Sweden (royal anthem)
"Kungssången" (Royal Song)

Words by: Carl Wilhelm August Strandberg
Music by: Otto Lindblad
In use since: c. 1870

Like Denmark, Norway, and Thailand, Sweden also has a royal anthem in addition to its national anthem. The song is used in the presence of the Royal Family and at other important state events (such as the Nobel Prize ceremony and the opening of Parliament). Usually only the first and fifth verses are heard (only the first in the presence of the King), the other three verses are seldomly performed.

The song was first sung at a party held by the University of Lund in 1844 to celebrate the accession of the new king, Oscar I. The anthem was used as a national and royal anthem until 1893, when it became solely the royal anthem. It replaced the former anthem "Bevare Gud vår kung" (God Save the King) by Abraham Niclas Edelcrantz, which, interestingly, was sung to the tune of not only the British royal and national anthem, but also the current tune of the royal anthem of its neighbour, Norway. During the reign of Gustav III (1771-1792) "Gustafs skål" with music and lyrics by Carl Micael Bellman was a favourite of the king, and was informally his royal anthem.

Special thanks to: Dieter Baalss for informing me about this anthem, Reinhard Popp for the sheet music, and Lars C Stolt for some of this information.

See also: Sweden.