Opening of the Riksdag

During the ceremony the monarch declares the new session open and the Prime Minister makes a speech outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year.

[2] Before the ceremony starts, the members of the Riksdag attend a roll call and walk to Storkyrkan where a special church service is held.

This church service is also attended by the royal family seated in a special box close to the altar.

[3] After the church service the members of the Riksdag walk back to Parliament House and enter through its main entrance, making their way up the grand staircase.

The royal family make their way to the Parliament building in coaches together with a mounted escort provided by the Life Guards.

This speech may include topics the King thinks are extra important for the upcoming parliamentary year and words of encouragement to the members of the Riksdag.

This traditions stems from the old ceremony during which black and white court dress was worn by the royal family.

After entering the royal anthem was sung and the monarch took their seat on the Silver Throne, which after 1907 was covered by the coronation robe of Oscar II.

They then nodded to the Marshal of the Realm who hit their staff in the floor to mark the beginning of the speech and order the attendees to rise.

This ceremony was last held in January 1974 when king Carl XVI Gustaf read the final speech from the throne.