Well-wishers and stars fete Swedish crown princess on her birthday

Jul 14, 2008, 13:40 GMT

Stockholm - Thousands of well-wishers gathered Monday to fete Swedish Crown Princess Victoria on her 31st birthday.

The crown princess was cheered when she appeared along with her parents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, outside the Solliden Palace on the island of Oland off Sweden's east coast where the royals spend part of their summer holidays.

Oland, known as one of Sweden's sunniest places, lived up to its reputation Monday.

Victoria and other members of the royal family were Monday evening to attend a traditional birthday celebration in her honour at Borgholm near Solliden.

Performers include British singer Leona Lewis and Charlotte Perrelli, Sweden's entry to the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.

During the ceremony, the crown princess was to present a scholarship in her name to Swedish hurdler Susanna Kallur, one of Sweden's top medal hopefuls at the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

Last year the scholarship was awarded to Swedish football player Henrik Larsson.

A possible announcement of an engagement to Daniel Westling, who the crown princess has been dating for some six years was ruled as unlikely - at least judging by the odds offered by online bookmakers.

Hours before the ceremony began, local media reported that a 44- year-old Danish national alleged to be suffering from mental problems was detained in Borgholm, the main town of Oland after brandishing a long knife.

The man, who was dressed as a ninja fighter, was last week alleged to have made threatening remarks against the crown princess.

Meanwhile, Stockholm tabloid Expressen reported that the crown princess has taken up horse riding as a hobby.

The newspaper published photos of her riding on Sunday with some friends on a barren plain known as Stora Allvaret in southern Oland.

A source quoted by the newspaper said Victoria's interest in riding had been kindled by her younger sister, Princess Madeleine.