Princess of Sweden and her handsome Duke of a husband

I had not liked this hairstyle she wore the previous day at the Pre-Wedding Gala and begged her not to do it again but I redeem myself and agree it really works with that huge dashing hat.

They are just so cute together... just get pregnant already! (no pressure)

[Pre-wedding Dinner] The Men of the Hour #royalwedding

Prince Albert II of Monaco. He is getting thinner, isn't he? Pre-Wedding fever for him!

I wish I knew how to make a joke about the Prince of Asturias, but I can't. Felipe is just THE handsome of the bunch.

Crown Prince Pavlos - wearing a power balance wristband! - in a hurry

The Duke of York catching an imaginary ball.

The Grand Duke felt a little something something in his belly. But recomposed.

Crown Prince Alexander II of Yugoslavia left the building singing.

  

Prince of Wales. No joke.

Duke of Västergötland has a pocket full of sunshine.

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[Pre-Wedding Dinner] Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel

source of the photos: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images for Europe

Oh. My. God. I was waiting for this coming from her and she delivered: Princess Victoria looks stunning (I am a big fan of her amazing figure... I guess we should thank Daniel and his PT knowledge). I was missing seeing her all glammed up. I do not know who designed her dress but it has this Issa vibe, doesn't it? I love the colors, the draping and the small detail on the shoulder. By the way, Issa is not the house responsible for tomorrow's wedding gown design. That is for sure.


Update: just read this dress was by Escada.

Back to the Bernadotte family, Daniel, the Duke of Västergötland looks good too. I just hope Victoria does not style her hair like this tomorrow. It does not suit her as well as she deserves.

Do I need words to describe what I felt when I first saw these pictures?

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, and her husband Daniel, Duke of Västergötland.

Last September, in a official visit to Sceaux, in France.

[One photo per day] [7] A little (un)usual photo to end the day

Crown Prince Daniel and Princess Madeleine of Sweden at a recent event. This photo has a usual and unusual vibe to it. I mean, it's very normal & frequent to see these family in a happy mood but it's even better to see Madeleine smiling this way with her brother-in-law after all she has been through. I don't know if the rumors of a new love are true or not, but I hope she is nothing less than happy from now on. Don't we all which the same for ourselves?

[Sweden] Tender moments for affectionate royal newlyweds on historic anniversary

Anyone who watched Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden's wedding will be in no doubt of the couple's feelings for each other. Arriving at the nuptial banquet, she thanked the Swedish people for giving her her prince. He, meanwhile, gave a heart-warming speech, in which he told his bride: "I love you Victoria and I am proud of what we have together and so happy to be your husband. "I will do all I can for you to be as happy as you are today." And what satisfaction the country's citizens must have in seeing the positive effect marriage has had on the princess, who does indeed radiate happiness at all times. At a recent historic event the newlyweds appeared as if they were wrapped up in a world of their own. All the while honouring their commitments at an important engagement as they welcomed Denmark's Queen Margrethe to Sweden. Sharing tender glances and the occasional giggle, hands clasped in each other's, the couple couldn't have looked more in love. At one point Victoria appeared to straighten her husband's tie, getting a thumbs-up in return. The occasion was the 200th anniversary of the House of Bernadotte – the dynasty that has reigned in Sweden since 1810. The bicentenary commemorates a curious but crucial episode in the two Scandinavian countries' histories, when Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, a lieutenant of Napoleon, was elected crown prince of Sweden. He was adopted by the former king, who had no heir, later ruling as Carl XIV Johan and annexing neighbouring Norway as well.

from Hellomagazine.com

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