The Swedish military is currently in the middle of a process of building up its forces. King Carl XVI Gustaf handed over a new flag to the Karlberg Military Academy in Stockholm on November 18th 2021 in front of cadets and staff.
The school’s old banner, which was handed out in connection with the school’s 200th anniversary in 1992, could thus be taken out of use. During the ceremony, the King handed over the new banner to Lieutenant Colonel Johan Martinsson, Deputy Head of School at Karlberg Military Academy. When the King had handed out the flag, the King’s Royal Anthem was sung. The king then inspected the units set up to the tunes of the Swedish march “Under the Blue-Yellow Flag”, performed by the Army Music Corps.
During the ceremony, the Swedish king gave a speech, saying: “The task of the Armed Forces is to protect Sweden and defend the country’s freedom. It is crucial that those who are to perform this task receive the best possible education. So that they can drive forward and develop it. Here at Karlberg Castle, Swedish officers have been trained for over 200 years. This makes Karlberg the world’s oldest military school with education in the same place”.
The King continued: “Extensive activities are conducted here, which are important for Sweden’s defence. The biggest task is of course to train and train new officers. Nevertheless, Karlberg also has a central function in other areas. Among other things in the Armed Forces’ veterans’ and relatives’ activities, management training, and for the development of requirements and methods regarding physical ability”.
The Kings father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, graduated as an officer from Karlsberg Military Academy in 1927. The King’s son, Prince Carl Philip, did half his officer training at the academy. And the King himself also has been a cadet at the academy.
