State Opening of Parliament (Sweden)

The Sweden State Opening of Parliament (Riksmötets Öppnande) is held each year, usually on the 2nd Tuesday in September.  The State Opening is attended each year by the Monarch and Royal Family. The Monarch gives a speech to mark the start of the Parliamentary year.

Events

Earlier in the Day

• Roll Call for Members of Parliament
  • This will sometimes take place the day before.
• Riksdag service at Stockholm Cathedral
  • This is a secular church service.
  • Attended by Monarch and Royal Family

State Opening Ceremony

• Royals travel to service in Carriage Procession with a mounted escort provided by the Life Guards.
•  Broadcast live on the Riksdag webcast service

Schedule of Ceremony

• Begins at 2 PM.
• The Royal Anthem “Kungssången” (King’s Song) is played while the Monarch and Royal Family enter the chamber and take their seats.
• The Speaker requests that the Monarch declare Parliament open.
  • King Carl Gustaf has attended every year of his reign. However, should he be unable to attend the Speaker will declare the new session open on his behalf.
• The King gives address.
  • This is written by the Monarch, not the government.
  • The speech usually touches upon the upcoming parliamentary year and offers words of encouragement.
• Prime Minister gives speech outlining the government’s priority for the year.
• Sweden’s National Anthem “Du gamla, du fria” (You ancient, you free) is played.
• Royal Family leaves.
• Debate begins.

Later in the Day

• Concert at the Stockholm Concert Hall.
  • Attended by Royal Family.
  • This is sometimes held at the Stockholm Royal Opera instead.

Dress code

• Official Dress code for “Members of the Riksdag and guests”:
  • Suit with a light-coloured shirt, and a tie or bow-tie or a dress/skirt/trousers which is more elegant than regular, everyday wear, but not evening wear.
• Royal Men – Suit & Tie (any color)
• Royal Women – Black & White Outfit, Hat optional
  • The tradition of the royals wearing white and black is a nod to the black and white royal court dress that used to be worn.

King Carl Gustaf XVI’s Reign

• Royals Attending
• Speeches