On the morning of Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden welcomed the President of Finland, His Excellency Mr. Sauli Niinistö, and First Lady, Jenni Haukio, at the Hovstallet in Stockholm. The President and the First Lady were invited by His Majesty The King for a two-day state visit to Sweden.

According to the Swedish royal court, the purpose of the state visit is to:

“…confirm the good relations between Sweden and Finland, and to highlight the extensive collaborations that are ongoing and that can be further developed. This applies, among other things, to crisis preparedness and civil defense, the cooperation between our defense forces, and among companies that work with innovation and green conversion. The culture and its restart after the pandemic will also be noticed in connection with the visit.”

After the reception at the Hovstallet, Their Majesties and the President and First Lady of Finland took a carriage ride through the streets of Stockholm to their final destination, the inner courtyard of the Kungliga Slottet.

Thereafter, His Majesty and President the King and President Niinistö completed the traditional Inspection of the Grenadier Company of the Life Guards as Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden as well as Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden looked on.

Soon, Their Majesties, the Crown Princely couple, the Prince Couple, and the President and First Lady of Finland made their way into the palace for a photo-op and speeches.

In the evening, there was a glamourous gala dinner in honor of their guests from fantastic Finland.

Photos courtesy of the Swedish royal court