The King and Queen visit Gothenburg

On Friday 15 October, The King and Queen visited Gothenburg. At the Nya Varvet shipyard, The King took part in the naming ceremony for the research vessel Skagerak, while The Queen re-opened the newly renovated Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital.

The King names the research vessel Skagerak during a ceremony at Gothenburg's Nya Varvet shipyard.

The King names the research vessel Skagerak during a ceremony at Gothenburg's Nya Varvet shipyard. Photo: Johan Valkonen/Stella Pictures

In the afternoon, The King and Queen attended the inauguration of the new organ at Gothenburg Concert Hall.

Naming of the research vessel Skagerak

At the Nya Varvet shipyard, The King was welcomed by Eva Wiberg, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg, and Dean Göran Hilmersson.

The naming ceremony began with speeches by County Governor Anders Danielsson and Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg.

The King then gave a speech, in which he said:

The aim is that this advanced floating laboratory should make Sweden a world leader within marine research, teaching and cooperation. This is an excellent ambition! I look forward to seeing it become a reality.

HM The King

The King gives a speech during the naming of the research vessel Skagerak.

The King gives a speech during the naming of the research vessel Skagerak. Photo: Johan Valkonen/Stella Pictures

The King named the vessel the R/V Skagerak by breaking an ice bottle against the hull of the ship.

After the naming ceremony, Professor Katarina Abrahamsson gave a tour of the ship. The King also had the opportunity to take part in a discussion with marine researchers from the University of Gothenburg.

The King, Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg and County Governor Anders Danielsson are given a tour of the ship.

The King, Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg and County Governor Anders Danielsson are given a tour of the ship. Photo: Johan Valkonen/Stella Pictures

Skipper Joakim Edvardsson demonstrates the ship's instruments.

Skipper Joakim Edvardsson demonstrates the ship's instruments. Photo: Johan Valkonen/Stella Pictures

Re-opening of the new Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital

On arrival at Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital, The Queen was welcomed by Area Manager Professor Ian Milsom and Professor Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö, Director of Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

The Queen with Area Manager Ian Milsom and Hospital Director Ann-Marie Wennberg on arrival at Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital.

The Queen with Area Manager Ian Milsom and Hospital Director Ann-Marie Wennberg on arrival at Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

During her visit, The Queen met staff and young patients on the play therapy ward, and was given a tour of the paediatric intensive care ward.

The Queen visits the play therapy ward.

The Queen visits the play therapy ward. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

The Queen visits the paediatric intensive care ward.

The Queen visits the paediatric intensive care ward. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

The opening ceremony was held at a glazed section of the hospital's fourth floor, and began with musical entertainment from the Gothenburg Opera's children's choir. There then followed accounts about the work of the hospital and a speech from Chair of the Regional Council Annika Tännström.

The Queen with Emil and Aylin during the opening ceremony.

The Queen with Emil and Aylin during the opening ceremony. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

During the ceremony, The Queen gave an opening speech in which she declared the new Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital officially open. In her speech, The Queen said:

As nurses, assistant nurses, doctors and all the other important employees at Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital, you all have unique competence in curing and caring for children of all ages, from seriously ill premature babies to those who are almost young adults.

I am convinced that the well planned environments here at the hospital will make it easier for you to continue developing essential children's healthcare in the future.

HM The Queen

The Queen opened the new children's hospital by giving a speech.

The Queen opened the new children's hospital by giving a speech. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Inauguration of Gothenburg Concert Hall's new organ

At Gothenburg Concert Hall, The King and Queen were welcomed by CEO and Artistic Director of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Sten Cranner, CEO of property company Higab Per-Henrik Hartmann, Chairman of the Board of Higab Anders Sundberg and Chair of the Board of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Gun-Marie Daun.

The King and Queen arrive at Gothenburg Concert Hall.

The King and Queen arrive at Gothenburg Concert Hall. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Professor Hans Davidsson, Chairman of Gothenburg International Organ Academy, then played the organ and described how it was built and its unique functions.

The organ was built by Rieger Orgelbau and a team of international experts, combining tradition with new technology and innovation. It is the only organ in the world to have a separate bass organ beneath the feet of the audience, with 40 large bass pipes. It has been designed so that the audience will both hear and feel the low frequencies.

Professor Hans Davidsson presents the new organ to The King and Queen.

Professor Hans Davidsson presents the new organ to The King and Queen. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

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