14 December 2022

The King holds formal audiences

On 14 December, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Iceland's ambassador Bryndís Kjartansdóttir.

The King with Iceland's ambassador Bryndís Kjartansdóttir. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

It is accepted international practice that a new ambassador in a country is always 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:

  • Iceland's ambassador Bryndís Kjartansdóttir
  • Ecuador's ambassador Verónica Bustamante Ponce
  • Slovakia's ambassador Lubomír Čaňo
  • Mali's ambassador Oumou Sall-Seck

Orders

When The King received Iceland's ambassador, he wore the Icelandic Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon. During his audience with Slovakia's ambassador, he wore the Slovakian Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class).

The King with Ecuador's ambassador Verónica Bustamante Ponce.

The King with Ecuador's ambassador Verónica Bustamante Ponce. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Slovakia's ambassador Lubomír Čaňo.

The King with Slovakia's ambassador Lubomír Čaňo. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

Mali's ambassador Oumou Sall-Seck is received by The King.

Mali's ambassador Oumou Sall-Seck is received by The King. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The cortège with the Royal Stables' carriages arrives at the Royal Palace via Slottsbacken.

The cortège with the Royal Stables' carriages arrives at the Royal Palace via Slottsbacken. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The cortège with Slovakia's new ambassador Lubomír Čaňo enters the Inner Courtyard.

The cortège with Slovakia's new ambassador Lubomír Čaňo enters the Inner Courtyard. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The ambassadors were received with fanfares on arrival at the Royal Palace.

The ambassadors were received with fanfares on arrival at the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs' introducer Klas Gierow accompanies Mali's ambassador Oumou Sall-Seck into the audience.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs' introducer Klas Gierow accompanies Mali's ambassador Oumou Sall-Seck into the audience. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden