The King holds formal audiences
On Wednesday 9 March, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.
![Morocco's ambassador Karim Medrek with The King.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61906/1646923728300/WEBB_952x_20220309_aud_Marocko_08646.jpg)
Morocco's ambassador Karim Medrek with The King. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/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 Karim Medrek from Morocco
- Ambassador Erik Ramanathan from the United States
- Ambassador Khtab Hussein Mohamed Lamin from Libya
- Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Abdi from Somalia
![The King with the United States' ambassador Erik Ramanathan.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61908/1646923728496/WEBB_952x_20220309_aud_USA_08678.jpg)
The King with the United States' ambassador Erik Ramanathan. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden
![Libya's ambassador Khtab Hussein Mohamed Lamin with The King.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61905/1646923728255/WEBB_952x_20220309_aud_Libyen_08684.jpg)
Libya's ambassador Khtab Hussein Mohamed Lamin with The King. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden
![Somalia's ambassador Mohamed Hassan Abdi and The King during the audience at the Royal Palace.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61907/1646923728376/WEBB_952x_20220309_aud_Somalia_08719.jpg)
Somalia's ambassador Mohamed Hassan Abdi and The King during the audience at the Royal Palace. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden
![The new ambassadors arrive at the Royal Palace in a horse-drawn cortège via Slottsbacken.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61902/1646923728005/WEBB_952x_220309_Audiens_kortege_04_foto_H_Garlov.jpg)
The new ambassadors arrive at the Royal Palace in a horse-drawn cortège via Slottsbacken. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden
![The Armed Forces Music Corps plays as the ambassadors and their retinues go up to the Audience Chamber.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61909/1646923728690/WEBB_952x_20220309_hogtidliga_audienser_musik_08709.jpg)
The Armed Forces Music Corps plays as the ambassadors and their retinues go up to the Audience Chamber. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden
![Somalia's ambassador on his way to an audience with The King.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61903/1646923728122/WEBB_952x_220309_Audiens_kortege_05_foto_H_Garlov.jpg)
Somalia's ambassador on his way to an audience with The King. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden
![Libya's ambassador Khtab Hussein Mohamed Lamin and his retinue arrive at the Royal Palace.](/images/18.7770431517f6f1f2de61904/1646923728188/WEBB_952x_220309_Audiens_Libyen_01_foto_H_Garlov.jpg)
Libya's ambassador Khtab Hussein Mohamed Lamin and his retinue arrive at the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden