The King is celebrated: “80 years and counting”

TT

Updated 12.19 | Published 10.36

           

           

           

           

           

            

          A small child gives flowers to King Carl Gustaf.
         1 / 6Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

“80 years and counting,” declared Chief Chaplain Johan Dalman as the birthday celebration of King Carl XVI Gustaf began in the Palace Church.

In the courtyard, the King met four-year-old Sally and received flowers.

The sun shone through the palace church windows when the service, led by Chief Chaplain Johan Dalman, began at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Dalman spoke about the King’s baptism in June 1946 and noted that he had his path set out early in life. But the king has, according to Johan Dalman, taken on the task in his own way:

– In a highly personal, tireless, positive, hopeful, bold, curious, generous, humble, yes, in the best sense, eternally youthful way, he has done his part. For 80 years, 80 years “and counting”.

– Talk about a role model. Bernadotte-esque “sisu”! Thank God for that, amen, said Dalman in the speech that was met with a smile from the king.

The royal couple of Thailand

Among the guests of honor during today's celebration are King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand, the royal couple of Denmark and Queen Margrethe of Denmark. The king and queen and Crown Prince Haakon are from Norway.

After the service, a military guard of honor was held at the Outer Courtyard. Thai Somchuen Thiansai had traveled there from Lidingö to celebrate the king and also to see the Thai royal couple.

– It’s fantastic. I’m very grateful that we can come in and stand here. I’m very happy, says Somchuen Thiansai, who has also brought a Thai flag to welcome King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.

Many have stood on pillars and have selfie sticks to be able to see.

Flowers for the king

Four-year-old Sally Leijonmarck looked up at the balcony where the royals were waving.

– We look forward to giving him a flower, hopefully, that Sally has chosen, said mother Charlotte Severed.

A moment later she was allowed to do so, along with countless other children who almost drowned the king in flowers.

Ten-year-old Vera Matsson had traveled from Örbyhus with siblings and cousins ​​to meet the king.

– He said thank you when I gave him the flowers. He was kind, says Vera.

The royal children with their respective families and grandchildren are also present for the celebration. Party leaders are also participating, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) was a pew mate with the Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson in the Palace Church.

Today's celebration ends with a gala dinner at Stockholm Palace.

FACTS

The King's 80th birthday celebration

10:00 – The celebration begins with a thanksgiving service, "Te Deum", for invited guests in the Palace Church.

11:00 – Military guard of honor in the outer courtyard of Stockholm Palace.

12:30 – After the changing of the guard, the King goes out onto the Lejonbacken terrace. In the meantime, the Armed Forces fire a salute from Skeppsholmen while the Air Force conducts a flyover.

12:35 – Song tribute and congratulations from the public.

14:00 – The City of Stockholm arranges lunch at the City Hall.

19.30 – Gala dinner for invited guests at Stockholm Palace.