It is a tradition in Sweden that after each parliamentary election, the King invites the new members of parliament to a grand dinner at Stockholm Palace.
On November 29th 2022, such a dinner was held after the Swedish people voted in their new members of parliament earlier this autumn. King Carl VXI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia all attended the dinner.
In addition to all members of the Swedish Parliament, the Parliament’s President and the Swedish Government as well as senior officials in the Government Chancellery and the administration of the Swedish Parliament also participated in the dinner.
Before the dinner, all the guests were invited to a great concert in the grand hall at the royal palace, which naturally began with the entire assembly singing the Swedish King’s Song. The program of the concert was compiled by Royal choir organist Mary Ljungqvist Hén on behalf of, and in consultation with, the King. After the solemn classical concert had been completed, all the guests got to greet the royal family personally. In total, there were 480 guests at the venue at the palace.
A reception the followed for all the guests before dinner was served. These dinners, for the members of parliament, are some of the largest and busiest dinners held under the auspices of the Swedish royal family. King Carl XVI Gustaf sat with Vice President Julia Kronlid and Minister Ebba Busch. Queen Silvia sat next to the new Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson.
The guests enjoyed a menu that was in keeping with both the host and the surroundings. For the starter there was lightly smoked fish, for the main course braised wild boar and the dessert was based on vanilla and pear. Marshal of the Kingdom, Fredrik Wersäll, directed the evening’s tight program.
