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