2024 was the first time in 50 years that the award was given to "exceptional Swedes". This year, 20 people will receive one of three different types of orders of chivalry.
Journalist Ulf Elfving can now title himself Knight of the First Class of the Order of Vasa and receives the award for his significant contributions as a journalist and programme leader. Marie Göranzon Malmsjö becomes Commander of the Order of Vasa for her outstanding contributions as an actress.
Among other recipients are Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Sandqvist, who becomes Knight of the First Class of the Order of the Sword for significant contributions during ongoing war as Deputy Defence Attaché to Ukraine, and Sara Ålbrink who becomes Knight of the Order of the North Star for important contributions to the Swedish Armed Forces' strategic transports.
Civil Engineer Håkan Lans becomes Commander of the Order of Vasa for outstanding contributions as an inventor and Director Marie Ehrling becomes Commander of the First Class of the Order of Vasa for very outstanding contributions to Swedish business.
The award ceremony takes place at the Royal Palace on May 28.
The Order of the Sword:
Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Sandqvist
Major Harald Glans
Vice Corporal Henrik Lundqvist
.
The Order of the North Star:
Former Justice of the Supreme Court Bertil Bengtsson
Former National Archivist Erik Norberg
Physician Agneta Wikman
Former County Antiquarian Majvor Östergren
Strategic Purchaser Sara Ålbrink
.
The Order of Vasa:
Director Marie Ehrling
Court Singer Nina Stemme
Director Gunilla Ahrén
Former Opera Manager Ole Wiggo Bang
Actress Marie Göranzon Malmsjö
Civil Engineer Håkan Lans
Director Crister Stark
Director Karin Bodin
Journalist Ulf Elfving
Physician Ingrid Le Roux
Business Developer Staffan Braw
Photographer Kim Norman
Source: The Royal Majesty's Orders
The finest of the orders, the Order of the Seraphim, is still reserved for members of the royal family and foreign heads of state. It has one class, Knight.
The Order of the Sword, the Order of the North Star, and the Order of Vasa – all instituted in the 18th century – have five classes: Commander with Grand Cross, Commander of the First Class, Commander, Knight of the First Class, Knight.
The Order of the Sword is awarded to military personnel and the Order of the North Star to citizens active mainly in the public sector. The Order of Vasa is awarded to citizens in the private and non-profit sectors as well as in culture.
Source: The Royal Majesty's Orders
