The sun shone through the palace church windows when the service, led by the chief court preacher Johan Dalman, began at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Dalman spoke about the king's baptism in June 1946 and noted that his path was set out early in life. But Dalman said the king has taken on the task in his own way:
In a highly personal, tireless, positive, hopeful, bold, curious, generous, humble, and in the best sense eternally youthful way, he has made it his own. For 80 years, 80 years "and counting".
Talk about a role model. Bernadotte's "sisu"! Thank God for that, amen.
Dalman said this in the speech that was met with a smile from the king.
Thailand's royal couple
Guests of honor at today's celebration include King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand, the King and Queen of Denmark, and Queen Margrethe of Denmark. From Norway, the King and Queen of Norway and Crown Prince Haakon will be present.
After the service, a military guard of honor was held at the Outer Courtyard. Thai Somchuen Thiansai had traveled there from Lidingö to celebrate the king and also see the Thai royal couple.
"It's amazing. I'm very grateful that we could come in and stand here. I'm very happy," said Somchuen Thiansai, who also brought a Thai flag to welcome King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.
Many stood on pillars and held selfie sticks to be able to see.
Flowers for the King
Four-year-old Sally Leijonmarck looked up at the balcony where the royals were waving.
"We look forward to giving him a flower, hopefully the one Sally has chosen," said mother Charlotte Severed.
A moment later she was allowed to do so, along with countless other children who nearly drowned the king in flowers.
Ten-year-old Vera Matsson had traveled from Örbyhus with her siblings and cousins to meet the king.
"He said thank you when I gave him the flowers. He was kind," said Vera.
The royal children, with their children and grandchildren, are also present for the celebration. Party leaders are also participating, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) sitting with the Social Democrats' Magdalena Andersson in the Palace Church.
Today's celebration ends with a gala dinner at Stockholm Palace.
10:00 – The celebration begins with a thanksgiving service, “Te Deum”, for invited guests in the Palace Church.
11:00 – Military guard of honor at the outer courtyard of Stockholm Palace.
12:30 – After the changing of the guard, the King walks out onto the terrace of Lejonbacken. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces fire a salute from Skeppsholmen while the Air Force conducts a flyover.
12:35 – Singers' tribute and congratulations from the public.
14:00 – The City of Stockholm is organizing lunch at City Hall.
19:30 – Gala dinner for invited guests at Stockholm Palace.
