The King holds formal audiences for new ambassadors

The King with Ambassador Alice Mashingaidze from Zimbabwe. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

On Thursday 10 October, four new foreign ambassadors submitted their credentials to The King during formal audiences at the Royal Palace.

The King with Ambassador Francisco del Río from Mexico. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross and Chain of the Order of the Aztec Eagle. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The foreign envoys received by The King during the formal audiences were: Ambassador Margus Kolga from Estonia

Ambassador Francisco del Río from Mexico

Ambassador Judith Gough from the United Kingdom

Ambassador Alice Mashingaidze from Zimbabwe

The King with Ambassador Judith Gough from the United Kingdom. During the audience, The King wore the insignia of the Knight of the Order of the Garter. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King with Ambassador Margus Kolga from Estonia. During the audience, The King wore the Grand Cross and Chain of the Order of the White Star. Photo: Sanna Argus Tirén/The Royal Court of Sweden

During the four audiences, the ambassadors submitted their credentials – a document from their head of state – to The King, who then granted them the formal right to work in Sweden.

The King arrives for the day's ceremony and greets the Guard Commander and the Palace Superintendent at the East Gate of the Royal Palace. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The ambassadors and their retinues travel in the Royal Stables' carriages up Slottsbacken to the Royal Palace. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The ambassadors arrive in the Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Formal audiences follow a traditional ceremony. The ambassador is collected in one of the Royal Stables' carriages from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and is taken to the Royal Palace. The King and the ambassador then talk in private for around fifteen minutes.

Ambassador Alice Mashingaidze from Zimbabwe arrives at the Royal Palace with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' introducer Klas Gierow. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden