Sweden’s king has no plans to retire at 80

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf turns 80 on Thursday but says he has no intention of stepping down, telling public broadcaster SVT, “I can’t do anything else.”

In an exclusive interview ahead of his birthday, the king reflected on the surprise abdication of his cousin, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, last year. “I think she felt it was difficult for her,” he said.

Despite a packed schedule, the king’s birthday will follow his usual routine. His main hope for the day? “That it doesn’t rain. That would be a disaster,” he told SVT. “I hope it’s a good day for our guests and a pleasant evening together—a happy memory.”