Princess Victoria marks birthday with huge party in Sweden

One of Europe's most popular royals has celebrated her birthday by meeting thousands of her adoring subjects.

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria is heir to the throne, and recently turned 41.

The Swedish Royal Household released a new portrait to mark the occasion.

Her birthday is a day for all to share, so the family's royal residence was opened to the public for a special meet and greet.

Around 4000 people waited for hours in the sun to shake the Crown Princess's hand, at Solliden Palace in Oland.

The celebration was a family affair, with Princess Victoria and husband Prince Daniel brining out their two children to say hello.

Princess Estelle, six, and Prince Oscar, two, joined their parents in the summer sunshine.

Little Oscar was even spotted playing with a ball on the palace lawn.

Victoria's father King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife Queen Silvia were also present.

Later that day, the birthday festivities moved to another part of town for a larger celebration.

Princess Victoria changed out of her Zadig and Voltaire frock for a traditional Swedish outfit.

The royals took part in a carriage ride through the sports arena before being seated on stage in front of their adoring public.

Victoria's daughter Estelle looked quite bored throughout the day, yawning and burying her head into a blanket before eventually falling asleep.

The Crown Princess was joined by her brother, Prince Carl and his wife Princess Sofia.

Their two sons, princes Alexander, two, and Gabriel, 11 months, were left at home with their nanny.

Princess Victoria's younger sister, Princess Madeleine, was also there with husband Chris O'Neill but there was also no sign of their three children - Princess Leonore, four, Prince Nicolas, two, and Princess Adrienne, four months.