King Carl XI has been in power for half a century. Gustaf on the Swedish throne – and doesn’t think about stopping. Tens of thousands of people celebrated him on his carriage ride through Stockholm.
The weather is also playing along on the second day of the throne’s jubilee: the sun is shining – and tens of thousands of people are standing on the side of the road as Carl XVI. Gustaf rides through downtown Stockholm in the royal carriage.
Sitting next to him – in a bright yellow costume – is the woman to whom he owes a lot: Queen Silvia, a native German. Many believe that she made him the man and monarch he is today.
More magical point of attraction in modern Sweden
In a televised speech, the king said that succeeding his grandfather was “a big and not always easy task.” “But I am very grateful for the support I have received from my loving family, who have stood faithfully by my side over the years.”
The royal family is still a magical attraction for many in otherwise modern Sweden. Also for young people.
Peter from Stockholm came to the throne anniversary with a friend, holding his little dog in his arms. He says: “It feels like something unique. Not so ordinary. It feels historic and you want to preserve it.” He didn’t see any point in it before – “but the older you get, the more proud you are of it.”
Opponents parade through the old town with torches
Not all Swedes are so well disposed towards the royal family. While the king sat at the gala dinner with 400 invited guests on Friday evening, opponents of the monarchy marched through Stockholm’s old town with torches.
And while the king is driving through the city in his carriage today, they are meeting for the democracy conference. Magnus Simonsson, general secretary of the Republican Association, says: “We have a king as head of state that we did not elect. And when he represents Sweden abroad, he represents old structures.” He can’t be voted out of office, he won’t be asked any critical questions in the media: “He doesn’t represent modern Sweden. Rather, he represents an old, outdated system with hierarchies and privileges.”
Many Swedes love the Crown Princess
Is the monarchy even sustainable? The youngsters could fix it. Because while the Swedes respect their king, they love Crown Princess Victoria, whose family is considered modern and close to the people.
In a speech on her father’s anniversary, the heir to the throne says: “You are always striving forward. You and mom. Together. The pace is fast. Stopping is out of the question. Your strong sense of duty is perhaps a bit old-fashioned, but perhaps also necessary to complete the task to master what was imposed on you so early.”
Carl Gustaf doesn’t think about quitting
Victoria concludes by saying she is proud to follow in her father’s footsteps. Many would like her to do this now. But as she says herself: quitting is not an option for her father.
The king says: “As I look back today on my 50 years on the Swedish throne, I also want to look forward. I hope that I can continue to serve our Sweden now and in the years to come – in good times and bad.”
The position that Carl Gustaf inherited from his grandfather at the age of just 27, and which was initially so difficult for him, has grown close to his heart over time.