The King holds formal audiences

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 Uzbekistan, Nodir Ganiev
  
• The Commonwealth of Australia, Frances Sagala
  
• The Hellenic Republic of Greece, Ekaterini Fountoulaki
  
• The Republic of Bulgaria, Svetlana Stoycheva-Etropolski
  

When The King received Greece's ambassador, he wore the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer. During his audience with Bulgaria's ambassador, he wore the Grand Cross of the Order of Stara Planina.