On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden and Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden attended the opening of the 2016/17 Riksdag Session in Stockholm.

During today’s event His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden gave the opening speech.  Here is what he had to say:

“Mr President,

Honorable Members of the Riksdag!

Today we have gathered to open a new parliamentary year. You will now continue your important work to move our nation forward.

We live in a globalized world. Many events have recently shaken the world, including Sweden. It is clearer than ever that what happens outside of Sweden also concerns us.

Also, the European Union is subjected to stresses. We must continue to believe in cooperation between countries and on a covenant that guarantees peaceful interaction.

Sweden has been at peace for over 200 years and is today one of the world’s most prosperous countries. This has not always been. For over a hundred years ago, we were a poor country as people left. Over the past 150 years, Sweden has gone from being a country of emigration to a country that many people turn to. Today also moving thousands of Swedes abroad every year to work or study.

I hope that all Swedes in Sweden and abroad, stand up for our values. Values that belief in human equality, equality between women and men, the belief in a democratic form of government, religion and speech.

Sweden has a long tradition of promoting peace, security and human rights in the international context.

Through Sweden’s newfound place in the UN Security Council, we now have an opportunity to further make our voice heard in the global context. I hope we will manage this opportunity well. Already a week held a summit in New York on the global refugee situation. An important meeting where Sweden is one of the organizers.

Continued development of Sweden claims that the workplace is constantly renewed through entrepreneurship and innovation. It requires research and development is continuing in the world. And not least, a school and a higher education that puts knowledge and learning in first place.

Our cultural heritage is the glue that binds us together. It is rich and diverse – created by influences from different countries for centuries.

By meeting with mutual respect, and by listening and learning from each other, so we developed. That is why the good conversation between people is so important.

Ladies and gentlemen,

You are elected by the citizens who have the right to vote today. But the choices that you make affect the future of many more.

Swedish children and young people depend on you to make wise and long-term decisions.

Mr President,

With these words I wish you all the elected representative of the Swedish people, power, courage and wisdom to bring our nation further into a for all citizens favorable development.

I hereby declare 2016/2017 Parliamentary Session open.”

To watch the entire opening session, including the royal family’s carriage ride to the Riksdag, please click here and/or here.

To view photos please click the links below

Gallery One, Gallery Two, Gallery Three and Gallery Four

Photo courtesy of the Swedish royal court