King Carl Gustaf calls for a time of reflection and calm in a time of darkness and sends his thoughts to the war victims in Ukraine and the Middle East.
When we feel anxiety, the need for security increases. But security is not a given. It is something we must create together.
Nato Entry
2024 was the year when Sweden broke its non-alignment and joined the defense alliance Nato – "one of the largest security policy decisions in Swedish history" ever, according to the king.
The Nordic countries have always been important to us, but the bonds have grown stronger now that the entire Nordic region is part of Nato.
But despite the darkness in the world, the king has had several opportunities to rejoice during the year, such as the visit to the Olympic Games in Paris last summer.
The Olympic Games mean a lot to our family. Without the OS in Munich 1972, the Queen and I might never have met.
Honors Tsunami Victims
This year marks 20 years since the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia when 543 Swedes lost their lives, including 140 children.
For many in our country, Boxing Day has since been associated with sorrow and longing, says the king, who recently lost his own sister, Princess Birgitta.
It reminded me personally of how important it is to gather and remember. Just as we feel good about being part of a community, we also need hope for a brighter future.
Despite challenges and threats, it is important to dare to look ahead, according to the king.
We humans have time and again faced challenges and found ways forward. With respect for each other, trust in research and science, and through the courage to think anew, we can create a better world.
