Ceremonial welcome for King and Queen of Sweden, State Visit, May 2019

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden began their State Visit to Ireland. This was the second State Visit to Ireland by the King, after his visit in April 1992. The State Visit served to highlight the historic and modern links between our peoples, which have contributed to shaping the two countries’ European identities, and to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Sweden and Ireland. The King and Queen were greeted by President and Sabina Higgins, after which the national anthems of both countries were played. The King then inspected a special Guard of Honour and planted an Irish Oak tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin.