King Carl Gustaf thanks the Swedish Defence Force for their digital message on his birthday whilst in home isolation with Queen Silvia at Stenhammar Palace.

However, King Carl Gustaf had some competition from the family dog during his address.

English Translation

I would like to thank the Armed Forces here from Stenhammar for a fantastic fine greeting from the inner courtyard of Stockholm Castle.

Unfortunately, because of these circumstances and because of these difficult times that Sweden is living in right now, it was not possible to implement the traditional pomp and pageantry in the outer courtyard with Life Guard’s horses. But this was a very nice greeting which I appreciated immensely.

And I hope there are other people who can see this and can appreciate it having the event in the most positive way possible.

But at the same time, we must not forget all those who are really struggling.

Fighting with themselves and their lives at many hospitals in Sweden, and with their relatives who may not be present.

It might be among the most difficult.

But there is and so is the fantastic medical staff that works tirelessly for twenty-four hours a day and has done so for quite a few weeks.

And, presumably, they know they have to endure many weeks to come.

This year’s fantastic people and we should think about what they do and make it easier for them so that there will be no more people who need the heavy and very troublesome care that they really carry.

Warn each other and do not have too frequent and family meetings.

Then I thought that we can do this anyway after all have the opportunity to fire on Valborg that we usually do.

But think and be careful, and think about your own health and future.

And above all: your fellow human beings.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, 30 April 2020

The Swedish Armed Forces Digital Salute

The Armed Forces’ traditional pomp and pageantry to mark the King’s Birthday in the Outer Courtyard was suspended this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So Admiral Jan Thörnqvist, the commander in Stockholm, sent a digital greeting from the Swedish Armed Forces earlier that morning.

Video: YouTube/Kungahus

An honour guard from the Life Guards cheered the King from the Royal Palace’s inner courtyard.

Music director Andreas Hanson led the Parts of the Army’s band as they performed Kungssången followed by Marcia Carolus Rex, which are always played on the King’s birthday.

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