King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has sent a telegram congratulating Queen Elizabeth II upon reaching her Platinum Jubilee of her accession on Sunday, 6 February 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II and King Carl XVI Gustaf are also third cousins as they are descended from both Queen Victoria and King Christian IX of Denmark so royal visits are rather like family reunions.

The Queen is a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria’s oldest son, Edward VII, whilst King Carl Gustaf is one of her youngest son Prince Leopold’s descendants.

Queen Louise (nee Louise Mountbatten), who married King Gustaf VI Adolf in 1923, was Prince Philip’s aunt.

On behalf of my family and the people of Sweden, I wish to extend to you our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of your accession to the throne.

Your remarkable 70-year reign, an unprecedented milestone in the history of the British monarchy, also offers me the opportunity and the privilege to express my profound admiration and reaffirm the deep ties between our two countries.

Please accept my very best wishes for your health and happiness and for the well-being and prosperity of the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms.

CARL GUSTAF R

Royal Palace, Stockholm

6 February 2022

King Carl Gustaf will celebrate his 50th Anniversary of his accession to the Swedish throne on 15 September 2023, after becoming the longest-reigning monarch in Sweden in 2018.