19 October 2021

The King holds formal audiences with new ambassadors

On Tuesday 19 October, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Ambassador Anita Grmelová from the Czech Republic.

The King with Ambassador Anita Grmelová from the Czech Republic. 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 Maria Lumen B. Isleta from the Republic of the Philippines
  • Ambassador Ha Tae-youk from the Republic of Korea
  • Ambassador Inas Bint Ahmed Al-Shahwan from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Ambassador Anita Grmelová from the Czech Republic
South Korea's ambassador Ha Tae-youk is welcomed by The King, who wore the Order of Mugunghwa during the ceremony.

South Korea's ambassador Ha Tae-youk is welcomed by The King, who wore the Order of Mugunghwa during the ceremony. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Saudi Arabia's ambassador Inas Bint Ahmed Al-Shahwan at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of King Abdulaziz.

The King receives Saudi Arabia's ambassador Inas Bint Ahmed Al-Shahwan at a formal audience. During the audience, The King wore the Order of King Abdulaziz. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta from the Philippines.

The King with Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta from the Philippines. 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.