On 14 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 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:
When The King received Iceland's ambassador, he wore the Icelandic Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon. During his audience with Slovakia's ambassador, he wore the Slovakian Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class).