The King's 76th birthday is celebrated at the Royal Palace

On Saturday 30 April, The King was congratulated on his birthday – in keeping with tradition – by the Swedish Armed Forces and the public in the Outer Courtyard at the Royal Palace.

The King waves to the crowds from a window in the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry, together with other members of the Royal Family.

The King waves to the crowds from a window in the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry, together with other members of the Royal Family. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

Many people had gathered in the Outer Courtyard to congratulate The King on his 76th birthday. The ceremony began with the Navy Music Corps performing a musical programme for the well-wishers.

Many people had gathered in the Outer Courtyard to congratulate The King on his 76th birthday.

Many people had gathered in the Outer Courtyard to congratulate The King on his 76th birthday. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King emerged from the West Gate and approached the Main Guard to receive it. The King then entered the Main Guard Wing, accompanied by Prince Carl Philip, for the Commandant-General's reception. During this time, the Army Music Corps performed a musical programme.

Several military bands from the Armed Forces Music Corps took part in the celebrations at the Royal Palace.

Several military bands from the Armed Forces Music Corps took part in the celebrations at the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King's birthday is an official day on which salutes are fired, and a 21-gun salute was therefore fired from Skeppsholmen.

Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

At 12:20, The King emerged from the Main Guard Wing while the incoming Main Guard, led by the Life Guard's Dragoon Music Corps, rode into the Outer Courtyard.

The Life Guards' Dragoon Music Corps rides into the Outer Courtyard.

The Life Guards' Dragoon Music Corps rides into the Outer Courtyard. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Commandant-General then led a round of four cheers for HM The King, which was followed by The King's Song.

The King was congratulated by the Swedish Armed Forces and the public in the Outer Courtyard.

The King was congratulated by the Swedish Armed Forces and the public in the Outer Courtyard. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Visiting children then had the opportunity to present flowers to The King. After the presentation of flowers, the three music corps jointly performed Marcia Carolus Rex. The outgoing Main Guard then marched out, and the ceremony came to an end.

Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King and Prince Carl Philip during the ceremony in the Outer Courtyard.

The King and Prince Carl Philip during the ceremony in the Outer Courtyard. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

After the end of the ceremony, The King and Prince Carl Philip went back into the Royal Palace before being joined by the other attending members of the Royal Family to be congratulated by members of the public from a window in the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry.

The bands march out from the Outer Courtyard at the end of the ceremony.

The bands march out from the Outer Courtyard at the end of the ceremony. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden