Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Celebrated Her Traditional Name Day in Stockholm

 

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden celebrated her "name day" on March 12 at the Royal Palace in Stockholm attended by her family. It's different from her birthday (July 14) and this tradition in Sweden dates back to the Middle Ages.

The celebration of the name days in Sweden is an old tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages with roots in Roman Catholicism and Orthodox custom.

Crown Princess Victoria receives flowers from well-wishers

Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar. Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

However, despite the separation, the Protestant Church retained certain Catholic traditions including the "name days" celebration. 

The celebration is in commemoration of the saints and martyrs of the Church, and so different names in Sweden are associated with specific calendar days in Christian beliefs, and in the case of the name Victoria, that happens to be on March 12.

Photo credit: Kungahuset instagram

Members of the armed forces also displayed a military presentation in front of the palace in her honor. The Crown Princess' family was a vision of unity as they made a walkabout around the palace square to thank the crowd. 

Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Estelle, Prince Daniel, and Prince Oscar. Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

To mark the special occasion for the Swedish future queen, new family portraits taken by the royal photographer, Patrick van Katwijk, were released.