19 April 2023

The King holds formal audiences

On 19 April, The King received four new ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Samoa's ambassador Francella Maureen Strickland.

The King with Samoa's ambassador Francella Maureen Strickland. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

It is accepted international practice that a new ambassador in a country is always 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:

  • The Republic of Korea's ambassador Byung-won Chung
  • Malaysia's ambassador Hafizah Abdullah
  • The Republic of Zambia's ambassador Gladys Lundwe
  • The Independent State of Samoa's ambassador Francella Maureen Strickland

Orders

When The King received Republic of Korea's ambassador, he wore the Order of Mugunghwa. On receiving Malaysia's ambassador, The King wore the Most Illustrious Order of the Crown.

The King with South Korea's ambassador Byung-won Chung.

The King with South Korea's ambassador Byung-won Chung. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Malaysia's ambassador Hafizah Abdullah.

The King with Malaysia's ambassador Hafizah Abdullah. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

Zambia's ambassador Gladys Lundwe is received by The King.

Zambia's ambassador Gladys Lundwe is received by The King. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The cortège arrives at the Royal Palace via Slottsbacken.

The cortège arrives at the Royal Palace via Slottsbacken. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The ambassadors arrive at the Royal Palace in the Royal Stables' carriages.

The ambassadors arrive at the Royal Palace in the Royal Stables' carriages. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

Zambia's new ambassador Gladys Lundwe is received in the Inner Courtyard.

Zambia's new ambassador Gladys Lundwe is received in the Inner Courtyard. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden