50 years for Sweden

The exhibition 'King Carl XVI Gustaf – 50 years for Sweden' is on display on Slottsbacken outside the Royal Palace. Official portraits are combined with snapshots from The King's 50 years as Sweden's Head of State.

When King Gustaf VI Adolf died at Helsingborg General Hospital on 15 September 1973, Crown Prince Carl Gustav became King of Sweden. The enthronement ceremonies took place on 19 September.

The outdoor exhibition King Carl XVI Gustaf – 50 years for Sweden commemorates half a century of The King serving as Sweden's Head of State.

It includes official portraits combined with snapshots from The King's many assignments and engagements. In keeping with The King's motto, "For Sweden – With the Times", the photographs also depict five decades of Sweden as a nation. They reflect the continuity that The King has brought in his role as the longest-reigning monarch in Sweden's history.

The King primarily has state ceremonial and official duties. These include opening the Riksdag session, chairing Councils of State with the Government and the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, carrying out state visits and accrediting ambassadors. The King is also the most senior representative of the Swedish Armed Forces and the Grand Master of the Royal Swedish Orders of Chivalry. He is patron and an honorary member of 267 different organisations, and is a member of the Church of Sweden.

Top image: The outdoor exhibition 'King Carl XVI Gustaf – 50 years for Sweden'. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/The Royal Court of Sweden