King Carl XVI Gustaf addressed the Swedish people on Christmas night, focusing on the benefits of science and research while sharing his hope for the future.
He first remarked on how he and the Queen sent telegrams to over 1500 Swedes who turned 100 this year and how unusual it used to be to reach such a milestone. The King said that many of those born now will get to celebrate their 100th birthdays and called that an “absolutely fantastic development.”
His Majesty remarked on how those turning 100 were born in the same year that the Swedish parliament held an election with universal suffrage -electing the first five females to the Riksdag. He said: “Through this change, Sweden took a decisive step towards becoming the country we are today.”
The King then mentioned how Sweden has its first female Prime Minister in office now and his pride for that.
King Carl Gustaf then explained that the reason so many people are able to live to see their 100th birthdays is due to the developments in research, science and healthcare.
The King shared his discussions with a cancer researcher regarding treatments the researcher hopes to be able to give to patients that allows patients longer to live. He then said: “But the really big thing, he said, is that every step of the way lays the foundation for new discoveries – so that people may have several years, or even decades, to live on together.”
Of course, as the global health crisis continues, His Majesty remarked on the vaccines and treatments for the virus that have been developed to help the world control it a little better.
Carl Gustaf then stressed: “Research saves and prolongs human lives. I have a hard time imagining a more meaningful business. If I can hope for anything in the future, it is precisely that more young people in our country should devote their energy and creativity to further driving science – and our entire society – forward.”
The King went on to speak about the trips to each of Sweden’s counties that the Royal Family has undertaken and his respect for charities, authorities and healthcare doing so much over the past two years. He also made to sure express his condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
King Carl Gustaf said he hoped those going through grief could find happiness in the new year: “I cannot say anything that fills that void. But I still want, in this way, to send you a greeting and a thought. I hope that as many as possible in our country get to meet the new year with hope and confidence. But let us also have the courage to see and help those who are having a hard time.”
He then concluded by wishing the Swedes a Happy Christmas and New Year.
The King’s speech was broadcast on SVT from Princess Sibylla’s Apartment in the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
