Annual Event, State Opening, State Opening, Sweden

State Opening of Parliament (Sweden)

The Sweden State Opening of Parliament (Riksmötets Öppnande) is held each year to mark the start of the new parliamentary year. The State Opening is usually held on a Tuesday in September and is attended by the Monarch and Royal Family.

Current 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

Since 1975, the State Opening Ceremony has been held in the Riksdag chamber of the Riksdag (Parliament) building.

Royals travel to service in Carriage Procession with a mounted escort provided by the Life Guards.

Typical Schedule of Ceremony

Broadcast live on the Riksdag webcast service
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.
Musical Perfomance.
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.
Musical Perfomance.
Prime Minister gives speech outlining the government’s priority for the year.
Musical Perfomance.
Sweden’s National Anthem “Du gamla, du fria” (You ancient, you free) is played while the Monarch and Royal Family leave.
Debate begins.

Concert

To celebrate the State Opening a concert is held in the evening, featuring prominent Swedish musicians, orchestras and singers. This tradition started in 1975, when the State Opening moved from the Stockholm Royal Palace’s Hall of State (Rikssalen) to the Parliament Building. The Concert replaced the pomp and circumstances.

The concert is held at either the Stockholm Concert Hall or Stockholm Royal Opera.

The Concert Hall, built in 1920s, was unique for it’s time by have with people of different social classes enter through the same doors.

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.