The Golden Jubilee year has begun in Sweden, and celebrations are set to last most of the year.
A new portrait of the King was released on New Year’s Day to begin the monumental year, and the first official event for the jubilee is set for later this month.
On 20 January, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philp and Princess Sofia will attend the Swedish dinner at the Royal Palace for representatives and governors of each of Sweden’s counties.
The King and Queen kick off their country tour in February, where they will travel to each of Sweden’s counties from February through September. Their first stop is in Nyköping, Södermanland County, on 9 February; their final stop will be on 7 September in Karlstad, Värmland County.
The goal of the visits is to attend public events in each county and meet as many Swedish citizens as possible.
Different exhibitions will be on display throughout the year at various palaces, including the Royal Palace, Slottsbacken and Vasaborgen Gripsholm.
Not only does this year mark the Golden Jubilee of King Carl Gustaf, but it also marks the 500th anniversary of Sweden becoming the country it is today. National Day is held annually on 6 June, and it honours the election of King Gustav Vasa as King in 1623. As such, the country will mark its 500th anniversary on National Day. The King and Queen will start the festivities in Strängnäs and conclude them with the rest of the Royal Family in Stockholm.
The usual National Day dinner at the Royal Palace will be replaced with a dinner that is larger than usual to celebrate the Jubilee and 500th anniversary of Sweden. It will be held at the Nordic Museum.
The largest celebrations for King Carl Gustaf and the Golden Jubilee come in September, when the King will mark 50 years on the throne. Festivities will occur on 15 September (the day he took the throne) and 16 September in Stockholm.
On 15 September, a Te Deum will take place in the Royal Chapel of Stockholm Palace; the King will also be present at the Changing of the Guard and hear a Singer’s Tribute in the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace. A gala dinner will take place in the evening in the palace.
The following day will see Their Majesties travel through Stockholm in a carriage.
Further details, including the guest list, will be announced in due course.
