7 December 2021

The King holds formal audiences

On Tuesday 7 December, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Ambassador Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga from Zimbabwe.

The King with Ambassador Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga from Zimbabwe. 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.

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

  • Ambassador Grace Alfred Oluto from Tanzania
  • Ambassador Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga from Zimbabwe
  • Ambassador Milton Soto Santiesteban from Bolivia
  • Ambassador Jason LaTorre from Canada
The King receives Grace Alfred Oluto from Tanzania during a formal audience.

The King receives Grace Alfred Oluto from Tanzania during a formal audience. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Ambassador Milton Soto Santiesteban from Bolivia.

The King with Ambassador Milton Soto Santiesteban from Bolivia. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King and Canada's Ambassador Jason LaTorre during the ceremony at the Royal Palace.

The King and Canada's Ambassador Jason LaTorre during the ceremony at the Royal Palace. 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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