Prince Julian of Sweden, 3, steals the show at his grandfather's birthday celebrations as he pulls faces and covers his ears... before it all gets too much

Prince Julian of Sweden pulled a mischievous face whilst standing on the balcony of Stockholm's Royal Palace for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday today. 

The son of Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip stole the show with his cheeky facial expressions. 

Julian, the youngest of the eight grandchildren of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, turned three at the end of March. 

The young royal sat on his mother's hip as he waved to crowds of well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the King on his 78th birthday. 

He was joined by his siblings, Prince Alexander, seven, and Prince Gabriel, six, as they clapped, smiled and waved to royal fans. 

The son of Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip stole the show with his cheeky facial expressions

The young royal sat on his mother's hip as he waved to crowds of well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the King on his 78th birthday

Prince Louis, who has recently turned seven, famously put both hands over his ears and yelled as planes flew over the famous London landmark for the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee flypast in 2022

Prince Julian's facial expressions were similar to Prince Louis' when he was pictured on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate Trooping the Colour in 2022. 

Louis, who was four years old, a similar age to Prince Julian at the time, is a big hit with audiences and tends to get all the attention due to his candid expressions. 

Prince Louis, who has recently turned seven, famously put both hands over his ears and yelled as planes flew over the famous London landmark for the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee flypast. 

Princess Sofia looked elegant in a white, conservative tweed-style jacket with stylish oversized gold buttons. 

She wore her golden brown tresses down in a relaxed, wavy blowdry and donned dangly pearl drop-earrings. 

The family put on a sartorial display, with Princess Sofia and all three of her sons wearing white.

Prince Julian covered his ears, similar to Prince Louis at the flypast in 2022 

Princess Sofia comforts her youngest son as he comes restless on the royal balcony today 

Prince Julian was joined by his siblings, Prince Gabriel and Prince Alexander, for their grandfather's birthday 

Prince Julian, three, nestles into his mother's chest on the balcony of the royal palace in Stockholm today 

The young Prince looked as though he had a long day, as he leaned on barrier of the Balcony 

The Swedish royal family were on top form as they waved to well-wishers who wanted to catch a glimpse of the King on his birthday 

Prince Carl Philip looked dapper as he donned his Swedish naval uniform. He graduated as a Second Lieutenant in December 2002 after completing training with the navy. 

In 2019, King Carl XVI Gustaf decided that Princess Sofia's sons, as well as those of Prince Carl Philip's sister Princess Madeline, will not have HRH titles.

Although they will still go by prince and princesses they will not receive taxpayer funds.

At the time of the announcement Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip said it would allow their children to have more freedom when they get older. 

When asked by Royal Central if she had ever considered stepping back from royal life, Sofia said: 'No. Not really. I think I have found such a fantastic balance, and I really see it as positive that I have made it through these stormy years. 

'It is such a huge advantage, in that we have the opportunity to stand a little in both worlds.' 

Princess Victoria of Sweden was also in attendance with her husband, Prince Daniel and their children, Princess Estelle, 12, and Prince Oscar, eight. 

Prince Julian channeled the same energy as Prince Louis on the balcony today 

The family put on a sartorial display, with Princess Sofia and all three of her sons wearing white

Princess Sofia's youngest son, Prince Julian, rubs his eyes as he stands on the Palace's balcony today

Princess Estelle smiles for the cameras as she speaks to her grandmother Queen Silvia

None of Princess Sofia's sons, as well as those of Prince Carl Philip's sister Princess Madeline, have HRH titles

Queen Silvia of Sweden looked chic as she sported a vibrant fuchsia button jacket for her husband's special day 

The royals clapped and smiled for crowds that gathered to wish the King a happy birthday

Princess Victoria of Sweden was in attendance, along with her husband Prince Daniel and their children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar

The family gathered on the balcony of the Royal Palace located in the capital city of Sweden today

Prince Carl Philip looked dapper in his naval uniform as he joined his wife and three children

King Carl XVI Gustaf receives flowers from well-wishers for his birthday   

Young girls hand the King bouquets of flowers outside the Palace in Stockholm today

The King appears to struggle to hear two young girls in traditional dress 

King Carl XVI Gustaf stands outside the Palace on his 78th birthday 

The mother-of-two looked chic in a a high-neck beige and cream patterned, chiffon blouse and she opted to wear her brunette locks in a sleek bun, complete with a pair of statement gold earrings. 

Estelle mirrored her mother, donning a similar-style high-neck mint floral blouse, silver diamond earrings and chose to wear her golden hair down in a curly blowdry. 

Prince Daniel aligned his ensemble with his son Oscar, as they both looked smart in navy suits, crisp white shirts and a light blue tie. 

King Carl XVI Gustaf also looked well-dressed in his official uniform as he joined his family on the balcony for the occasion.

The monarch is the most senior representative of the Swedish Armed Forces and is an admiral of the Navy and a general of the Army and the Air Force. 

His wife, Queen Silvia of Sweden, sported a vibrant fuchsia button jacket along with pearl earrings, a matching brooch and a glitzy diamond necklace. 

Shortly after 11am, the navy band played music outside the palace to honour the King and at lunchtime, a salute of 21 shots was fired from Skeppsholmen, an island in Stockholm.

King Carl XVI Gustaf received many bouquets of flowers from well-wishers stood outside the Palace for his birthday.

During the afternoon and evening, a private celebration will take place inside the Royal Palace, where those closest to the King will celebrate his milestone birthday.