In Belgrade, it was announced that Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, along with Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Philip and Hereditary Princess Danica of Serbia, will attend the 80th birthday gala celebrations of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Thursday, April 30th, in Stockholm, Sweden.

The gala celebrations are expected to bring together members of reigning and formerly reigning royal houses, alongside heads of state and other distinguished guests, in honour of His Majesty the King’s milestone anniversary. 

Among the confirmed royal guests are Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark, as well as Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.

In a statement, Crown Prince Alexander said:

“My family and I are honoured to be guests of our dear friends and cousins, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, for this important anniversary. We have shared so many beautiful moments… and we always look forward to occasions like this, to share the joyous moments and happiness, to strengthen the bonds that tie us together.”

The relationship between the Royal House of Karađorđević and the Royal Family of Sweden extends over several decades and is rooted in both dynastic ties and longstanding personal friendship. 

Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden have previously attended milestone celebrations hosted by the Royal House of Karađorđević (Royal Family of Serbia), while Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine have, in turn, been present at major events in Sweden, including royal jubilees, weddings, and family celebrations.

In 2017, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden served as maid of honour at the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Philip and Hereditary Princess Danica of Serbia. In Serbian tradition, this role, known as kumstvo, carries deep cultural significance, representing a bond of enduring personal and familial connection.

The official program for His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday will begin with a Te Deum service in the Slottskyrkan at the Royal Palace, followed by a military ceremony in the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace. 

Public celebrations will include a guard change, a flyover and gun salute, and musical tributes performed by choirs from across Sweden.

The day’s celebrations also include an official luncheon hosted by the City of Stockholm and a gala dinner at the Royal Palace.

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf has reigned since 1973 and is the longest-serving monarch in the history of the Kingdom of Sweden.