HRH The Crown Princess's speech at the Gala dinner on the occasion of The King’s 80th birthday

We are here tonight to celebrate my father, His Majesty the King.

As king, he has dedicated his life to serving his country.

As a father, he has given me and my siblings the gift of truly understanding what that service is: a great responsibility – but also a joy and an honour.

I know that all of you, who are here tonight, share that understanding of what it means to serve your country. And I know how much it means to my father to have you here as his guests. Now, as I address my father, I hope you will forgive me for switching to Swedish.

Your Majesty,
Dear Pappa,

Almost three years ago, we gathered here in the Hall of State to celebrate your 50th anniversary as King of Sweden. On that occasion, I thanked you for the sense of security it has given me, Carl Philip and Madeleine, to follow in your footsteps – whether here at the Royal Palace or out in nature. When we were children, we knew that as long as we walked in your footsteps, we would always find our way.

Now I find myself at a stage in life that I think many people my age can relate to – a time when you may not always follow in your parents’ footsteps in a literal sense, but you still carry them with you, always.

This past winter, I went cross-country skiing up in Storlien. It was a little too late in the afternoon, the weather had begun to close in, and I was not dressed warmly enough.

Up on the mountain, it quickly grew dark and cold. The wind picked up. Only the moon lit up the snow. And all the while, I could hear your voice in the back of my mind, Pappa, as clearly as if you had been there with me on the trail. “Victoria, that was pretty unwise.”

But I also knew what advice you would have given me: Stand tall in your clothes, as you always say when it is cold. Hold your course. Keep moving forward!

And that is exactly what I did, up there on the mountain. Because that is what you would have done.

I know that all of us siblings can hear that voice in our heads. Caring – yes – but also a little firm. “Pretty unwise!”

I must admit, I do not always listen to that voice. But I do hear it, Pappa. And not just in the back of my mind, but, to my great surprise, more often coming from myself as a parent. “One hand for yourself and one for the boat!” That rule at sea is now something your grandchildren know as well (right, Estelle?).

But the most important thing you have given us, less through words than through your actions, it is a sense of respect and humility before the task. To serve Sweden has been, and continues to be, not just your life’s work, but your calling.

Together with Mamma, you have shown us, every single day, what it means to honour one’s duty. I will do everything I can to pass that understanding on to the next generation. The next link in the chain.

Dear Pappa, you are now entering your eighty-first year. For nearly fifty-three years, you have been King of Sweden. You have seen crises come and go, watched Sweden and the world change and evolve. You have gone from always being the youngest in the room to the most senior one. You are now the one who represents continuity, the long-term perspective.

But honestly, for someone who embodies continuity and constancy, you are not very good at sitting still.

I think about the interests you have, and that you have passed on to us children. The ski trips, the mountain hikes, all the boat outings. The passion for cars that you and Carl Philip share. Yours and Madeleine’s long walks with the dogs at Alvaret.

You always want to keep moving forward - preferably under slightly uncomfortable conditions.

Rain and wind? Refreshing!
Rough seas? Wonderful!
Icicles in your beard? Yes, please!
Nothing makes you happier than battling the elements in proper Swedish weather.

So, when I head out into the mountains a bit too late in the day, a bit underdressed, it might be unwise. But it is also absolutely wonderful, and I know you understand exactly what I mean. We both love weather!

In the same way, you approach your mission. Never sitting still. No unnecessary pauses in the schedule. Surely, we can fit something more into this visit?

You are a constant, constantly in motion. Completely in line with your motto: For Sweden – with the Times.

Over the years, you have actually become just a little better at taking it easy. Not comfortable, absolutely not! But these days, you can occasionally be seen sitting down with a book, preferably one of Prince Wilhelm’s many travel accounts.

You might even admit that it can be rather nice to have something sweet after a meal.

If I know you – and I believe I do – you don’t consider turning 80 as much of an achievement. A hundred years, that might be worth a telegram – you have sent quite a few of those by now. But 80 – is that really something to celebrate? For a man with a very busy schedule?

But you know what, Pappa? Today you will simply have to accept to be celebrated. Because that is what dads who turn 80 get to do. Whether they are King of Sweden or not.

Dear Pappa: congratulations!