Prince Christian of Denmark marked his 18th birthday with a grandiose soirée at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen last weekend. This event held profound significance for the prince, as he stands as the firstborn of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, positioning him as the second-in-line to ascend the Danish throne.
Noteworthy attendees graced the gala, including dignitaries from several European monarchies, among them four future queens: Princess Catharina-Amalia of The Netherlands, Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium.
In recent years, a cadre of young royals celebrated their transition into adulthood. Let us journey through the milestones of these heirs below…
The Prince of Wales
For his 18th birthday in June 2000, Prince William was captured in a picturesque setting at Eton College. A grand celebration unfolded that summer at Windsor Castle, commemorating multiple royal birthdays, including the centenary of the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret’s 70th, Princess Anne’s 50th, and Prince Andrew’s 40th.
However, historical accounts indicate that William was unable to partake in the festivities, diligently engrossed in his A-Level examinations. Eventually, the Prince entered into matrimony with his university sweetheart, Kate Middleton, in April 2011, and the couple has since welcomed three offspring into their royal lineage—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
The firstborn of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden marked her 18th year with a significant milestone—the delivery of her inaugural public oration at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. She graced the event in a resplendent royal blue gown, accentuated by a pearl necklace.
Moreover, the Crown Princess donned the Order of the Seraphim for the very first time, signifying her ascent into adulthood. Victoria’s journey led her to wed fitness instructor Daniel Westling in 2010, resulting in the birth of two progenies—Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium
The eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde celebrated her 18th birthday with a magnificent gala held at the royal palace in Brussels. In attendance were distinguished politicians, family members, and peers born in Elisabeth’s birth year of 2001.
A poignant moment unfolded as Queen Mathilde visibly welled up with emotion while her daughter delivered a profoundly touching public address. The princess has since embarked on an academic pursuit at Lincoln College, Oxford University, where she was vested with the Order of Leopold on her 18th birthday.
Princess Catharina-Amalia of The Netherlands
The Dutch royal palace unveiled a series of portraits to honor Princess Catharina-Amalia’s attainment of 18 years in December 2021. The princess was elegantly captured in a scarlet belted dress, set against the backdrop of the royal abode, Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
On this momentous day, King Willem-Alexander bestowed upon his daughter the distinguished titles of Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion and Knight in the House Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau. Catharina-Amalia embarked on her academic journey in September 2022, pursuing studies in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics at the University of Amsterdam.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
Approximately 200 esteemed guests convened for a lavish banquet at the royal palace in Oslo, commemorating Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 18th birthday in 2022. The daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit graced the occasion donning a deep purple Albert Ferretti gown, accentuated by the resplendent Boucheron Circlet Pearl Tiara—an heirloom tracing back to her great-great-grandmother, Princess Ingeborg of Sweden.
Currently, Princess Ingrid Alexandra undertakes the roles of a school assistant and environmental steward at Uranienborg School. In 2024, she will commence her inaugural year of military training with the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord.
Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg
In 1999, Prince Guillaume celebrated his 18th birthday surrounded by family, including his late grandparents, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte. Guillaume has remained the presumptive heir to the throne of Luxembourg since his father’s accession in 2000.
In 2012, he entered into wedlock with Stephanie de Lannoy, and the couple now embraces the roles of parents to two progeny—Prince Charles and Prince Francois, born in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
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