Overview
- The king, in a rare interview ahead of Thursday’s 80th birthday, said he will remain on the throne “as long as I have the energy.”
- He called the role hard and constant, pointing to faster news cycles, false information, and wider unrest as reasons to stay alert and well informed.
- He praised Crown Princess Victoria as a strong and well-prepared heir, highlighting her recent military training and ambition.
- Stockholm’s plan for the birthday includes military honors, a Swedish Air Force flyover, a gala dinner with visiting royals, and a private gathering.
- Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is expected to miss the events for health reasons, with commentators noting sensitive optics after Epstein-era emails about Luxembourg’s 2012 royal wedding surfaced.