Swedish State Visit to Estonia

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden are on a State Visit to Estonia at the invitation of President Alar Karis from May 2nd to the 4th, to deepen the relationship between Estonia and Sweden, including the relationship in the EU where Estonia and Sweden are like-minded on many issues, particularly in security and defense as well as a closer cooperation between Swedish and Estonian businesses with a focus on digitization and green transition, as well as dducation and research.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia began the State Visit with a Welcome Ceremony at the  Freedom Square (Vabaduse Väljak), where they were received by President Alar Karis and First Lady Sirje Karis before laying a wreath at the memorial for the War of Independence. Afterwards, the King and Queen joined the President and First Lady for official ceremonies a the Presidential Palace ahead of Lunch with a Prime Minister, a visit to the Estonian Parliament, a visit to the museum in Nikolaikyrkan and the monument in memory of the victims of communism in Maarjamäe.

In the evening, President Alar Karis and First Lady Sirje Karis hosted a State Banquet in honour of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia (wearing the King Edward VII Ruby Tiara) at the Viimsi Artium. Both the King and President gave Speeches:

Our countries have a lot in common: we are neighbours, we have strong historical ties and we share the same values ​​in many respects. A sign of that is that Sweden was the first country to open an embassy in Tallinn, and in 2021 we celebrated 30 years of re-established diplomatic relations.

That is why the Queen and I are looking forward to visiting Estonia again. Our friendly relations have developed and now consist of a large web of contacts – in trade and economy, culture and research. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to strengthen our close and unique relationship.

HM The King

Following a series of engagements, which included the opening of the Estonia-Sweden Business Forum, a visit to the Gustav Adolf’s high school, the Arvo Pärt Centre, and a SOS Children’s Village in Keila as well as a Reception for the Swedish Community in Estonia, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia (wearing Queen Sofia’s 9-Prong Tiara) hosted a Return Banquet for President Alar Karis at the Swissôtel in Tallin.

Photos: Pontus Lundahl/TT via Kungahauset

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