‘Insulting’: Fans hit out as British Royal Family skips birthday milestone

Dorothy Reddin
Fri, 01 May 2026 16:07:28 +0000

Royal watchers have complained after the British monarchy did not appear to be represented at the King of Sweden's 80th birthday celebrations.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden celebrated his 80th birthday on April 30 with a series of grand events in Stockholm, culminating in a magnificent Gala Banquet at the Royal Palace.

The celebration brought together members of the Swedish Royal Family and numerous foreign royals and heads of state for a display of "Nordic unity and timeless grandeur".

However, the British Royal Family were not present. King Charles and Queen Camilla were in the US this week for a State Visit, and His Majesty has now travelled on to Bermuda.

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King Carl XVI Gustaf was joined by his wife, Queen Silvia, and their three children, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Madeleine.

Prominent guests included King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, and King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand.

One royal fan wrote on X: "Disappointing not one BRF (British Royal Family) went. So insulting."

Another agreed, commenting: "Indeed, it’s shameful. Almost always the same thing when the Royals are doing some events, we can see all the different Royal Houses but not the BRF.

"When the BRF host events all the Royals come and enjoy. In my book it’s not polite at all."

However, several fans defended the British royals, with one stating: "It was European royalty who are related."

Another quipped: "Perhaps they weren't invited?"

Similarly, someone posted: "Has any one of these people attended Trooping the Colour ever, which is to honour the UK monarch’s birthday? I don’t recall ever seeing any but I could be wrong. It’s not a big deal move on."

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GB News has contacted both Buckingham Palace and the Swedish Royal Court for comment.

The official day of celebration followed a structured programme of tradition and military honour, starting with a morning prayer service held at the Royal Chapel of the Royal Palace.

A ceremony in the Outer Courtyard followed, featuring the Changing of the Guard, a 21-gun salute, and an Air Force flyover.

The Swedish King and his family made a popular balcony appearance to greet the crowds gathered in Stockholm.

An official luncheon was then hosted by the City of Stockholm at the City Hall for Carl and his royal guests.

The day concluded with a formal state banquet in the Rikssalen (Hall of State).

Queen Silvia wore the historic Braganza Tiara, one of the most valuable in the world.

Meanwhile, Queen Mary of Denmark debuted a convertible tiara repurposed from a diamond bracelet.

Finally, Queen Suthida of Thailand wore traditional Thai Borom Piman robes during the celebrations.

To mark the occasion, the Swedish Government presented the King with a custom textile rug.

This "decorative success" has been permanently installed on the podium of the Hall of State at the Royal Palace as part of the royal collections.