Swedish Royal Family Attends Parliament Opening

SvenskDam

Tuesday, September 15th was the official opening of Swedish Parliament. The event was attended by the country’s head of state, King Carl XVI Gustaf and his family.

In the morning, there was a church service at Stockholm Cathedral. At 1pm with folk dancers and music performing right outside the Parliament building. An hour later, the royal family arrived by horse and carriage.

The first carriage carried the King and his wife, Queen Silvia. The second had their three children – Victoria, Carl Philip and Madeleine.

Once everyone was settled inside the Riksdag, the  King gave a short formal speech which officiated the Opening of Parliament. He then joined Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria on the floor to watch the Prime Minister do his part.

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine sat in the balcony during the event.

SvenskDam

The newspaper, Expressen, noted that while Madeleine listened closely to everything, her brother seemed distracted and lost in thought for much of the time.

Everyone was dressed in dark clothing, which is a nod to old court attire that was the rule until 1974, the year King Carl Gustaf ascended to the throne.

Between 1975 to 1982, formality was taken away from the ceremonies, such as the dark clothing and royal carriages. But in 1983, they were reintroduced to the Parliamentary Opening.

It is a wonder when Victoria becomes Queen, if she would continue the formal traditions, or take them away.