King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden finished a busy week of engagements with a trip to the ballet on Friday evening.
The Swedish King and Queen attended the world premiere of the Royal Swedish Ballet’s new production, Gustavia.
The new ballet is a retelling of Gustav Badin Couschi’s life. Badin was born in the mid-eighteenth century in the West Indies and was brought to the court of King Adolf Frederik as a slave. He was presented as a gift, and Queen Lovisa Ulrika acted as a quasi-foster mother. Badin remained at court for most of his adult life, and even took part in court ballets.
The new RSB production focuses on Badin’s life at court, following the dramatic story of his alleged relationship with Princess Sophia Albertina.
The Royal Swedish Ballet is one of the oldest ballet companies in the world. It was originally founded by King Gustaf III.
Gustavia is running from 18 October through 9 November 2024 at the Royal Swedish Opera.
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia received a new ambassador earlier on Friday. At the Royal Palace, Their Majesties received Her Excellency Ambassador of the State of Qatar Nadia bint Ahmed Al Sheebi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Sweden.
