The King can celebrate his 80th birthday with the certainty that the Swedish royal family stands strong in the eyes of the public.
We have seen a stabilization in recent years, with support for maintaining the monarchy increasing slightly, says Ulrika Andersson, associate professor at the SOM Institute at the University of Gothenburg, which regularly measures trust.
Trust is strengthened during celebrations such as childbirth and weddings.
This is positive for the royal family, because interest and trust usually increase during such times.
The worst has been after the king's famous visit to Brunei in 2004, where he spoke highly of the sultan, as well as in connection with the book release "The Involuntary Monarch" in 2010.
In the latest poll, 54 percent wanted to retain the monarchy, while 18 percent wanted to abolish it.
So the King has nothing to worry about, according to Andersson, and Crown Princess Victoria is also very popular.
If it continues in the same way, I would say there are good conditions for support for the royal family and for the monarchy to remain, says Andersson.
Facts: The King's 80th birthday celebration
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.
Source: The Royal House
