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LS Palace in Stockholm
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2.
MLS Mounted band entering courtyard
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MV Prince Gustav flanked by military chiefs stands at attention.
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4.
MS Guard of honour PAN to officer with national flag
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5.
MS Crowd
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MS Mounted guard commander salutes Prince
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MCS Prince salutes (2 shots)
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MS Mounted band marching past Prince PAN to Prince.
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Initials JKP:1522 JKP:1550



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Crown Prince Carl Gustav of Sweden formally came of age on Friday (30 April) at 25, and became a direct heir to the throne of his grandfather King Gustav Adolf.

The ruling Social Democrats - dedicated in principle to abolishing the monarchy and establishing a Republic - pushed through legislation in 1965 to prevent the Crown Prince from coming of age at 21.

The Crown Prince can now be crowned immediately his grandfather dies. Before the 30 April, Parliament would have appointed a Regent and then discussed the question of the next head of state.

This film shows the Grown Prince on his birthday inspecting the Royal Board in Stockholm.

SYNOPSIS: In the courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm on Friday, an inspection of the Royal Guard by Crown Prince Carl Gustav marked the Prince's 25th birthday, and his coming of age\as a direct heir to the Swedish throne.

This Prince also attended his first Royal Cabinet meeting during the day, with his grandfather King Gustav Adolf, and his uncle Prince Bertil.

Now that he has come of age the Crown Prince can be crowned King immediately his grandfather dies. Before his 25th birthday Parliament would have appointed a Regent and then discussed the question of the next head of state. The ruling Social Democrats are in fact dedicated to the principle of abolishing the Monarchy. They pushed through legislation in 1965 to prevent the Crown Prince from coming of age at 21. In addition, the Government is preparing legislation to reduce the Monarch's status, stripping him of whatever power he has left in the political sphere and also of the right to deliver the traditional speech from the throne at the start of each year. The Crown Prince meets these threats to his status quietly and continues with his traditional duties. In a recent television interview he said that the Monarch should be above politics.