H.M. The King's speech at the National Day celebration at Skansen

Freedom. This is what we are celebrating today. Freedom since 6 June 1523, when Sweden became independent. This freedom was reinforced on the same date in 1809 when a new Instrument of Government laid the foundation for our democracy.

I have had the privilege of serving Sweden as King for over fifty years and have experienced the development of our nation in times of joy and challenges, change and continuity. This experience has taught me that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.

Sweden has a stable sense of community that allows us to fulfil our ambitions and try new ways. A security that gives us the courage to dare and scope to grow. The foundation of our community is trust – both between people and in our society. It has taken a long time to build this trust, but in a world where fundamental values and established truths are being questioned, it can be quickly undone.

The fact that we in Sweden support Ukraine is an expression of trust – trust in its sovereignty and in international law. Our solidarity with Ukraine also stems from the conviction that democracy, peace and freedom are values we want to and need to defend.

These values are also reflected in our cultural heritage. It is in our music, art, and literature, as well as in our traditions and places that Sweden’s story is preserved. From the songs of Carl Michael Bellman to the tales of Astrid Lindgren. Our cultural heritage gives us both roots and direction. For without knowing about where we come from, we run the risk of getting lost in the future.

But our cultural heritage is not only something we inherit – it is also something we shape together. It is developed in different art forms, in our everyday concern for each other, in the struggle for justice, and in our care for nature. And it belongs to all of us, regardless of background, age or our path in life.

Dear National Day celebrators,

Today, on our National Day, we celebrate both what has been and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Now, the end of the school term awaits and maybe some holiday. The summer provides us with repose, recovery and energy to meet the future. My great-grandfather’s brother, Prince Eugen, said this:

“Sweden is united in two types of nature, both that which is stern and the part that smiles. This Swedish mixture should give rise to something positive, in many areas.”

I see his words as an expression of our country’s strengths. The stern side stands for courage, responsibility and resilience. And the smiling side stands for openness, warmth and curiosity.

Thank you.