King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will celebrate his 75th birthday on Friday 30 April 2021.

The King and Queen Silvia will celebrate his birthday in private at the Royal Palace.

However, due to COVID-19, public celebrations will be restricted, in accordance with government guidelines.

A Birthday Reception

During a small birthday reception in the morning, King Carl Gustaf will receive government officials, including the Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlén, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Marshall of the Riksdag, the governor’s doyenne and chairman of Sweden’s municipalities.

Gun Salute From The Armed Forces

At 12 noon, the Swedish Armed Forces will fire a traditional gun-salute to mark the King’s birthday from Skeppsholmen in Stockholm, Kungshall in Karlskrona, Skansen Lejonet in Gothenburg, Kusthöjden in Härnösand and Kvarnängen in Boden.

However, the Swedish Armed Forces’ traditional birthday celebrations in the Royal Palace’s outer courtyard has been cancelled.

Instead, King Carl Gustaf will receive representatives during a small ceremony at the Royal Palace.

No Presents Please!

The Royal Court of Sweden says the King has requested wellwishers make a donation to Sweden’s City Missions (Sveriges stadsmissioner), rather than send birthday presents.

Sweden’s City Missions is a charity close to the King’s heart and he hopes the funds will provide the opportunity to provide emergency food and clothing for needy families, providing shelter for homeless people, and helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those wishing to send a digital birthday greeting to King Carl Gustaf can do so via www.kungahuset.se/kungen75.