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.”*