Victoria and Daniel Celebrate a 250th Anniversary in Finland

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel were in Vaasa, Finland, on Friday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Vaasa Court of Appeal. Their arrival through the streets of the old wooden town turned into a public celebration, with well-wishers lining the route.

The Crown Princess couple arrived at the celebrations in Vaasa arm in arm. Photo: TT

The court has deep Swedish roots: it was the Swedish King Gustav III who founded the Vaasa Court of Appeal in 1775, as Finland's second court of appeal after the Court of Appeal of Turku. Finland was part of Sweden at the time. The court held its first session by royal decree on August 21, 1776, exactly 250 years to the day before Friday's visit.

Victoria was received in bright sunshine in Vaasa. Photo: TT The couple on the steps of the venerable court building. Photo: TT

Inside the court, the couple were received by the court's leadership and representatives of official Finland.

Victoria greeted the court's guests on the red carpet. Photo: TT Victoria received a bouquet in the colours of the Swedish and Finnish flags. Photo: TT The couple were shown around the court, which has ruled on Finnish law since 1776. Photo: TT The Crown Princess during the celebrations in Vaasa. Photo: TT

Outside, in the Court of Appeal Park, the couple met local residents, and Victoria planted an anniversary tree to mark the day. The Crown Princess took up the spade with a smile, and watered the oak afterwards.

Victoria took up the spade for the planting of the anniversary tree. Photo: TT The anniversary oak got off to a good start with water from the Crown Princess. Photo: TT

Later the same day, Aalto University in Espoo was on the programme, where the couple were due to meet students and researchers.

Many had gathered in the Court of Appeal Park to greet the Crown Princess couple. Photo: TT