The county tours by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden have kicked off as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations for the King.
The King and Queen undertook the first stop in each of Sweden’s counties last week in Södermanland County and the city of Nyköping.
Their Majesties toured the Södermanland County Museum as the first engagement of the country-wide tour. The museum is hosting a new exhibit for the jubilee entitled “M The King – 50 years for Sweden,” and it features photos from the King and Queens visits to the county since he took the throne in 1973.
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia then walked to Nyköpingshus for lunch in the Gästabudsalen.
The tour on foot continued over the City Bridge to the Great Square, where the Defence Music performed the new “Jubilee March” composed for His Majesty’s 50 years on the throne.
An Anniversary Program took place at Stora Torget with musical performances and other entertainment before His Majesty gave a speech.
He praised Sweden’s development and the challenges it faced to become the “peaceful nation” it is today. The King spoke of new challenges and the fight for peace and progress.
King Carl Gustaf also addressed the future, saying: “Because this is how I imagine the future: Together we take care of the commons, of our nature and our cultural heritage. Old fortresses as well as forests, lakes and wetlands. We remember, we preserve – and pass on to children and grandchildren.
“As Sweden’s king, it is my task to both remind of where we come from, and encourage all the good progress, and all the sacrificial work that has been done for our current society.”
The King and Queen’s visit concluded after the Anniversary Program.
They will next visit Jönköping County on 16 February.
