Friday, June 18, 2010

Silvia gives birth to a princess

July 14, 1977

A 21-gun salute today heralded the birth of King Carl XVI and Queen Silvia's first child, a daughter. The Queen gave birth to a 7-pound 2 oz daughter at the Karolinska hospital in Stockholm. King Carl XVI Gustaf, 31, was present for the birth. He brought his wife and new daughter to the palace four hours later. A member of the palace guard noted that the Queen "looked tired and was resting her head on her husband's shoulders, according to UPI.
Cannons boomed "across Sweden in salute, and flags were "flown from all public buildings in honor" of the new princess. At a special meeting of the Cabinet today, the king announced the names of his first child. The new princess will be called Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree.
Under current succession laws, only males cannot succeed to the throne. The King's heir is his uncle, Prince Bertil. But this law may be changed as Sweden considers adopting a succession law based on the succession of the eldest child.
The King also attended a thanksgiving service at the palace chapel, which was also attended by 650 invited guests and members of Parliament and the Swedish government.

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