Sweden’s King speaks about climate change on his Christmas message

Sweden's King Carl

In his traditional Christmas Day speech, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf said that more must be done to combat climate change, the current financial crisis, and his daughter Princess Madeleine’s upcoming wedding, reports TheLocal.se.


More people in the world need to move from speech to action when it comes to handling the environment and climate issues," said the King.

He added that Sweden "has an important part to play in this mission."

"I have participated in many meetings about the environment and the importance of sustainability.

We want future generations to be able to breathe fresh air and drink clean water. And so we have to find new ways for our Earth to function in the future, too."

The King also spoke of the challenges facing Sweden in the current turbulent financial climate.
He took the opportunity to thank Swedes for their well-wishes on the occasion of the birth of his granddaughter, Princess Estelle, in February.

"To become a grandfather and a grandmother was a big occasion for Queen Silvia and I", said the King.

He said he is now looking forward to a new year with new opportunities.
"We are especially pleased for Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill and their coming wedding."

Last week, the Royal Court confirmed that Madeleine and Christopher will marry on June 8th in Stockholm's Royal Palace church (Slottskyrkan).

In 2013, the King will celebrate 40 years as Head of State. He and the Queen will visit all counties of Sweden as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The King's Christmas Day speech is a Swedish tradition dating back to 1938. It was introduced by Prince Wilhelm and is broadcast on Sveriges Radio, Sweden's public service radio.

Sweden’s King and Queen visit Minneapolis

The Swedish King and Queen after they arrived
at the Nelson Cultural Center

Sweden’s King Carl and Queen Sonja embarked on an official visit to Minneapolis from Oct. 4-6. Here’s the itinerary of their trip:



October 4

The King and Queen toured the American Swedish Institute at the Nelson Cultural Center. They were greeted by an entourage led by the institute’s CEO Bruce Karstadt.
In the evening, the Institute held a celebratory dinner for the royal couple.

October 5

The King and Queen of Sweden gets a warm welcome at
the Gustavus Adolphus College

The King and Queen began their day with a visit to the Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where they joined students and faculty during a college service. he King gave a speech in which he mentioned the strong links between Sweden and the US, and particularly the Swedish communities in Minnesota.

The royal couple then proceeded to the Hillstrom Museum of Arts “where a major exhibition of Swedish art from 1862 onwards includes loans from the Moderna Museet and the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.” They then returned to the Gustavus Adolphus College for lunch. Still in the campus, the King attended a seminar titled "From Global to Local: Teaching and Living Environmental Sustainability," while the Queen lent her presence at another seminar, "Protecting and Supporting the World's Women and Children.”
In the evening, the royal couple attended a dinner held in their honor.

October 6

King Carl delivers his speech at the American Swedish Institute

The King’s last day in Minnesota started with a reception at the official residence of Minnesota's Governor Mark Dayton, where around 150 guests were invited to the reception.

The King and Queen proceeded to the American Swedish Institute for lunch held in their honor. Then, a ceremony was held where the King and Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque.

In the evening, a fundraising dinner was held for the American Swedish Institute.


For the latest news about the Swedish Royal Family, visit their official website.

King Carl always busy as usual

Among the latest engagements of Sweden’s King Carl XVI John include a trip to Madrid where he, together with the queen, attend the 63rd World Baden-Powell Fellowship, from April 19-22, the opening of the environmental conference Stockholm+40 last April 23, and an audience with China’s prime minister, Wen Jiabao at the Royal Palace last April 24. 

The King and Queen attends the Baden-Powell Fellowship in Madrid.

King Carl delivering his speech during the Stock+40 conference.

King Carl welcomes China's prime minister, Wen Chiabao.