The members of Abba were awarded the Order of the Vasa for “extraordinary contribution to music life in Sweden and abroad”.
The members of the legendary Swedish pop band Abba can now call themselves knights.
Sweden’s King Karle XVI Kustaa granted the members of the band on Friday, To Benny Anderson, For Agnetha Fältskog, For Anni-Frid Lyngstad and For Björn Ulvaeus Order of the Vasa first class badge. The award was given for “very exceptional contributions to the music scene in Sweden and internationally”.
Swedish newspapers, among others, reported on the matter Aftonbladet and Expressen.
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The members of Abba are the first recipients of the honor in 50 years.
At the same time, 50 years have passed since the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest won by Abba with their song Waterloo. With the song, the band achieved its international breakthrough.
The last time all Abba members were seen in public together was in 2022 in London at the premiere of the Abba Voyage concert. At the concert, Abba’s music was performed by hologram figures of young Abba members.
Hologram-Abba also performed at April’s Eurovision in Malmö.
Abba has a special relationship with the royal couple
King Kaarle Kustaa of Sweden and the queen With Silvia has a special relationship with Abba, Expressen writes.
Abba performed their famous song Dancing Queen at the royal couple’s wedding in 1976.
The awarding of medals of the Vasa Order to non-royals was stopped in 1975. The Swedish Parliament overturned the decision in 2022. Thus, the first medals in 50 years were awarded at the Royal Palace of Sweden on Friday.
A total of 13 Swedes received the medal on Friday. Among them is, for example, an entertainment artist Eva Rydberg.
Officially, the recipients of the medal are decided by the Swedish government. The proposal of these persons will be submitted to the board by the newly established Council of the Order.
In the end, the king gives the medal to its recipients.