Velvet dresses are a party season staple, and naturally Europe's most stylish royals are embracing the festive trend.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, 40, attended a formal event at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, which awards the Nobel Prize for literature, looking sensational in a purple velvet number.

She was accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, 44, who looked dapper in a black tailcoat.

The affectionate couple smiled for the waiting cameras as the heir to the throne held on to her husband's arm for support.

Her pregnant sister Princess Madeleine also kept things high in the glamour stakes, dressing her baby bump in a floor-length navy blue gown - the same shade sported by new mother Princess Sofia, who showed off a new longer, curled hairstyle.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, 40, attended a formal event in the Swedish Academy in Stockholm on Wednesday night with her husband Prince Daniel

Also at the formal event was Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia, who wore a stylish blue gown, while pregnant Princess Madeleine also opted for a similar shade

Victoria looked glamorous in her floor length velvet dress, which she wore under a black fur coat.

She wore a matching pair of velvet heels and a discreet pair of black tights for added warmth.

She accessorised with a shimmering silver clutch bag and a dainty pair of diamond earrings.

Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip took a night off from parenting duties, having welcomed their second son Prince Gabriel in August.

Victoria kept warm in the winter weather in a stylish black fur coat over a dazzling purple velvet dress

The royal affectionately held onto the arm of Prince Daniel as they entered the event

The couple seemed to be in high spirits and smiled to the waiting cameras outside the venue

Prince Daniel looked dapper in a black tailcoat as he accompanied his wife to the event

The former model looked radiant, showcasing a new longer hairdo which she wore in curls swept back from her face with a glittering headband.

She wisely covered up against the winter chill with a jaunty black coat embellished with applique polka dots, while Prince Carl Philip looked dapper in a formal suit.

Much like the Queen's Christmas Day speech, the Swedish royal family release a Christmas message a few days ahead of the big day where they reflect on the year that's gone and the one ahead.

On 23rd the family celebrate the birthday of Queen Silvia, who will turn 74 on Saturday, with a German fruit cake served in a nod towards her heritage.

Victoria and Daniel warmed the hearts of royal watchers when they released their annual Christmas card earlier this week.

They shared portraits and even a video of the foursome enjoying activities such as sledging and snowball fights at Haga Castle.

Victoria showed she's a good sport as she came off badly in a snowball attack by her husband and daughter Estelle.