The King of Sweden marked his 75th birthday yesterday with scaled-back ceremonies in Stockholm due to the pandemic. He received visits at the Royal Palace from members of the Riksdag (Swedish parliament), Armed Forces and other members of Sweden’s government.
In the morning, there was a small reception for the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Riksdag, the Dean of the County Governors, the Chairman of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, and Marshal of the Realm at Stockholm Palace. The First Deputy Speaker of the Riksdag Åsa Lindestam and Prime Minister Stefan Löfven presented His Majesty with a portrait medallion in plaster by the artist Ernst Nordin that will hang in the Riksdag by a medallion of King Gustaf VI Adolf.
At noon, the Swedish Armed Forces fired the traditional salutes from several forts across the country. The King also received some representatives from the Armed Forces at the Royal Palace in a very small reception.
After lunch, there was a surprise for the King as the Veteran Aviation Association later flew over the palace in tribute to the monarch. King Carl Gustaf watched the flypast from the Lejonbacken.
The Royal Court also released a video tribute to His Majesty that showed pictures from throughout his life.
King Carl XVI Gustaf has asked that people donate to charity instead of sending gifts for his birthday. He specifically requested that people make donations to Stockholm’s city missions, which are close to his heart. He hopes the money raised for his birthday will help the missions help more Swedes in need.
There are city missions in Eskilstuna, Gothenburg, Kalmar, Linköping, Skåne, Stockholm, Umeå, Uppsala, Västerås and Örebro. The Royal Palace said those wishing to donate can do so here.
