26 October 2021

The King holds formal audiences

On Tuesday 26 October, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman from Nigeria.

The King with Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman from Nigeria. 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 Bukar Buni Hamman from the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov from the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • Ambassador Ziv Nevo Kulman from the State of Israel
  • Ambassador Carl Peeters from the Kingdom of Belgium
The King with Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov from Azerbaijan.

The King with Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov from Azerbaijan. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Israel's ambassador Ziv Nevo Kulman at a formal audience.

The King receives Israel's ambassador Ziv Nevo Kulman at a formal audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Belgian ambassador Carl Peeters is welcomed by The King. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold during the audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Belgian ambassador Carl Peeters is welcomed by The King. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold during the audience. 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.