King Carl XVI Gustaf attended a sermon where Skaraborg’s Regiment received a new banner.
The Swedish king is Swedish Defence’s primary representative. During this ceremony, King Carl Gustaf spoke freely and expressed his concern for Europe’s future.
The ceremony and the royal visit were held on a very special day. Saturday, 8 October, when the visit was carried out, was the 80th anniversary of the restoration of the regiment. The Skaraborg Regiment is a Swedish Army armoured regiment that traces its origins back to the 16th century. It was converted from an infantry regiment in 1942 to a regiment for armoured vehicles. For a short time in the 1990s, the unit was merged with Skaraborg Brigade, but in accordance with the new Defence Act, the unit was reorganised once again in 2000.
The King said: “The security situation in Europe has changed significantly due to the war in Ukraine. Our military defence will now gradually increase its capabilities. And within the framework of our total defence, civil society is once again being equipped to cope with an armed attack.”
King Carl Gustaf handed over the new banner to the Colonel of the regiment and then inspected the units. Following the ceremony, the King visited the regimental camp and signed his name on a memorial stone.
Around 6,000 visitors are estimated to have taken part in the event. Those who visited the regiment on this day were able to see an extensive display and the history of the regiment and its vehicles.
Sweden is in the midst of a significant military build-up; at the same time, the nation has applied for NATO membership alongside Finland as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf has openly supported the increased focus on the military.
