The aim of the visit was to further strengthen the excellent relations between the two countries. The visit also aimed to encourage cooperation within recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, with a focus on innovative, sustainable solutions.

The previous state visit between the two countries took place in 1983, when The King and Queen visited Spain.

The Spanish state visit began with the traditional cortège from the Royal Stables to the Royal Palace.

Welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace

During the welcoming ceremony in the Inner Courtyard, the Kings inspected a guard of honour from the Life Guards and the national anthems were played. The speakers, the Prime Minister and ministers were also present to welcome the Spanish guests.

In the Victoria Salon, the King and Queen of Spain were welcomed to Sweden by The Crown Princess, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.

Press statements

In Queen Lovisa Ulrika's Dining Hall at the Royal Palace, The King of Sweden and the King of Spain gave press statements in connection with the beginning of the state visit from Spain.

Spain and Sweden share interests, values and priorities within many areas, not least when it comes to the importance of democracy, gender equality and open, free, and sustainable trade.

HM The King

The Nobel Museum and Karolinska Institutet

The state visit from Spain continued during the afternoon with a visit to the Nobel Museum in Stockholm's Gamla Stan. There, the Kings and Queens were given a tour of a special exhibition about the artist and scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the 1906 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

The Queens then attended a seminar at Karolinska Institutet in Solna. The seminar dealt with issues relating to physical disabilities and rare diseases.

Gala dinner at the Royal Palace

The first day of the state visit concluded with The King and Queen hosting a gala dinner at the Royal Palace for the King and Queen of Spain and the Spanish delegation. The Crown Princess Couple and The Prince Couple also attended the dinner. The dinner was held in a smaller, adapted format in the Royal Palace's ballroom, the Vita Havet Assembly Rooms.

The table silver was from the Brazilian silver service. The table linen was the Union Linen, woven in France in around 1890.

The fish course was served on plates commissioned by Queen Josefina during the late 19th century. The meat course was served on plates from a service produced for the Grand Duchess of Baden, mother of Queen Viktoria, in the 1850s. The glassware was a gift to The King and Queen from the Riksdag and the Swedish Government for their wedding in 1976.

The King accompanied the Queen of Spain to the table. The Queen was accompanied to the table by the King of Spain.

During the dinner, The King gave a speech in which he said:

Right now, our nations and economies face a period of recovery from the pandemic. This past summer saw extreme weather in many parts of Europe, including in Spain and Sweden. These events highlight the need to transition to more sustainable and resilient societies.

This presents us with challenges, but also with opportunities for innovation and development. The close ties between our nations and people lay the foundations for cooperation and solidarity, and for solving problems – together.

HM The King