SWEDEN CROWN PRINCESS WEDDING LEO 19juneLIVE

Today's the day that Crown Princess Victoria will get her man of the people. We'll be following the whole thing live - with reporters around Stockholm providing the latest news, reactions and (hopefully) informed speculation from the Royal Wedding.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre 4:06pm

More information about Crown Princess Victoria's ensemble:

The dress is made of cream-coloured duchess silk satin with short sleeves and a turned-out collar following a rounded neckline. The dress has a v-shaped back with covered buttons and the sash at the waist is buttoned up at the back.

The five-metre train is edged with a border fastened at the waist and matches the shape of the veil. The shoes are made with the same fabric as the dress.

As for the tiara, it was also worn by her mother at her wedding on June 19th, 1976. The tradition began with her aunt, Princess Birgitta, the first of her aunts to marry in 1961 to Princess Johann Georg of Hohenzollern.

Another aunt, Princess Désirée, wore the same tiara when she married Baron Niclas Silverschiöld in 1964.

The tiara was probably a gift from Napoleon to his wife, Empress Josephine, in 1809. The tiara was bequeathed to her granddaughter Josefina in 1823, who became the Crown Princess of Sweden when she married Crown Prince Oscar in 1823.

Victoria's grandmother, Princess Sibylla, received the tiara when she married Princess Gustaf Adolf in 1932.

The veil is her great-great grandmother Queen Sophia's lace veil that was worn at her parents' wedding, which was also worn by her grandmother Princess Sibylla at her wedding.

The veil has also made an appearance at the weddings of her aunts, Princesses Désirée, Margaretha in 1964 and Christina in 1974.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre 4:01pm

More soaring choir music with gentle string accompaniment to I ditt famn, possibly an old hymn with an new arrangement by ABBA's Benny Andersson and Kristina Lugn.


Paul Rapacioli, outside Royal Palace 3:57pm

Grown men weeping in the crowd in front of the big screen as Victoria slips the ring on Daniel. A big cheer goes up.


Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 3:56pm

Daniel Westling is now officialy H.R.H. Prince Daniel, the Duke of Västergötland.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:55pm

They're married! Archbishop Anders Wejryd declares them man and wife. Victoria's voice cracks as she repeats her vows.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:54pm

The minister turns away to face the altar for the blessing of the rings, holding them aloft during the prayer.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:53pm

The guests stand for the vows, which are first addressed to Daniel. The minister recites Victoria's full name: Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée, while Daniel is addressed as Olof Daniel Westling.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:49pm

Victoria firmly clutches her bouquet, while Daniel holds his hands together as a female minister recites the introduction.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Djurgården, 3:50pm

The marching bands are moving into place. A cortege clad in folk costumes is generating a lot of interest among the young families sitting on the banks of Nordiska Museum and down by the water. A festival atmosphere.

Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:49pm

Clammy hands? Victoria and Daniel let go of their hands before quickly holding them again.

Victoria starts singing along to the first verse of the first , while Daniel prefers to stand still. It appears some of the non-Lutherans cannot find the lyrics, while the woman sitting behind Queen Silvia emits a quick laugh.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:47pm

Our ever-reliable royal correspondent Juan Navas has an answer for Vivian - the train is 5-metres long.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:47pm

It’s moving to see Olle and Ewa Westling, Daniel’s parents, sitting in the chancel. What must be going through their minds? Any parents find their child’s wedding day moving, but now they find themselves in the midst of Sweden and Europe’s royal families. Daniel Westling has said his family weren’t particularly interested in royalty, but this must still be a pretty incredible occasion for them.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:41pm

Any guesses on the length of the the train? The material appears to be a thick velvet. The Crown Princess and Daniel hold hands while listening to the musical interlude with harp, flute, strings and choir.


Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 3:40pm

According to the Royal Court: "The Crown Princess´s bridal bouquet includes the following flowers: lily of the valley, rose, phalaenopsis orchid, peony, clematis, cosmos, wax flower, sweet pea, dicentra formosa, Mårbacka pelargonium, Amazon lily, gardenia, azalea, bleeding heart and the traditional myrtle from Sofiero."


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:35pm

A brass ensemble leads the children into the cathedral, two pairs of descendants from the royal houses of Norway, the Netherlands and Denmark, as well as the princess' relatives from Brazil and the nephew and niece of Daniel Westling.

Daniel quietly exchanges a few words with Carl Philipp, who is wearing a contented smile.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:35pm

She will be entering to the Duke of Gloucester's March. The trumpets sound. Victoria can be glimpsed at the back of the church. The bridesmaids and pageboys precede her, She links arms with the king.

Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:35pm

Here comes the bride! The camera briefly pans to the princess emerging out of a vintage black sedan wearing a tiara and a thick cut at the chest. The veil appears minimalist.

Must be hot in the church with all the guests fanning themselves despite the cool 17 degrees outside and overcast skies.

Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 3:32pm

The Crown Princess’ wedding dress has been a point of discussion, and speculation, for quite some time now. The Royal Court has now confirmed that the dress is designed by Pär Engsheden. To the dress the Crown Princess chose to wear the kamédiademet, or the Cameo Tiara. The same tiara was worn by her mother at her wedding in 1976.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:30pm

Queen Silvia is accompanied down the aisle by the four priests who will be conducting the ceremony. The congregation stands as she enters.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:28pm

Daniel greets a folk music group composed of his relatives on the steps of the church. He appears confident and collected, waving at the crowds.

Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 3:23pm

The Queen has chosen to wear the Brazilian Diadem, which she almost exclusively wears to special occasions such as State visits. It is one of the largest pieces in the Royal Family’s jewelry collection.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:23pm

Queen Silvia has just left the Palace with Princess Madeleine. The Queen is wearing the Brazilian diadem - appropriately for a half-Brazilian. Madeleine is in powder blue, the Queen in lilac.

Daniel Westling has left with Prince Carl Philip. The groom looks composed and confident.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:23pm

Here come the Westlings - senior, the groom's parents Olle and Ewa in a brief long camera shot. Ewa has chosen a floor-length fuschia ensemble for the occasion.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:19pm

Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, has just walked by in an impressive chain of office. The wedding's a big deal in Finland, which was part of Sweden until 200 years ago. Just received a text from a friend in Finland, who says he's in a packed bar in Helsinki watching the wedding "with a DJ giving hilarious English commentary."

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:13pm

Prince Albert of Monaco is looking appropriately Mediterranean in his white frock coat. The Swedish invited him along with his girlfriend, South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock. Terribly relaxed, these Swedes.

David Landes, Royal Opera, 3:13pm

The crowds outside the opera gasp as images from inside the church come up on the big screen. "How beautiful," says one onlooker.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:13pm

Princesses Margaretha, Birgitta, Desirée and Christina arrive - a rare occasion to see them together.

Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:11pm

When asked if they felt it was a slight on the part of the British royal family that they did not send a more "senior" member to attend the wedding, with just Prince Edward coming, Sarah and Darren Holden did not seem fazed.

"No, not really. I don't think any Swedes were invited to [Prince] Charles and Camilla's wedding," said Sarah Holden.

Perhaps they are a little biased, though, since the couple and their four children have lived in Sweden for five years and plan to stay permanently, as well as Darren's grandparents being Swedish.

Swedes may feel differently. SVT suggested that Swedes are feeling that perhaps the World Cup is more important to the likes of Princes William and Harry, both of whom are currently in South Africa during a break from their military duties.

They were both on had to watch the English team stumble to a goalless draw against Algeria on Friday night and will drum up support for England bid for the 2018 World Cup, which will be decided next year.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:07pm

A note on Carl-Johan Bernadotte. Contrary to what I said a moment ago, he is the last great-grandchild of Queen Victoria, and is 93. He was born a prince, but lost his title when he married a commoner.

Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 3:04pm

The last of the motorcades have just driven up toward the cathedral. The streets around the Opera and Kungsträdgården continue to fill with people, and there is a lot of spontaneous music and singing coming from the people outside the hotel. The guests are starting to enter the church, including many royals and members of the government.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:02pm

Britain's Earl and Countess of Wessex have left the palace. Sophie is wearing an elegant creation in grey. Prince Edward, who quit the royal marines, has eschewed the military uniforms beloved of royals, but is wearing very smart formal evening wear with a royal blue sash.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 3:01pm

Alice Trolle Wachtmeister, a lady-in waiting and close friend of the royal family enters the church as Daniel Westlings uncles and aunts leave the palace.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 2:58pm

Carl-Johan Bernadotte, the grand old man of the Swedish Royal Family and the last surviving great-great grandson of Queen Victoria of Britain, has entered the church together with his wife Gunilla, wearing the royal blue of official court dress.

David Landes, Royal Opera, 2:47pm

Soldiers in parade uniforms - blue tunics, white gloves and green berets - are now lining up along the parade route outside the royal opera..

Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 2:42pm

The Royal Palace just announced that Daniel Westling will be made a knight of the Order of the Seraphim after his wedding with Crown Princess Victoria.

James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 2:38pm

Guests are swarming into Storkyrkan. The Royal Philharmonica is playing. We've seen the Infanta Elana of Spain, Princess Alexia of Greece and Prince Phillipos. Princess Rosario of Bulgaria is looking divine in purple.

David Landes, Gustaf Adolfs torg, 2:28 p.m.

Gustaf Adolfs torg nearly full.

Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 2:12 p.m.

SVT takes us on a quick trip down memory lane with childhood videos of Victoria, Carl Philipp, Madeleine, "pappa" and their dogs throughout the years swimming, baking, biking and shopping for Christmas decorations, among other activities.


Paul Rapacioli, managing director of The Local, 2:04 p.m.

Just saw [Green Party spokesman] Peter Eriksson wandering around the back streets of Gamla Stan in old jeans and t-shirt looking lost and stressed!


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 2:02 p.m.

Several media outlets are reporting that the royal couple will ride in an open-wagon cortège through the streets of Stockholm. An estimated 250,000 will line the streets for a glimpse of the newlyweds this afternoon, with the thermostat currently reading 17 degrees and partly cloudy. One spectator said she felt it was a bit "un-Swedish" to say she was a royalist, adding that she was not particularly patriotic, but that she felt it would be allowed today amid a sea of Swedish flags


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 1:49 p.m.

SVT has just been showing its engagement interview with Daniel and Victoria. In it, Daniel says he didn't have any "butterflies in his tummy" back then, but said he expected to as the big day approached. Wonder how he's feeling now?

Our people on the streets say the crowds aren't that big yet. But there's plenty of time until the procession.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 1:35 p.m.

All of the party leaders will be attending the wedding, all except one - Left Party leader Lars Ohly, who felt that he did not know the royal couple well enough to join in the fun.

So what is the republican-leaning Lars Ohly doing while the Swedish political and social elite are attending the society event of the year? He is at home, according to SVT's fly-on-the-wall camera report, currently just polishing off a Sudoku.


Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 1:29 p.m.

A team of hairstylists from Björn Axén has just left the Grand Hotel, most likely having assisted some of the visiting royals. It is well known that the hairstylists from Björn Axén have been used by the Royal Family for many years, and a team is most certainly at the Royal Palace right now helping the Crown Princess, as well as the Queen and Princess Madeleine, to get ready for the Royal Wedding.


Vivian Tse, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 1:22 p.m.

Here are some perspectives from journalists and photographers from across Europe and around the world on what they will be covering on Saturday.

Country: Denmark
Publication: Here and Now (tabloid magazine)

Photographer Lars Andreasson will be accompanied by journalist Helle Bill Madsen throughout the day. Another photographer and journalist from the magazine will cover the event in separate areas.

"I arrived on Thursday. We're going to cover the Danish royals, as well as the Swedish, Norwegian, Belgian and Dutch royal families," saidAndreasson . "We've been here since 9am this morning and hope for a 10 percent boost increase in magazine sales for this issue, which publishes on Wednesday."

Andreasson estimates that he will take between 500 to 600 pictures on Saturday and guesses his colleague will take the same amount. About 30 of these will end up in six double pages in the magazine and about 100 on the website. A total of 12 pages will be devoted to the royal wedding in the next issue out of 96 pages.

They will be working late into the night, then send everything to the editorial team in Copenhagen, which will begin editing the issue at 4am on Sunday morning.

Andreasson and Madsen will be at Logårdskajen, a seafront position near the Slottsbacken, the royal palace, where the royal couple will disembark from the royal barge. The overcast but sunny skies are far superior to the rain they encountered on Friday.

"Yesterday, we were outside the Concert Hall for five hours in the rain," said Madsen. "We sat on two chairs under rain ponchos."

As it turns out, the last big royal wedding was in their home country just over two years ago, the nuptials of Princess Joachim and Princess Marie in May 2008, shadowing the birth of their son Prince Henrik just over a year later.

"Babies aren't as big as weddings," said Madsen.

Country: Germany
Agency: Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)

Photographer Frank May arrived Thursday with his two cameras and "more" lenses along with two other photographers and a writer. He estimates he will take "hundreds" of photos on Saturday of mostly royals, as well as the scenery and captivating the emotion of the crowds and couple. He will be sending his photos directly after shooting atLogården at the royal palace. The media programme guide notes that photographers are not allowed to bring stepladders and must wear dark suits.

Country: Japan
Agency: Kyodo News

Ichii Gentaro is the agency's London correspondent and arrived on Friday. He has already written an article focussing on the trend of declining support for the royal family about Swedes, citing an opinion poll demonstrating its waning popularity.

In addition to Ichii, he is accompanied by a journalist from Tokyo who has a position in the church and a local stringer who will be just outside the cathedral.Kyodo will pick up its photos from AP and Reuters.

Due to the time difference, Ichii must file all his stories by 5pm on Saturday for publication Sunday morning local time in Japan. The version that will appear on the website will only be slightly tweaked if he has anything to add.

Ichii returns to London on Sunday evening, while his Tokyo colleague will continue writing for publication on Monday focussing on issues surrounding the Japanese royal family's succession.

When asked why Japan is only sending one royal, Crown Prince Naruhito, to the royal wedding, Ichii surmised with a chuckle, "Because we have a lot of royal family problems, they could only send the prince. [Crown Princess] Masako has some mental health issues and it's unclear whether she didn't want to come or if she wasn't allowed."

While his colleagues cover the event from ground, Ichii will watch and cover the telecast of the wedding from the media centre, which will be translated.

Country: France
Publication: Le Figaro

Stéphane Bern is media personality in France and the royal specialist at Le Figaro. He arrived on Friday and will write his one-page article on Sunday for publication on Monday because Le Figaro does not publish on Sundays.

Curiously, Bern will remain in and around the media centre throughout the day despite having access to the ceremony.

"I have a seat in the church, but I prefer to be here becuase I won't understand a word and prefer to hear the translatation and go outside and smell the atmosphere," said Bern.

Bern believes there is interest among Le Figaro - which takes a conservative stance - readers in the event because she is a popular personality and it is a happy occasion and as Bern put it, "a princess is marrying a former gym instructor."

He added, "We adore the monarchy in France. We have a president who's more powerful than any king in Europe [French President NicolasSarkozy] and Carla [Bruni], who's so cute."

Country: Brazil
Publication: Jornal do Brasil

Vaena Magnus is a student in Stockholm who was born and raised in Brazil. He is also a freelance photographer for Jornal do Brasil, which is paying attention to the wedding thanks to Queen Silvia, who grew up in Brazil.

Although Magnus has not met the queen, his parents - Brazilian father, Swedish mother - have thanks to his father's former position as the honorary consul of the Swedish consulate in Riode Janeiro.

Magnus was still waiting for his photo pool assignment just before lunch, but hopes to just go on the streets and estimates he will take 300 to 400 photos on Saturday, of whichJornal do Brasil will publish 15 on its website, as well as a special supplement next week.

Country: Sweden
Agency: Bildbyrån

Photographer Joel Marklund arrived with two other photographers at 10am and estimates he will take about 200 photos on Saturday. He will have to wait just under five hours for thecortège to pass by Slottsbacken from the time he passes the security check at 12:15pm until the estimated finish at 4:50pm.

Marklund's photos will be picked up around the world as far away as Japan and Brazil. His coverage will focus on the cortège, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel and other international royals.

Agency: Agero/Eyewitness.se

Photographer Felix Reychman will only have one camera with him on Saturday, but he and the other seven photographers from Eyewitness will be taking hundreds of photos on June 19th, in Reychman's case from Junibacken.

Reychman lamented arriving too early at the media centre.

"I got here at 9am, but I was up at 5:45am and had to drop my children off at their grandparents," he said. "I had to carry that big bag because there is no vehicle access in the city centre."

Despite the physical nature of their work, Reychman is also wearing a dark suit or he will not be able to enter the photo areas. Reychman will have his lens focussed on Victoria of course, but also "whatever celebs we can catch, they're quite big in Germany. We cooperate with German agencies."


David Landes, Gustaf Adolfs torg, 12:59 p.m.

The crowds are five deep outside the opera house with picnics, cameras and Swedish flags at the ready.

The procession is due to pass by here at the begining of its meandering path through town and more and more people are filing into the square jostling for positions to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 12:59 p.m.

The thermometer has passed 16 degrees, according to SMHI. Slight 2m/sec winds and 52 percent humidity - ideal conditions for all concerned. No sign of the forecast rain yet, but there are a few threatening clouds in an otherwise blue sky over Stockholm.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 12:55 p.m.

Swedish rockers Roxette have arrived at Stockholm Cathedral - will they play or they merely guests at the wedding?


Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 12:50 p.m.

The Police and Säpo are also getting ready to lead a large motorcade from the Grand Hotel to Stockholm Cathedral. They should be leaving in about 45 minutes.


Juan Navas, Grand Hotel, 12:45 p.m.

The police and Säpo are all around the hotel, as well as in the lobby. Many foreign dignitaries are staying here, including Finland’s President and the Crown Prince Couple of Belgium. Looking across Stockholm Bay you can see the Police sweeping the water. The crowds around the Royal Palace are growing by the hour.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 12:40 p.m.

While a visit to Ikea won't offer any view whatsoever of the festivities it will offer a refreshing lack of crowds for a Saturday and the latest rumour coming in is the offer a free slice of cake. Followed by a five kronor hot dog and an ice cream you have had yourself a meal fit for a prince.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 12:30 p.m.

While the royal couple sail across the harbour from Djurgården back towards the palace at around 5.30pm, there will be a fly past with a fleet of 18 Gripen aircraft passing over the city centre at an altitude of around 400 metres.

The last time the Gripen flew over Stockholm at a ceremonial occasion, in 1993, a plane crashed on the island of Långholmen during the Water Festival. Incredibly no one died that day.

The royal couple's ship Vasaorden will be accompanied by the British frigate HMS Kent among 21 other vessels lined up in the Strömmen channel. One of the more off-beat spots to witness both the nautical element of the procession and fly over could well be up by Mosebacke on Södermalm.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 12:10 p.m.

Will they, won't they....kiss. There is significant speculation over whether the royal lips will meet in front of the baying masses on the balcony of the Royal Palace.

The King and Queen did not offer up a public show of affection when they tied the knot in 1976. Whether the royal couple 2010 will display their love will be known at around 6.30pm when the couple appear on the palace balcony.

Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Medic Centre, 11:57 a.m.

International interest for the wedding is huge with more than 500 journalists from, among others, Germany, Finland, Britain, Spain, France and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Japan.

The Japanese crown prince is in Stockholm for the occasion so that might explain the far eastern interest, and Crown Princess Victoria has also visited the country on several occasions and has perhaps left an impression. Either way a warm welcome on a resplendent day in Stockholm.

"Broader global interest than EU meeting in Gothenburg (2001)" foreign ministry press head told SVT. There you have it.


Peter Vinthagen Simpson, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 11:27 a.m.

The media centre is a hive of activity as groups of foreign media discuss their approach to covering the wedding and swap tips for the day.

So, what's the latest with less than fours to go before the royal nuptials?

The wedding dress has been delivered. According to the Aftonbladet daily, a mysterious package was delivered by the designer Per Engheden to the Royal Palace shortly before 11am.

The Princess travelled in from Drottningholm this morning and is inside busy readying herself for their big day.

Royal watcher and author Susanna Popova is the only person outside of the immediate circles around the Crown Princess who has reportedly seen the dress, the rest of us mere mortals will simply have to wait our turn.

The Old Town, and the area around the Royal Palace is already starting to fill up with expectant crowds, many of whom have been there hours hoping to get a glimpse of the royals.

The police are running the largest operation they have ever fielded with thousands of smartly-clad officers complete with white gloves lining the city's streets.


James Savage, Royal Wedding Media Centre, 10:04 a.m.

Welcome to The Local's live blog of the Royal Wedding between Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling. Well, the weather seems to be holding out (so far), although light rain is forecast for some point in the day. We'll all be looking anxiously skywards at 4:30pm, as we get ready for the carriage procession to leave Stockholm's Storkyrkan cathedral.

It's the calm before the storm. Much of central Stockholm is now closed to traffic - so if you're heading into town, be sure to leave your car at home, and don't expect to be able to take the bus. One of the few people not affected by the road closures is the bride herself, who arrived at the Royal Palace a short while ago to get ready.

So, what can we expect to see today?

The short answer is Sweden's most spectacular show of pomp and pageantry since King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Apart from the carriage procession there will be military bands, an airforce flypast and a naval salute. The harbour is filled with ships from the Swedish navy, royal yachts from Denmark and Norway and British cruiser HMS Kent.

We'll see tradition, but also breaks from Swedish tradition, when Victoria is led halfway up the aisle by her father, the King. The church service will, according to reports, include a duet between veteran singer Björn Skifs and younger counterpart Agnes. Given the occasion, they presumably won't be performing her dancefloor hit 'Release Me'.

There's also speculation that Sweden's 2009 Eurovision entry Malena Ernman will perform. She is, at least, on the guest list - and is widely respected as one of Europe's top sopranos. All will be revealed...
source:the lokal