State Visit from Finland to Sweden Begins

At the invitation of His Majesty King Carl Gustaf, Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio, have begun a two-day State Visit to Sweden today, Tuesday May 17.
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia greeted the Finnish President and the First Lady at Royal Mews where they started a carriage ride to the Royal Palace where took place the official welcoming ceremony.
In the courtyard of the Palace the president and the King inspected the Grenadier Guards of the Life Guards and the national anthems were played.
Then, inside the Palace, the President and the First Lady were greeted by Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia. After posing for the official photos, King Carl Gustav and the President made statements to the press.
Later the Queen accompanied the First Lady for a visit at the Royal Palace Bernadotte Library and then the King, the Queen and the Presidential Couple paid a visit to the Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament.
At lunchtime took place a luncheon at the Royal Palace hosted by the Royal Couple.
In the afternoon the Queen and the First Lady paid a visit to the Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde Art Museum where they toured the exhibition “Light over Sea and Land – The Önningeby Colony on Åland” that shows many of the Swedish and Finnish painters’ most important works.
In the meantime the President had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson, followed by a press conference.
Then the Royal Couple and the Presidential Couple attended a cultural event at Kulturhuset focused on the cultural ties between Finland and Sweden.
The first day ended with a state banquet hosted by King Carl Gustaf in honour of Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio. Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia were present as well.
In his speech the King stated that: “Finland is an important trading partner for Sweden. Our countries work closely together in all areas of society – for example in research and education, business, culture and security” adding that: “both our countries are facing a historic shift”, referring to the desire of the two countries to join NATO defense alliance.

The Swedish Royal Family host President Sauli Niinistö and First Lady Jenni Haukio of Finland on their State Visit to Sweden: https://t.co/1BMo7M1QhO

— The Royal Watcher (@saadsalman719) May 17, 2022

 

Filed under Sweden
Tagged Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Finland, President Niinistö of Finland, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Prince Daniel of Sweden, Princess Sofia of Sweden, Queen Silvia of Sweden, State Visit.