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| Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden |
Notes by Gert's Royals are in [Brackets].
Dear Swedes, at home and abroad, all in Sweden!
Right now, Christmas Holiday is settling in many homes and in other places around our country. It gives us time to think and reflect on the past year. This is also the case here at the Royal Palace.
I remember when, many years ago, I was in South Africa in a Scout Trip. We visited one of the most vulnerable areas, outside Cape Town. Many of those who lived there lived in very poor conditions. Suddenly a boy came up to me. He was 10, 11 years old and wearing a scout shirt. The boy knew that I am also a scout. He was very proud of his nice shirt and wanted to talk about what it meant to him. He said: “When I wear it, I feel safe and at peace. Not even the toughest guys dare to walk on me.” The Scout shirt commanded respect. It symbolized healthy values.
[King Carl Gustaf is Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and actively participates in scouting events.]
I often think about that episode and what good symbols can do for us people.
It has been a dark year in many ways. In Brussels, Swedes, on their way to a football match, proudly wearing our Swedish colours, have been killed. A terrible deed.
[In October, two Swedish football were shot and killed in Brussels, Belgium outside a stadium.]
Here at home in Sweden, many have been affected by the ruthless gang violence. Many feel a concern about social development.
At the same time, the police and law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to create a safer Sweden for all of us. They have our full support in this endeavour.
The terrorist attack on civilians in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza brings great human suffering. It creates unrest and discord throughout the world. A peaceful development feels distant - but hope must live on.
In Ukraine, the people's struggle to defend their country against the Russian invasion continues. During the year, I met President Zelenskyj when he was visiting Sweden. We talked about the continuing difficult situation in the country. The president, like the blue-yellow Ukrainian flag, has become for many around the world a symbol of the freedom struggle of an entire people.
Blue and yellow are also the colors of our flag. The Swedish flag symbolizes our values, our freedoms, but also our obligations and our responsibility towards others. We have every right to think differently. We protect freedom of opinion, but the great freedom is based on respect and tolerance.
Our country also rests on the foundation of the rule of law. "Land must be built by law," this was King Carl XV's motto from his accession in 1859. It is originally an expression from the Middle Ages. The stanza also has a continuation that is rarely noticed: "Land shall be built by law - and not by violence".
[King Carl XV of Sweden reigned from 1859 – 1872. He helped to reform Sweden's Parliament and legal system].
Some of our laws can be perceived as self-evident today, but they are the result of the country's development, which was often preceded by long and sometimes difficult considerations. We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, universal and equal suffrage. Added to this are other laws on children's rights, prohibition of discrimination and protection of the environment.
During this year, Sweden has come ever closer to membership in NATO. It is the biggest defense and security policy change in our country since Sweden became militarily non-aligned over 200 years ago. And it is done in broad political agreement.
[NATO - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance between member states. King Carl Gustaf spoke about this in his Speech at State Opening of Parliament this year as well.]
My grandfather's brother Prince Wilhelm wrote an essay called "Free Land" in 1941, in the middle of a burning world war. It still holds up well today. He wrote the following:
"What we want to protect is nothing but our own. We hold no grudge against anyone as little as it would occur to us to threaten someone. We are a peace-loving people who do not wish to hurt a mosquito for when, but at the same time we assert our firm desire to live in peace and independence in the way that suits us best."
The Swedish flag also symbolizes the nature that we love to enjoy. Our clean air. The vast landscapes and mountains and lakes.
Nature makes our country rich. We have refined the forest, the ore, the hydropower and the soil. With the new green technology, Sweden continues to reap success in harmony with nature.
In the latest climate negotiations, the world's countries agreed for the first time to switch from fossil fuels. It gives hope and faith in the future.
["Latest climate negotiations" is likely a reference to COP28.]
During the year, the Queen and I have once again traveled around Sweden. We have marked my 50 years on the throne. We have also celebrated that it is 500 years since Gustav Vasa was elected king and Sweden became an independent country. On the trips, we have visited many of the county museums and seen fine examples from our history. Sweden's county museums have close to four million visits each year. Historical gems are preserved here that form part of our cultural heritage and traditions.
But our history is also the people. What is done every day by each and what we do together.
Wherever you are in Sweden or abroad, I hope you have a nice, peaceful Christmas. Maybe give some extra time to care for an old friend or an elderly relative. Giving an extra thought to those who need it most. I wish you rest and strength that gives you joy and hope.
Now 2023 is coming to an end and we are looking forward to a new year. Together with my family, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!
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