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Royal News

ABBA are presented with historic royal honour by King and Queen of Sweden

By
31st May 2024

ABBA were given a very special royal honour in Stockholm as the King of Sweden created new members of an ancient order of chivalry for the first time in fifty years.

Global spotlight on royal ceremony in Stockholm

Carl XVI Gustaf appointed all four stars of the group to the Royal Order of Vasa in a ceremony that attracted attention around the world.

Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson were made First Class Commanders of the Order for their ‘’ outstanding contributions to Swedish and international music life’’ while Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Reuss were created First Class Commanders of the Order for their ‘’outstanding contributions to Swedish and international music’’.

Queen Silvia congratulates Agnetha as the star is made a member of one of Sweden’s oldest orders of chivalry (SVT still/ fair use)

All looked emotional as they were called forward, one by one, to receive the insignia of the Order from King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Anni-Frid, in particular, appeared overcome by the occasion and hugged Agnetha as she joined her fellow stars for an ovation all of their own.

Ancient honour

The Royal Order of Vasa is over 200 years old and is one of four orders of chivalry in Sweden. It is gen for contributions to Swedish life that involve work in the arts and in charity. Appointments to the Order were suspended in 1975, soon after the accession of Carl XVI Gustaf, but in 2018 the process of reviving the honour began. The King of Sweden presented the Order again for the first time on May 31st 2024, months after the 50th anniversary of his accession.

The bright green ribbon of the Order of Vasa in bow form, traditionally presented to women
(Jonas Borg/Kungl. Maj:ts Orden)

The Order itself is worn on a green ribbon and recipients are given both a badge and medal to wear.

Half a century as super troupers

ABBA’s honour was given at the end of a month which has seen the group feted by music fans across the world. As Eurovision came to Malmo, millions said thank you for the music as the band was celebrated on the fiftieth anniversary of their famous victory at the Song Contest. They won in 1974 with Waterloo which became a launchpad for global success.

ABBA were emotional as they were given an important royal honour (SVT still/ fair use)

The group are no strangers to royalty. In 1976, they famously performed at the wedding celebrations of the then brand new King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, and Silvia Sommerlath. The bride became Queen of Sweden on her marriage and the song ‘Dancing Queen’ became an anthem in the country that summer as the reign of the new consort got under way.

In total, thirteen people were presented with honours by the King and Queen of Sweden in a special ceremony in the White Sea Hall at Stockholm’s Royal Palace.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.