Government invited Swedish local politicians to celebrate the Crown Princess and Mr Daniel Westling
On Friday 18 June members of the Government and representatives of Sweden's municipalities and county councils congratulated Crown Princess Victoria and her husband-to-be Mr Daniel Westling on the eve of their wedding. Because of the weather, the Government's reception was held indoors at Stockholm City Hall.
Photo: Pawel Flato
In festive attire and full of expectation, hundreds of local politicians mingled in the Blue Hall waiting for their chance to congratulate the bride and groom and to meet the King and Queen and the Prime Minister and his wife.
"The Crown Princess is the Princess of all of Sweden and it is only fair that every part of the country has the opportunity to present its congratulations through its elected representatives," said Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who stood on the grand staircase of the Blue Hall with his wife, County Council Commissioner Filippa Reinfeldt, to welcome the guests.
Specially composed bridal march
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson opened the event with a welcoming address. The Government surprised Crown Princess Victoria with a specially invited guest. The Crown Princess's old piano teacher Ingemar Thorell was present in person to perform a bridal march he had composed.
Glass from Småland and traditional costumes from Ockelbo
Many of the guests had brought presents for the bride and groom, such as glass from Småland, palt from Piteå, painted wooden horses from Dalarna and traditional costumes from Ockelbo. Many municipalities also chose to make a donation to the Crown Princess Couple's Wedding Foundation.
Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets Mats Odell was very positive about bringing local political representatives together to congratulate Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling. He also enjoyed the occasion in the Blue Hall.
"It is a great privilege to be here today and a pleasure to meet so many local government representatives. They are the people who are closest to citizens all around the country," Mr Odell said.
Dinner in the Eric Ericson Hall
In the evening the Government held a dinner for Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling to which the Royal Family and several of the Court's royal guests were invited. The Prime Minister and Mrs Reinfeldt welcomed all the guests outside the hall just as the sun came out. The dinner took place inside the Eric Ericson Hall, with entertainment provided by the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir.
