The King holds formal audiences for new ambassadors

On Thursday 7 October, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Ambassador Alba Beatríz Soto Pimentel from the Republic of Cuba.

The King with Ambassador Alba Beatríz Soto Pimentel from the Republic of Cuba. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/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 María Clara Biglieri from the Argentine Republic
  • Ambassador Georges de La Roche Du Ronzet Plihal from the Republic of Guatemala
  • Ambassador Tanmaya Lal from the Republic of India
  • Ambassador Alba Beatríz Soto Pimentel from the Republic of Cuba
The King receives María Clara Biglieri from Argentina at the Royal Palace. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross and Chain of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín.

The King receives María Clara Biglieri from Argentina at the Royal Palace. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross and Chain of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Guatemala's ambassador Georges de La Roche Du Ronzet Plihal during a formal audience.

The King receives Guatemala's ambassador Georges de La Roche Du Ronzet Plihal during a formal audience. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with India's ambassador Tanmaya Lal during the audience.

The King with India's ambassador Tanmaya Lal during the audience. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/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.