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full screen The king sums up the past year and gives hope for the future in his annual Christmas speech. Photo: Sara Friberg / Royal Court States
It is a year burdened by war, sadness and worry that the king highlights in his annual Christmas speech.
But we also leave behind glimmers of light, such as the Olympics and a deepened Nordic cooperation.
King Carl Gustaf calls for time for reflection and calm in a time of darkness and gives his thoughts to the victims of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.
– When we feel worried, the need for security becomes greater. But safety is not a given. It is something we must create together.
NATO entry
2024 was the year when Sweden broke its freedom of alliance and joined the NATO defense alliance – “one of the biggest security policy decisions in Swedish history” ever, according to the king.
– The Nordic countries have always been important to us, but the ties have grown stronger now that the entire Nordic region is part of NATO.
But despite the darkness in the outside world, the king has had several occasions to rejoice during the course of the year, such as the visit to the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
– The Olympic Games mean a lot to our family. Without the Olympics in Munich in 1972, the Queen and I might never have met.
Honoring the Tsunami Victims
This year marks 20 years since the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia when 543 Swedes lost their lives, of which 140 were children.
– For many in our country, Boxing Day has since been associated with sadness and loss, says the king, who recently lost his own sister, Princess Birgitta.
– It reminded me personally of how important it is to gather and remember. Just as we feel good about being part of a community, we also need hope for a brighter future.
Despite challenges and threats to the future, it is important to dare to look ahead, according to the king.
– We humans have time and again faced challenges and found ways forward. With respect for each other, faith in research and science, and through courage to think new, we can create a better world.