Photo: TT
The royal family gathers as the Riksdag session opens
King Carl XVI Gustaf opened the 2026/27 session of the Riksdag in Stockholm. The whole royal family took part, from the service at Storkyrkan to the ceremony in the chamber, where the King asked members to listen to one another.
King Carl XVI Gustaf opened the 2026/27 session of the Riksdag on Tuesday, the working year for the Swedish parliament and its 349 members. The whole royal family took part in a day that follows a fixed pattern of church service, a procession by state coach and a ceremony in the chamber.
The King and Queen on their way to the parliamentary service, with the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel behind. Photo: TT
Present were the King and Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, and Princess Madeleine with her husband Christopher O'Neill.
• A service at Storkyrkan
The day began at Storkyrkan, where holding a service before the opening of the Riksdag is a tradition several centuries old. The royal family were joined by the Speaker and a large number of members.
The royal family arrive at the parliamentary service at Storkyrkan. Photo: TT
The service was led by the dean, Jonas Eek, while Camilla Lif, vicar of the Katarina parish on Södermalm, gave the address.
The King and Queen and the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel during the service. Photo: TT
Christopher O'Neill, Princess Madeleine, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip at Storkyrkan. Photo: TT
• By state coach to the Riksdag
The King and Queen drove from the palace to the Riksdag building in the royal stables' state coach, the Sjuglasvagnen, while the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel came in Parade Coupé 3.
Guardsmen lined the route. Photo: TT
On the steps they were welcomed by the Speaker of the Riksdag, Andreas Norlén. The Army music corps played on Riksplan, and the royal family were escorted into the chamber by the Speaker and the Prime Minister to the Royal Guards' march, played by a sextet from the Air Force music corps.
Princess Madeleine, Christopher O'Neill, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip on the Riksdag steps. Photo: TT
• «Listen to each other»
The ceremony opened with the members singing the King's anthem. The Speaker then asked the King to open the new session.
«My wish is that this parliamentary year is marked by attentiveness, honesty and a long view. That you listen to each other even when you do not share an opinion, and that you look for common solutions. And that you show the leadership people have a right to expect from their elected representatives. Let us together build a society of trust and security, where democracy stands firm and where optimism and faith in the future have room to grow», the King said.
The royal family followed the ceremony from the gallery of the chamber. Photo: TT
The King then declared the session open. Music was performed during the ceremony by Julia Lindgren and Lars Cleveman, and those present closed by singing the national anthem before the procession left to Grand Marche. A reception followed in the Riksdag's banking hall.
• A performance in the evening
In the evening the royal family attended the performance at the Stockholm Concert Hall that also marks the opening of the session.