King and Queen to be celebrated in 2026

2026 will be a historic year for the Swedish Royal House. King Carl XVI Gustaf turns 80 on April 30, and the royal couple celebrates their golden wedding anniversary on June 19 – 50 years since the wedding at Stockholm Cathedral in 1976. In connection with the jubilee year, the Swedish Court has released new official portraits of the royal couple. The images were taken by photographer Elisabeth Toll at Drottningholm Palace and show the royal couple in full gala attire. The royal couple in new official portraits taken by Elisabeth Toll. Photo: Kungahuset The King wears admiral's uniform with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Sword, while Queen Silvia is dressed in an emerald green gown by designer Georg et Arend. She wears the famous Braganza Tiara, a diamond diadem with roots dating back to the Brazilian Imperial House. The Queen wore the same tiara in the first gala portraits after the wedding in 1976.

Celebration of the King's 80th Birthday

On April 30, 2026, the King's 80th birthday will be celebrated with several events:

• Te Deum in the Palace Church
• Salute in the inner courtyard
• Congratulations reception at Lejonbacken
• Gala dinner at Stockholm Palace

Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration

The golden wedding anniversary will be marked on June 13, 2026 (moved from June 19 due to Midsummer) with:

• Te Deum in the Palace Church
• Procession with the Vasa Order through Stockholm
• Procession by horse and carriage through the city

An exhibition depicting the King and Queen's 50 years as a married couple will also open at Stockholm Palace.

The King has expressed a wish that those who want to give gifts in connection with his 80th birthday should instead make contributions to the Scout Movement rather than personal gifts.