King Carl XVI Gustaf has begun celebrating his 80th birthday with gifts from palace staff, the government, and granddaughter Princess Estelle. He received a custom coffee service and an exclusive rug, plus a trip to Östergötland with Estelle. Celebrations started with a buffet at Stockholm Palace.
Celebrations for the king's 80th birthday kicked off on Wednesday evening with a simple buffet at Stockholm Palace, welcoming resident guests to mark the occasion in advance.
The king received a custom coffee service from palace staff. The porcelain is from Rörstrand in the Swedish Grace Gala model, decorated with the royal couple's monogram. It was originally designed by Louise Adelborg as the Nationalservisen for the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition.
From parliament and the government, he got a woven rya rug named Vita Spetsporten, composed by Märta Måås-Fjetterström in 1934. The 108-kilo rug will adorn the podium in the Rikssalen at the Royal Palace.
Princess Estelle gave her grandfather an experience: a joint trip to Östergötland. “Grattis Morfar! Today the king was surprised with a special gift from the Duchess of Östergötland: A joint trip to the duchy,” the royal house wrote on Instagram.
In an SVT interview ahead of the birthday, the king discussed his relationship with Crown Princess Victoria and stressed the importance of daring to ask questions.
