The Crown Princess of Sweden has upset church leaders by announcing she wants to be given away by her father when she marries next month.

Swedes consider the practice sexist. Traditionally, the bride and groom walk down the aisle together.

Fitness instructor Daniel Westling with his royal bride-to-be, Crown Princess Victoria, and her father King Carl XVI Gustaf. Credit:Getty Images

However, Crown Princess Victoria wishes to walk to the altar at Stockholm Cathedral on the arm of her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, at her wedding to Daniel Westling, a commoner.

The head of the Swedish church, Archbishop Anders Wejryd, has taken the unusual step of issuing a public statement expressing his disapproval at the adoption of such an Anglo-Saxon practice.