Princess Birgitta laid to rest

 

Wreaths from Birgtta's four siblings and their families: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna

Princess Birgitta's funeral service took place in Drottningholm's castle church on December 16. The princess was then buried on the Royal burial ground in Haga Park, near Haga Palace where she and her siblings grew up. Crown Princess Victoria and her family live in Haga Palace.

Following Princess Birgitta's wish, the ceremonies took place in the family circle and specially invited guests.

HRH Princess Birgitta's seraphim shield. Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Rikssalen in the palace where a condolence book was set up @Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The princess's remains were in a white casket with a white floral arrangement on it.  She was a member of the Order of the Seraphim.  Between noon and 1 p.m., the  Riddarholm Church bells rang out in her honor.   

Between  90 and 100 guests at the funeral including the late princess' four siblings,  Princesses Margaretha, Désirée and Christina, and King Car XVI Gustaf and their families.

One of Birgitta's closest friends, Alexandra Charles spoke to Expressan after the service and burial, saying Birgitta's daughter, Princess Désirée compared her mother to a butterfly.  "It was very nice. The children thanked their mother for everything wonderful that she has meant to them."

The music during the service included Franz Schubert's Ava Maria.  "It was a very nice atmosphere with the music and the speeches. It was very loving," said another friend Kerstin Falkenberg.

Princess Sofia was seen comforting Prince Carl Philip at the burial.  Princess Birgitta was one of his godparents.