Prince Filip and Princess Danica represented the Karađorđević family at the grand celebration marking the golden jubilee of the marriage of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, held in Stockholm to commemorate 50 years of their life together.
Among the distinguished guests were members of the Japanese Imperial Family, European royal houses, and aristocracy, while Serbia was represented by Hereditary Prince Filip, Princess Danica, as well as Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine.
The festivities began with the traditional Te Deum thanksgiving service at the Royal Chapel, a ceremony held in Sweden only on the most significant occasions in the life of the royal family. The Karađorđević family once again held a special place in the royal protocol, sitting in the front row alongside the closest members of King Carl XVI Gustaf’s family.
“This great jubilee is a testament to the strength of marriage, family values, loyalty, and mutual respect,” said Hereditary Prince Filip.
He emphasized that the occasion also carried special personal significance for the Karađorđević family.
“For us, it also has a deeply personal meaning, as we share long-standing friendships, family ties, and godparent relationships with the Swedish royal family, particularly with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. Such bonds are the finest proof that genuine respect, friendship, and family values can be nurtured and passed down through generations.”
State Luncheon at the Royal Palace
Following the Te Deum service, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia hosted a formal luncheon for members of royal families, state representatives, and distinguished guests at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
One of the most memorable moments of the celebration came afterward, when guests gathered along Skeppsbron waterfront to welcome the royal couple before the start of a ceremonial voyage.
Royal Barge, Thousands of Citizens, and a Historic Carriage
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia boarded the historic royal barge Vasaorden, sailing across Stockholm Bay while being greeted by thousands of citizens on their way to the Royal Djurgården.
Upon arrival, a grand ceremonial procession took place through the streets of the Swedish capital.
A particularly symbolic detail was that the King and Queen rode in the same ceremonial carriage they had used on their wedding day in 1976. The carriage was built in 1901 by the renowned court manufacturer Ad Freyschuss Hofvagnsfabrik in Stockholm. It was driven in the traditional à la Daumont style, with harnesses adorned by silver-plated state coats of arms dating back to the late 19th century.
The carriage holds a special place in the history of the Swedish monarchy, having been used at numerous royal weddings, including those of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, and Princess Madeleine.
Approximately 2,000 members of the armed forces and around 800 scouts were stationed along the route, while military bands performed ceremonial music.
The procession passed through Strandvägen, Birger Jarlsgatan, Stureplan, Kungsgatan, Sveavägen, Sergels Torg, and Hamngatan before concluding in the famous Kungsträdgården park.
“It was a great honor to attend this important jubilee and share in the joy of a day that symbolizes enduring family values, mutual respect, and loyalty,” Prince Filip said.
White Angel Icon for the King and Queen
One of the most touching moments of the celebration occurred when Prince Filip and Princess Danica presented King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia with a special gift from Serbia—a White Angel icon.
The icon was handcrafted by the nuns of the Mileševa Monastery with the blessing of Metropolitan Atanasije of Mileševa.
Prince Filip explained the symbolism behind the gift.
“The choice of the White Angel carries profound symbolism. This famous detail from the Mileševa fresco has for centuries been one of the most recognizable symbols of Serbian spirituality, while also conveying a universal message of peace, hope, and resurrection,” he said.
He added that, in the context of the golden jubilee, the White Angel symbolizes half a century of togetherness, trust, and devotion.
The gift’s value is enhanced by the fact that it was handmade by the nuns of the Mileševa Monastery, combining art, prayer, and centuries-old Serbian tradition.
Gift from Kosovo and Metohija for Crown Princess Victoria
Crown Princess Victoria also received special gifts from the Serbian royal family.
Prince Filip and Princess Danica presented her with a limited-edition copy of the monograph The Christian Heritage of Kosovo and Metohija, published with the blessing of Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška and Prizren.
The monograph serves as a testament to the richness of Serbian spiritual and cultural heritage and is dedicated to the most significant Serbian holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija—Visoki Dečani, Gračanica, the Patriarchate of Peć, and the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš.
In addition to the monograph, Victoria received an authentic Pirot carpet crafted in the workshop of Serbian brand MACCINDO, one of the most recognizable symbols of Serbian tradition, folk art, and craftsmanship.
A Musical Journey Through 50 Years of Love
After the procession, the King and Queen attended a major concert organized by the City of Stockholm in Kungsträdgården.
The concert, titled A Musical Journey Through 50 Years of Love, was open to citizens and visitors alike and began with the performance of the Royal Anthem by the Army Band.
Performers included renowned Swedish artists Eric Gadd, the Tensta Gospel Choir, the group Grymlings, and Jill Johnson.
Gala Evening at the Royal Opera
The evening program took place at the Royal Opera, where a gala concert was held in honor of the royal couple’s golden wedding anniversary.
The event opened with a traditional wedding march, followed by performances of some of the most famous works from the operatic repertoire.
Court singers Daniel Johansson, Karl-Magnus Fredriksson, and Elin Rombo performed alongside the Royal Ballet, the Royal Court Orchestra, and the Royal Opera Chorus.
Particular attention was drawn to an excerpt from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographed by Alexander Ekman.
Celebration Concludes with Private Dinner
The grand celebration concluded with a private dinner for family members and close friends in the Vita Havet (White Hall) of the Royal Palace.
Guests were served a menu inspired by dishes from the wedding of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in 1976, reimagined in a contemporary style.
At the conclusion of the festivities, Prince Filip once again extended his congratulations to the Swedish royal couple.
“We once again extend our sincerest congratulations to Their Majesties on 50 years of marriage, along with our wishes for good health, personal happiness, and many more years together,” Hereditary Prince Filip said.
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Source: Serbian Times Foto: Jonas Estromer, TT news Agency