Monarchy
King receives coffee service and trip with Estelle ahead of 80th birthday
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King Carl XVI Gustaf has begun celebrating his 80th birthday with gifts from palace staff, the government, and granddaughter Princess Estelle. He received a custom coffee service and an exclusive rug, plus a trip to Östergötland with Estelle. Celebrations started with a buffet at Stockholm Palace.
The Holy See has released the schedule for Pope León XIV's visit to Spain, running from June 6 to 12 and marking the first papal trip to the country in 15 years. The royal family will take part in several key events, including the welcome in Madrid and farewell in Tenerife.
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As part of his 2026 US state visit—detailed in prior coverage of his arrival and Congress address—King Charles III's trip to Washington highlights the UK-US partnership ahead of America's 250th anniversary. Former British Consulate official Shannon Felton Spence, now at Harvard, calls the king the UK's top soft-power asset, predicting warm ties with President Trump despite tensions with PM Keir Starmer.
In his annual Christmas speech, King Carl XVI Gustaf reflects on a year marked by crisis, war, and sorrow. Despite global challenges, he emphasizes the importance of dialogue and cooperation for a brighter future. He also turns to Sweden, remembering the victims of the Örebro shooting.
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King Felipe VI dedicated his traditional Christmas Eve message to defending conviviality as the foundation of Spanish democracy, warning of a crisis of trust that feeds extremism. Delivered standing for the first time in the Column Hall of the Royal Palace, the nine-minute speech recalled the 50th anniversary of the Transition and the 40th of EU accession. He called for dialogue, respect, and exemplarity in public powers amid a turbulent world.
When the king travels to the UN climate summit in Brazil, Crown Princess Victoria will temporarily take over as head of state. According to a DN/Ipsos survey, most people think she should remain in the role even after the king's return. Swedes show strong support for the monarchy.
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King Felipe VI addressed the 13th edition of the Toja Forum today, a key event for European debate. In his speech, he emphasized the need for unity in the European Union amid global challenges. The intervention comes amid rising geopolitical tensions.