HM The King's speech at the National Day celebration at Skansen

There is a land far up north, where the summer evenings are long and so bright that the night hardly reaches it. The sun lingers behind the treetops, as if it doesn’t want to let go of the day.

In this land, there are seas, deep lakes and vast mountain ranges. And green meadows, yellow rapeseed fields, and forests smelling of pine and moss. You can walk a very long way without meeting anyone, and still, you never feel alone.

But in this land, there are also buds waiting to burst, and shadows that need to be met with light. There are people there with the power to change and adapt as times change – and with the will to take responsibility for themselves, for each other, for nature and for those who will come after us.

This land is no fairy tale. It is Sweden.

A flag is flying here. We can see it today – on the National Day – and on other festive occasions. And at sports events, for example at the Olympics in Italy which I visited earlier this year.

Our Swedish flag brings us together because we belong together and share a belief in peace, freedom and the future. It symbolises a country that dares to think in new ways while still appreciating the past.

Perhaps this is why it feels so natural to say: how lucky we are that we live in Sweden!
The blue and yellow flag reminds us of this. But – when we see another flag with the same colours, it becomes clear to us that what we take for granted is something the Ukrainian people are fighting for every day.

I visited Ukraine a little less than two months ago. I was greatly moved when I spoke to Ukrainians about their terrible experiences of the war – about their suffering and the enormous sacrifices they have to make, and when meeting people of Swedish descent in the village of Gammalsvenskby – today a society devastated, where only the ruins bear witness to the place which was once their home.

We must never forget that the Ukrainian struggle is also crucial for us. For our freedom. In Europe. And in Sweden.

Dear National Day celebrators,

In unpredictable times of war and conflicts, in which the world is rapidly changing, and far-away decisions affect us all, it is easy to feel anxious. Then it is even more important to appreciate the little things in life – the things that bring us a sense of security and joy, both in our everyday lives and when we are on holiday.

So, with summer just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to give you some advice. Don’t devote all your energy to trying to experience and fit in as much as possible. It is often the simple moments – chatting over a cup of coffee or talking to people you like – that mean the most. And you know what? You really can put your mobile phone away sometimes!

Dear National Day celebrators,

Last year, we really did get a taste of the powers of nature! The rain was pouring down, and it was bitterly cold. But regardless of the weather, the atmosphere has always been warm here at Skansen, and the most important thing is that we celebrate this day together.

I wish you all a wonderful rest of the National Day!