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| Photo: Sara Friberg/kungahuset |
Notes by Gert's Royals are in [Brackets].
Dear Swedes, at home and abroad, everyone in Sweden!
Christmas is about community and tradition. A time for reflection and peace. Perhaps it is more important now than in a long time. In a world of conflict, rapid change, and uncertainty.
When we feel anxious, the need for security becomes greater. But security is not a given. It is something we must create together. By sticking together, feeling proud, and taking responsibility for Sweden, we stand strong when the wind blows hard.
There is a war going on in our vicinity that reminds us daily of the troubled times we live in. Our thoughts also go this Christmas to Ukraine and its quest to be a free country.
At the same time, the Middle East has been hit by enormous human suffering. Unimaginable numbers of civilians have lost their lives. Let us sincerely hope that we will soon see an end to the horrors of war.
Dear Swedes,
In March, Sweden became a member of NATO. The purpose of the defense alliance is for the countries together to be so strong that it deters others from attacking us. After 200 years of non-alignment, it is one of the biggest security policy decisions in Swedish history.
Membership gives Sweden new opportunities to deepen cooperation with other countries, not least in our immediate vicinity. This became clear when the Queen and I welcomed the Finnish presidential couple and the Danish royal couple to Sweden on their first state visit in the spring. The Nordic countries have always been important to us, but ties have grown stronger now that the entire Nordic region is part of NATO.
[Danish Royal Couple are King Frederik & Queen Mary, who made a State Visit to Sweden in May]
At the end of October, the Queen and I received the new edition of “Om krisen eller kriget kommer" [In Case of Crisis or War], which was then sent to every household in Sweden. If you haven’t already read it, I recommend you do so!
["In Case of Crisis or War" is a publication delivered to every household in Sweden, with information on how to act in situations of National Crisis or war. It was originally published by the Swedish Armed Forces office in 1943. The document has been updated numerous times. The 2024 update includes information on Air Raids, evacuation, terror attacks, cyber attacks, psychological warfare, extreme weather and infection diseases.]
The book highlights the importance of preparedness in an uncertain world. If we prepare ourselves, anxiety decreases and we feel safer. It is a guiding principle for me in many situations in life. For example, when I am hiking in the mountains when the weather suddenly changes. Then it is important to have packed my backpack properly!
Dear Swedes,
The year has – despite the challenges in our world – offered joys.
One of the highlights was this summer when The Queen and I had the pleasure of visiting the Olympics in Paris. Shortly afterwards, Princess Estelle went with her mother and grandmother to the Paralympics.
The Olympic Games mean a lot to our family. Without the 1972 Munich Olympics, the Queen and I might never have met. Since then, we have not only shared life with each other, we also share the joy – in good company with our children and grandchildren – when we cheer for Sweden.
During the year, I have also had the honour of conferring royal orders on Swedish citizens, for the first time in 50 years. The orders – which have been reintroduced following broad consensus in the Riksdag – reward outstanding contributions to Sweden. I hope that the deeds of the recipients can serve as an inspiration for many generations to come.
[In 1974, The Royal Orders were restricted to foreigners. In 2023, new regulations opened the ordered to Swedish Citizens again. In March 2024, the investiture service for the Order of Vasa was held for the first time in 50 years, with the members of ABBA being honored. The first investiture service for the Order of Sword was held in May 2024.]
Dear Swedes,
This Christmas holiday marks 20 years since the tsunami hit Southeast Asia – one of the greatest natural disasters in modern times. For many in our country, Boxing Day has since been associated with sadness and loss. Tomorrow, The Queen and I will visit Uppsala Cathedral to honor those who did not make it home.
[The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami killed about 228,000 People. Due to high nordic tourists in the area, Sweden was the highest European Country with loss of life.]
The grief over those we have lost is something that many of us share. My dear sister, Princess Birgitta, recently passed away. It reminded me personally of how important it is to come together and remember.
[Princess Birgitta passed away on December 4th.]
Just as we feel good about feeling that we are part of a community, we also need hope for a brighter future. And we must believe in the future – despite war, climate change and forces that threaten our security. We humans have, time and again, faced challenges and found ways forward. With respect for each other, faith in research and science, and through the courage to think new things, we can create a better world.
I would like to close by reading the first verse of one of our most beloved Christmas carols.
[Lyrics of the Swedish Christmas Song "Jul, jul, strålande jul"]
Jul, jul, strålande jul,
glans över vita skogar,
himmelens kronor med gnistrande ljus,
glimmande bågar i alla Guds hus,
psalm, som är sjungen från tid till tid,
eviga längtan till ljus och frid!
--
Christmas, Christmas, radiant Christmas,
shine over white forests,
heaven's crowns with sparkling lights,
glittering arches in all the houses of God,
psalms, which are sung from time to time,
eternal longing for light and peace!
The words are reminiscent of a legacy that connects the past with the present, and our desire to find peace.
I hope that the coming holidays will give you a much-needed break from everyday life. And that you can draw strength and power from the Christmas message of hope and joy.
Together with my family, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, 2025!
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