26 August 2021

The King holds formal audiences for new ambassadors

On Thursday 26 August, The King received five new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King receives Thailand's ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn.

The King receives Thailand's ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

It is accepted international practice that a new ambassador in a country is given the opportunity to meet the head of state, although the ceremonies vary in different countries. In Sweden, the reception of a foreign envoy follows a traditional ceremony, and is quite unique with its centuries old traditions.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremonies for the audiences were held on a smaller scale and were adapted in line with the current situation.

The foreign envoys received by The King during the formal audiences were:

  • HE Ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke from Thailand
  • HE Ambassador Austin Gormley from Ireland
  • HE Ambassador Kamapradipta Isnomo from Indonesia
  • HE Ambassador Riadh Ben Sliman from Tunisia
  • HE Ambassador Riadh Ben Sliman from Tunisia
Ambassador Austin Gormley from Ireland is welcomed by The King, who wore the Order of the Seraphim during the audience.

Ambassador Austin Gormley from Ireland is welcomed by The King, who wore the Order of the Seraphim during the audience. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King arrives for the day's ceremonies at the East Gate of the Royal Palace.

The King arrives for the day's ceremonies at the East Gate of the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

Indonesia's ambassador Kamapradipta Isnomo with The King. During the audience, The King wore the Star of the Republic of Indonesia (1st Class).

Indonesia's ambassador Kamapradipta Isnomo with The King. During the audience, The King wore the Star of the Republic of Indonesia (1st Class). Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Tunisia's ambassador Riadh Ben Sliman. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of the Republic of Tunisia.

The King with Tunisia's ambassador Riadh Ben Sliman. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of the Republic of Tunisia. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Formal audiences follow a traditional ceremony. The ambassador is normally collected in one of the Royal Stables' carriages from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and is taken to the Royal Palace. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the ambassadors travelled to the Royal Palace in their own cars. The King and the ambassador then talk in private for around fifteen minutes.

Ambassador Joachim Bertele from Germany greets The King. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Ambassador Joachim Bertele from Germany greets The King. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden