17 November 2021

The King holds formal audiences

On Wednesday 17 November, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

Norway's ambassador Aud Kolberg is welcomed by The King. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Olav during the audience.

Norway's ambassador Aud Kolberg is welcomed by The King. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Olav during the audience. 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.

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

  • Ambassador Aud Kolberg from Norway
  • Ambassador Ilse Rūze from Latvia
  • Ambassador Diane Gashumba from Rwanda
  • Ambassador Irakli Khutsurauli from Georgia
The King with Ambassador Ilse Rūze from Latvia. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of the Three Stars with Chain during the audience.

The King with Ambassador Ilse Rūze from Latvia. The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of the Three Stars with Chain during the audience. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Rwanda's ambassador Diane Gashumba during a formal audience.

The King receives Rwanda's ambassador Diane Gashumba during a formal audience. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Ambassador Irakli Khutsurauli from Georgia.

The King with Ambassador Irakli Khutsurauli from Georgia. 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.