Royals from all over Europe are taking part in a two-day celebration, marking the 80th birthdays of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway.
Members of the royal families from across the continent kicked off the festivities in spectacular fashion with a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in the Oslo on Tuesday.
But the highlight for royal spectators came just ahead of the dinner, when all the royals stepped out onto the palace’s great balcony to greet the public. A crowd of several thousand well-wishers honoured the appearance by singing the country’s birthday song, “Hurra for Deg.”
Harald celebrated his birthday on February 21, while Sonja will reach the milestone on July 4.
Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja wave to well-wishers with Emma Tallulah Behn,
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway’s daughter.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark is pictured front and centre alonngside Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
Frederik and Mary look as in love as they did during their first year of marriage!
The event featured a glittering guest list of European royals — among them Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia (who is expecting her second child!) of Sweden and representing Britain was Prince Edward’s wife, the Countess of Wessex.
Also in attendance was Belgian-born Desiree Kogevinas, 39, the daughter of Sweden’s Countess Bernadotte and Nicos Eletherios Kogevinas, who unintentionally stole the spotlight in a form-fitting red asymmetric gown for the event.
Royals from the Netherlands, Greece and Spain were also extended an invitation for the grand occasion.
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands also attended the official Gala dinner at the Royal Palace.
Belgian-born Desiree Kogevinas stole the show alongside Carlos Eugster, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden are currently expecting their second child together.
A group photograph was taken to mark the celebration, with King Harald and Queen Sonja featured proudly in the centre.
Sonja, who choose to wear a brightly-hued lime green ball gown for the event, stood out amongst a wash of subtle nude and deep-emerald ensembles.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark looked stunning in a floor length nude-coloured gown as she was accompanied by Prince Albert of Monaco into the dinner. She accented the look with a simple up do and a showstopping tiara.
The royals of the hour, King Harald and Queen Sonja, make their grand entrance at the dinner.
Princess Mary chose a champagne coloured gown for the glittering event.
She was accompanied by Prince Albert of Monaco upon entering the gala.
Meanwhile, Princess Sofia of Sweden, who is expecting her second child with husband Prince Carl Philip, took maternity wear to new heights with a navy embellished gown, featuring an empire waist. She entered the party alongside Bernard Mach and the ever-glamorous Princess Tatiana of Greece, who opted for a chic off-the-shoulder gown in a deep forest green.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who was accompanied by Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, sported some of the most impressive jewels at the event with a matching tiara, brooch and earring set, featuring a staggering amount of diamonds and light blue emeralds.
Princess Sofia of Sweden (R) entered the party alongside Bernard Mach (C) and Princess Tatiana of Greece (L).
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive for the extravagant dinner.
But the festivities don’t stop there!
On Wednesday, the royal guests were treated to a lunchtime cruise aboard the Norwegian royal ship followed by a cruise through the Oslo Fjord, before joining a range of dignitaries at a dinner at the Norwegian Opera – a gift from the Norwegian government to the royal couple.
Princess Sofia showed off her growing baby bump throughout the day as she posed for photos alongside her husband and fellow European royals. The royal couple, who are already parents to one-year-old son, Prince Alexander, appeared to be relaxed and in good spirits as they took part in the extravagant celebrations.
The genetically-blessed royal is expected to give birth in September 2017.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are already parents to one-year-old son, Prince Alexander.
The genetically-blessed young royal (and former reality TV star) is taking maternity wear to a whole new level!
