The king receives foreign ambassadors at formal audiences after they have been posted to serve in Sweden. Taking up such a post does not always mean being stationed in Stockholm, ambassadors can be stationed in London, for instance, as non-resident ambassador to Sweden. Formal audiences are normally held four times in the spring and autumn respectively. Four ambassadors are usually received on each occasion.
The custom of receiving specific ambassadors from foreign powers at formal audiences dates from the Renaissance, when the need to maintain good contacts with these envoys increased. In Sweden, this was developed by Gustav Vasa and especially during the time Sweden was a Great Power. It became common practice to send an “ambassador” to a country on a specific errand, i.e. the ambassador was accompanied by a large retinue who brought expensive gifts. Ceremonies, both to mark the power of their own country and to show courtesy to the foreign envoy, became an important element in international exchanges.
The ceremonial proceedings employed today remain largely unchanged from those of the late 19th century and have their equivalents in other countries.
The ambassador is usually received at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and then conveyed by horse drawn carriage to the Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace of Stockholm where a band is playing.
The ambassador is then taken to the East Wing to watch a parade and band.
The ambassador then has a private audience with HM the King that lasts around 20 minutes during which time the ambassador presents his or her credentials.
At the conclusion of the audience with HM the King the ambassador returns to the Inner Courtyard and leaves the Royal Palace by car shortly after which the next ambassador arrives to the Inner Courtyard by horse drawn carriage.