Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf to celebrate 80th birthday with public events

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf will mark his 80th birthday on 30 April 2026 with a day of official ceremonies, military honours, and public celebrations, according to plans released by the Royal Court and reported by public broadcaster SVT.

The birthday programme begins with a Te Deum service of thanksgiving at the Royal Palace Chapel at 10:00, followed by a military salute in the Outer Courtyard at 11:00, where children will present flowers to the king. At 12:30, the Swedish Armed Forces will perform a 21-gun salute from Skeppsholmen as the Air Force conducts a flyover. The king will then receive public greetings from Lejonbacken accompanied by choral tributes.

Stockholm City Hall will host a luncheon in the king’s honour at 14:00, while the day concludes with a gala dinner for invited guests at the Royal Palace in the evening.

SVT will broadcast extensive coverage, including a pre-birthday interview with the king on 29 April and live transmissions of the 30 April events, culminating in highlights from the gala dinner and a Tapto military tattoo in the Inner Courtyard.

The celebrations coincide with the king and Queen Silvia’s golden wedding anniversary on 19 June 2026, which will be marked separately on 13 June with a Te Deum service, a procession through Stockholm, concerts, and a private supper at the palace.