Casual Royals Steal the Show at the Galactic Soiree
Unexpected Attendee at the VIP Event - Remarkable Turnout at the Gala Evening Event
Dazzling dresses, glamorous gowns, and fashionable finery set the stage for an unforgettable night as the Swedish royal family welcomed Iceland's President Halla Tómasdóttir to an extravagant Bash at the Castle. And let's not forget the surprise of the evening – a rare public appearance from the elusive Princess Madeleine (42) and her King of Hearts, Chris O'Neill (50), during their visit.
Iceland's Presidential pair, bedecked in medals and looking utterly smitten, took their seats in the majestic Gallery Karl XI within the castle's grand banquet hall. Halla, a former recipient of the prestigious Royal Seraphim Order, sparkled in a sequined dress like a beacon on the dance floor. Her hubby Björn Skúlason, wearing the ultra-cool Royal Order of the Polar Star, matched the evening's theme of swapping bling[1].
The Low Profile Pair Strikes Again
According to the grapevine (Aftonbladet), Madeleine and Chris kept things low key and flew under the radar during the visit. They attended the luncheon at the castle but skipped the official snapshot session. Their names were mysteriously missing from the royal calendar, making their appearance at the bash a delightful surprise for many[2].
Sustainable Style by the Royals
The evening wasn't just glitz and glam; it was also a platform for discussing vital environmental issues. The royals got the message loud and clear and made a conscious effort to rock their stylish eco-friendly wardrobes. Take, for example, the fabulous Queen Silvia and the regal princesses. They both repurposed outfits from the royal fashion vault[3].
Queen Silvia flaunted her eye-catching fuchsia dress, the same one she donned at previous events but this time paired with classy white kicks and her striking "Nine-Pointed Tiara"[3]. Meanwhile, the Crown Princess Victoria wowed the crowd in a dress covered in flowery appliqués, a stylish piece she had previously worn at Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday bash[3]. She accessorized her outfit with the sparkling "Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara", a family heirloom that has been in the family for generations.
Princess Madeleine, not one to be left out, stunned everyone with her pink Nobel Prize gown from 2019[3]. And to top it all off, she wore the historic "Rubindiadem" from 1905, a diamond and ruby gem with a bit of controversy[3]. The piece came to Sweden through the Crown Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom, who married Gustaf VI. Adolf, and has been a source of contention within the royal family over its ownership.
Regal Table Settings and a Mouthwatering Menu
As a sneak peek revealed by the royals, the bash featured an elaborate table setting worthy of Marie Antoinette herself. The setting included silver from the Brazilian Service, originally owned by the Brazilian imperial family[3]. The glasses sparkled, courtesy of Kosta - a wedding gift from the government in 1976[3]. And, for those keeping score, the plates were a stylish mix from the 1850s and 1990s.
Guests indulged in a mouthwatering three-course meal. The first course consisted of lightly smoked rainbow trout, followed by a sumptuous stuffed chicken entrée. To end the evening on a sweet note, they savored a delectable dessert featuring rhubarb and burnt butter cake[3]. King Carl Gustaf, in his moving speech to President Halla, quoted a line from “Havamal”, an Icelandic poem: “If you have a friend whom you know to be loyal and whose help you would welcome, open your heart to him, exchange gifts, and visit him often." The bash marked the end of the first day of the state visit with more exciting events lined up for the following days, including visits to the Karolinska Institute and the KTH.
- Gala Dinner
- Iceland
- Bro Bash
- Royal Family
- Halla Tomasdottir
- Queen Silvia
- Stockholm
- Aftonbladet
- Sustainability
Who are they?
- Princess Madeleine: The youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, born on June 10, 1982. She's the sister of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip.
- Chris O'Neill: An American-British financier, born on June 27, 1974. He is married to Princess Madeleine.
Their Relationship
Factor in their 2013 nuptials and three adorable kiddos - Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas, and Princess Adrienne[1][4]. Chris may not boast a royal title, but he and Madeleine hold a special place within the royal family by marriage.
Relationship to the Swedish Royal Family
Following King Carl XVI Gustaf's decision in 2019, Madeleine and her crew piloted a new path in the royal family, evolving their roles and responsibilities beyond their birthright. This change allows them more personal freedom, as they explore their passions, including business ventures[4][5].
- The Gala Dinner, hosted in Stockholm, was an extravagant event attended by the Swedish Royal Family, including Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine.
- Halle Thomas, Iceland's President, was a special guest at the Gala Dinner, adorned in a sequined gown and medals.
- Princess Madeleine and her husband Chris O'Neill, despite keeping a low profile, made a surprise appearance at the Gala Dinner during their visit to Iceland.
- In an effort to promote sustainability, Princess Madeleine wore her 2019 Nobel Prize gown to the Gala Dinner, while Queen Silvia repurposed her fuchsia dress and "Nine-Pointed Tiara" from earlier events.
- The Island of Iceland's President, Björn Skúlason, wore the Royal Order of the Polar Star, matching the evening's theme of swapping bling.
- Following their visit, news outlets like Aftonbladet reported on the low-key activities of the couple, Madeleine and Chris O'Neill, and their focus on sustainability in their wardrobes.
