12 October 2021

The King holds formal audiences with new ambassadors

On Tuesday 12 October, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with ambassador Lourdes Victoria-Kruse from the Dominican Republic.

The King with ambassador Lourdes Victoria-Kruse from the Dominican Republic. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

It is accepted international practice that a new ambassador in a country is given the opportunity to meet the head of state, although the ceremonies vary in different countries. In Sweden, the reception of a foreign envoy follows a traditional ceremony, and is quite unique with its centuries old traditions.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremonies for the audiences were held on a smaller scale and were adapted in line with the current situation.

The foreign envoys received by The King during the formal audiences were:

  • Ambassador Lourdes Victoria-Kruse from the Dominican Republic
  • Ambassador Sergey Nurtayev from the Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Ambassador Dharshana Mahendra Perera from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
  • Ambassador Vinicio Mati from the Italian Republic
The King and Ambassador Sergey Nurtayev from Kazakhstan before the audience.

The King and Ambassador Sergey Nurtayev from Kazakhstan before the audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King receives Sri Lanka's ambassador Dharshana Mahendra Perera at a formal audience.

The King receives Sri Lanka's ambassador Dharshana Mahendra Perera at a formal audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Italy's ambassador Venicio Mati during the audience. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The King with Italy's ambassador Venicio Mati during the audience. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

Formal audiences follow a traditional ceremony. The ambassador is normally collected in one of the Royal Stables' carriages from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and is taken to the Royal Palace. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the ambassadors travelled to the Royal Palace in their own cars. The King and the ambassador then talk in private for around fifteen minutes.

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