Gay of the Year gong given by Swedish Crown Princess Victoria

Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria made a surprise entrance at a gay awards show on Monday. The event celebrates Swedish LGBT people who have contributed to society. The winner of the 2013 event was an author and comedian.

“It’s a true delight for me to be here tonight. To feel your power, your happiness and your sense of community,” the 35-year-old princess said, leading to her hitting headlines on Tuesday.

The appearance, that prompted a standing ovation, has been described as a landmark in gay activism and a historic LGBT moment by the media and gay groups. The winner of Gay of the Year 2013 was bestowed on Jonas Gardell, an author and comedian.

Princess Victoria said of Gardell, “Few have touched us and made us so proud as you have. Your message is clear. Straighten your back. Stretch out your hand. We will wipe each other’s tears.”

Gardell, was issued the award for his television series, and book, Never Dry Tears Without Gloves, which looks at the onset of AIDS in the 1980s. The book’s title refers to the instructions given to a nurse as she wiped tears off a dying man’s face.

Princess Victoria walked out on stage to the sound of ABBA’s Dancing Queen track, but it was Gardell who suggested he was queen of the night:

“Victoria, you’re our crown princess, but I think tonight I’m our queen,”

The gong show is arranged by a gay magazine in the country. The 2012 winner was Sweden’s first elite footballer to reveal his homosexuality, Anton Hysen.