remembering-king-carl-xvi-gustaf-and-queen-silvia-of-sweden’s-historic-nuptials
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The couple chose Stockholm Cathedral as the wedding location, in keeping with tradition. The last royal wedding there took place in 1964, when Carl’s sister Princess Désirée left her HRH status at the altar to wed Baron Niclas Silfvershiold.

Showing her sartorial savvy, the young bride asked Marc Bolan of Dior to create her gown, a simple design that featured a high-neck and full skirt, as well as a dramatically long train. She accessorised with two sentimental pieces passed on to her via her sisters-in-law, Princess Birgitta and Princess Désirée, who had worn them to their weddings. The first was the Cameo Tiara, a famous and unusual heirloom that had once belonged to the wife of Napoleon, Empress Josephine, which features cameo brooches and pearls. The other was a Brussels lace veil, which originated in the 19th century, and had been passed from bride-to-bride since then. She had sprigs of myrtle tucked into her veil, taken from a bush at Ulriksdal Palace. 

The newlyweds leaving the church

Keystone/Getty Images

Guests at the chic nuptials included royals from across Europe, including Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte of Luxembourg, Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.  

The couple would go on to have three children, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine. Their eldest would similarly make history, after succession laws were changed so that she would inherit the throne ahead of her younger brother.