17 September 2021

The King holds formal audiences for new ambassadors

On Friday 17 September, The King received five new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

Ambassador Maimo Henriksson from Finland is welcomed by The King, who wore the Grand Cross of the Finnish Order of the White Rose during the audience.

Ambassador Maimo Henriksson from Finland is welcomed by The King, who wore the Grand Cross of the Finnish Order of the White Rose during the audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/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:

  • Ambassador Maimo Henriksson from the Republic of Finland
  • Ambassador Zahoor Ahmed from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
  • Ambassador Joanna Hofman from the Republic of Poland
  • Ambassador François Voeffray from the Swiss Confederation
  • Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk from Ukraine
Pakistan's ambassador Zahoor Ahmed with The King during the audience.

Pakistan's ambassador Zahoor Ahmed with The King during the audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Poland's ambassador Joanna Hofman at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of the White Eagle. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Poland's ambassador Joanna Hofman at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of the White Eagle.

The King with Switzerland's ambassador François Voeffray during the audience.

The King with Switzerland's ambassador François Voeffray during the audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk from Ukraine is received by The King. During the audience, The King wore the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise.

Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk from Ukraine is received by The King. During the audience, The King wore the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/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.

The ambassadors are greeted by the Life Guards' ensign as they enter the Royal Palace.

The ambassadors are greeted by the Life Guards' ensign as they enter the Royal Palace. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden