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The Royal 2010s: the Ruby King

The celebrations for the 40th anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf’s accession to the Swedish throne took place in September 2013 with royals from all over the globe flying in for the festivities and members of the Swedish government, Riksdag, and City of Stockholm taking part.

Specifically, it was celebrated on the weekend of 13-15 September and on 19 September. The 15th of September marked the 40th anniversary of the King’s ascension to the throne.

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As part of the celebrations, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited each of Sweden’s counties ahead of the official celebrations in September.

Then, on 13 September, celebrations of the Ruby Jubilee began with the King’s youngest older sister, Princess Christina, opening the exhibition “40 years on the throne — 40 years serving Sweden” in the Hall of State in the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The King, Queen, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Madeleine also attended.

Marshal of the Realm, Svante Lindqvist, also spoke saying, in part, “The King is a symbol of our country. A figure who transcends party politics and special interests. In a world of change, The King represents continuity — a link to our history. But he has also spent 40 years working in the present and for the future. Conscious of these historical links, The King has looked forwards. And he continues to do so. For Sweden — With the Times.”

The following day, the Swedish government hosted a dinner in the evening in honour of the King’s 40 years on the throne, followed by a concert hosted by the Riksdag later in the evening in the Stockholm Concert Hall.

On 14 September, a Te Deum was held in the Royal Palace’s Royal Chapel where the Royal Family was joined by Nordic heads of state, members of the Riksdag, the Swedish government and members of the Royal Court. Those present at the Te Deum were presented with the King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Jubilee Commemorative Medal.

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That afternoon, the City of Stockholm hosted events at the Royal Palace with the Inner Courtyard being open for anyone to come and dance. The King and Queen led the dances in the courtyard much to the enjoyment of the Swedish people.

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Then, on 19 September, a reception was held in the Hall of State where representatives of official Sweden were invited.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.