French State Visit to Sweden begins

The French State Visit to Sweden has begun. President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived in Stockholm.

According to the official website, “the purpose of the state visit is to further strengthen and promote the long-standing, broad and excellent relations between Sweden and France. It also aims to stimulate in-depth collaborations in areas such as innovation and green transition as well as defense and security in the immediate area.”

A traditional welcome ceremony took place at the Royal Palace.

Photo: Henrik Garlöv/Kungl. Hovstaterna

In the Rikssalen, the French President was presented to the Speaker, the Deputy Speakers and the Prime Minister and Ministers. Afterwards, they were also welcomed by Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia in the Bernadotte Suite.

Photo: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna

 On the occasion of the visit, King Carl XVI Gustaf appointed President Macron as a Knight of the Order of the Seraphim. His wife received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Polar Star. In exchange, President Macron appointed Crown Princess Victoria as Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour as she already holds the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit. Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia were also appointed grand officers of the Legion of Honor.

A luncheon was held at the Royal Palace before the group split up.

Queen Silvia and Mrs Macron visited the Rinkeby School and the Modern Museum, while the King and the President participated in a round table discussion about the future of European security.

In the evening, a gala dinner was held.

Photo: Clément Morin/Kungl. Hovstaterna