Royal Flashback of the Day: April 8

It's time to return to Sweden for part two of our look at the celebrations for King Carl Gustaf's 60th birthday in 2006. Previously in our time travel machine, we checked out the private party that kicked things off for some of the international guests attending the birthday festivities. We rejoin the fun the next day, where a lunch was held at Stockholm's City Hall. Once again, this is only a small selection of the guests and their hatted finery.

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The Swedish royal family: Princess Madeleine, Prince Carl Philip, Crown Princess Victoria, Queen Silvia, King Carl Gustaf

The Birthday King! He wore a suit. Big brims all around for the ladies and Queen Silvia is very tangerine but also perfectly on point. (Apparently this was a big year for shoes with ankle straps, which I seem to have blocked from my memory - perhaps willfully, as they are so often an unflattering choice.)

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The princesses were 123.6% improved without their bulky coats. I love this jacket on Victoria, but I think Madeleine learned some hard lessons in static cling here.

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The Belgian contingent: Princess Mathilde, Prince Philippe, Queen Paola, King Albert

That might be an actual model of the galaxy on Mathilde's head, but never has a science fair project looked lovelier. Queen Paola's periwinkle gets a purple pass from me.

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Crown Princess Mette-Marit

I really don't know what inspired Mette-Marit to throw a dash of ketchup and mustard on her plain black outfit, but it did need the extra interest. I wonder if she knocked into any door frames along the way.

And finally, representing the outfits that could have used a little less interest...

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The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima

Look at Willem-Alexander, always the smitten kitten. Doesn't even seem to realize his wife is being attacked by a swarm of knots and bows from her neck to her toes. Bless.

Photos: via Getty Images