Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill Steal the Spotlight at the Grand Gala Dinner
Unanticipated attendance at the formal dinner event - Remarkable Turnout at the Charity Gala Banquet
Royal buzz filled the air as Iceland's President Halla Tómasdóttir graced the Royal Palace in Stockholm for the lavish Gala Dinner. The evening, traditionally an extravagant affair, played host to a pleasant surprise - none other than Princess Madeleine (42) and Chris O'Neill (50). The Swedish royal couple's rare public appearance during the state visit sent a wave of excitement through the crowd.
The Icelandic presidential pair, bedazzled with their orders and clearly elated, settled into their seats in the Gallery of King Karl XI within the palace's banquet hall. Halla Tómasdóttir, resplendent in her white sequined gown, was awarded the prestigious Royal Seraphim Order earlier in the day. Her husband, Björn Skúlason, adorned the Royal Order of the Northern Star, a customary exchange during state visits.
The Royals Keep it Low-Key
According to a report by "Aftonbladet," Madeleine and Chris were largely discreet during the state visit. Although they attended the luncheon at the palace, they skipped the official photo session and, surprisingly, their names were absent from the royal calendar on that day.
Their attendance at the evening's gala dinner came as a delightful surprise to many observers, thanks to the couple's unexpected inclusion in the festivities.
Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage
environmental concerns and climate initiatives took center stage during the state visit, with the royals' fashion choices exemplifying their commitment. Queen Silvia, for example, donned her vibrant fuchsia gown from previous occasions, complementing it with white sneakers and a stylish walking stick. She also sported the "Nine-Pointed Tiara," a historical piece once belonging to Sophia of Nassau, former queen of Sweden and Norway.
Crown Princess Victoria shimmered in a dress boasting floral appliqués and embroidery by Swedish designer Frida Jonsvens, previously seen at Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th-birthday celebration. The royal chosen the "Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara" as her headpiece, a jewelry piece originally owned by Princess Margaret of Connaught, King Carl Gustaf's grandmother.
Princess Madeleine's ensemble drew particular attention - she wore her pink Nobel Prize dress by Angel Sanchez, originally from 2019, and the historic "Rubindiadem" from 1905, which adorned her hair. This diadem, consisting of diamonds and rubies, is surrounded by some family drama due to disagreements over its ownership within the royal family.
Exclusive Table Setting and Menu
A sneak peek at the royal house revealed a breathtakingly beautiful table setting for the gala dinner. The long table, set with Brazilian Service silverware that once belonged to the Brazilian imperial family, Kosta glasses, and a mix of plates from the 1850s and 1990s, exuded an air of royal grandeur.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal, beginning with lightly smoked rainbow trout, followed by stuffed chicken, and concluding with a mouthwatering dessert featuring rhubarb and burnt butter cake. In his speech to the President, the King quoted a line from "Havamal," an Icelandic poem, emphasizing the importance of friendships [1][2][3][4].
The gala dinner marked the culmination of the first day of the state visit, which continued with visits to the Karolinska Institute and KTH among other activities.
- Gala Dinner
- Sustainable Fashion
- Iceland
- Brother
- Royal Family
- Halla Tomasdottir
- Queen Silvia
- Stockholm
- Aftonbladet
[1] https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/1rlHrP/iklandska-presidentens-besok-i-sverige-fran-start-till-slut-afton-galan[2] https://www.svt.se/nyheter/kungahuset/prinsessan-madeleine-och-chris-oneill-i-gala-goe diplomacy[3] https://www.thelocal.se/2025/05/06/royal-palace-gala-dinner-for-icelandic-president-halltomasdottir-in-stockholm[4] https://www.thelocal.se/2025/05/07/halltomasdottir-receives-royal-seraphim-order-at-gala-dinner-in-stockholm
- The Gala Dinner, held in Stockholm, was the highlight of Iceland's President Halla Tómasdóttir's state visit, attended by Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill who surprised many with their appearance.
- While the Swedish royal couple, Madeleine and Chris, were cautious during the visit, they graced the evening's Gala Dinner, showcasing their commitment to sustainable fashion.
- In alignment with environmental concerns, Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine dressed in sustainable, fashionable attire at the Gala Dinner, with Madeleine reusing her pink Nobel Prize dress.
- A report by "Aftonbladet" mentioned that despite the royal couple's absence from the official photo session and the royal calendar on the day of the state visit, they were present at the Gala Dinner.
- The Icelandic President, Halla Tómasdottir, received the prestigious Royal Seraphim Order earlier in the day, adding yet another striking event to the grand Gala Dinner in Stockholm.
