King of Sweden focuses on hope for Christmas

King Carl XVI Gustaf focused on hope for his 2025 Christmas address to the Swedish people.

The King delivered his speech from Princess Sibylla’s Apartment in the Royal Palace on Swedish television and radio.

With a focus on hope for the future, His Majesty highlighted humanity in Sweden and reconciliation.

Mentioning terrorism and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the King said that the world must hold on to hope. As with many of his counterparts, he expressed his continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

King Carl Gustaf also spoke about climate change, innovation, the ceasefire in Gaza and the grief after the Örebro school shooting in February.

He said, “But out of the grief something grew – a sense of community and a willingness to help. All of Sweden rallied behind the police, emergency services, and medical personnel, who worked hard to save lives. People supported each other and showed that humanity is a sustaining force even in difficult times. That power is everywhere in our country.”

He asked his fellow Swedes to find hope in each other and to spread much-needed joy in the world.

“The message of Christmas is hope and reconciliation, that darkness never has the last word. For in the darkness lies the light. Right there, in the midst of the difficult, something new can begin to sprout. Right there, a light can be lit,” the King concluded.