The sun shone through the church windows as the service, led by the chief court preacher Johan Dalman, began on Thursday morning. Dalman spoke about the king's baptism in June 1946 and noted that his path was set early in life. But, according to Dalman, the king has taken on the task in his own way:
And 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
Among the guests of honor during the day were King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand and Queen Margrethe of Denmark. From Norway, the King and Queen and Crown Prince Haakon were present.
After the Palace Church, a military guard of honor was held in the outer courtyard, where a large number of people had gathered. Somchuen Thiansai traveled in from Lidingö to celebrate the king and see the Thai royal couple.
"It's amazing. I'm very grateful that we can be here and stand here," said Somchuen, who was carrying a Thai flag.
Flowers for the King
Four-year-old Sally Leijonmarck looked up at the balcony where the royals were waving, and her mother Charlotte Severed said she hoped to give the king a flower. A moment later, she was allowed to do so, along with countless other children who had lined up.
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," says Vera.
Elise Andersson drove down with her siblings from Jämtland on Wednesday to see the celebration.
"I think we have a very good royal family, especially compared with how it seems in the rest of Europe right now," says Elise.
After the changing of the guard, the Air Force conducted a flyover over Stockholm, while the Armed Forces fired a salute from Skeppsholmen. The King then thanked the guests in a short speech from the terrace of Lejonbacken:
"Seeing you all gathered here is fantastic, for me of course, but also for all my guests who are here."
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 – Singing 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.
