Iconic Swedish pop quartet ABBA who mesmerised fans with their infestious song "Dancing Queen" received the prestigious Swedish knighthood from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on May 31. Bestowed with the Order of the Vasa, a distinction not awarded for nearly half a century, Agnetha Faltskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were elevated to the rank of "Commander of the First Class."
This recognition hailed their "very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music life." The Swedish band had not performed together live for four decades but released a comeback album "Voyage" in 2021. The digital "ABBA-tars" opened in London in 2022.
The knighthood ceremony was held at the opulent Vita Havet Assembly Rooms in the Royal Palace, where King Carl XVI Gustaf presented the orders in red boxes, while Queen Silvia bestowed diplomas upon the recipients. "The order you receive today is Sweden’s expression of gratitude for your extraordinary contributions," remarked the monarch, addressing 13 distinguished Swedes honoured on the occasion.
Also read: Raye sets record at Britain's pop music honours
Earlier this year, candidates were nominated by the public and the Swedish government and king King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominees that included the four ABBA members.
The orders were awarded during a solemn ceremony at the Royal Palace in the gilded Vita Havet Assembly Rooms. The monarch handed them the order in a red box while a diploma was given to them by Queen Silvia.
"The order you get today today is Sweden’s thanks for your exceptional efforts,” the monarch said before handing out orders to 13 exceptional Swedes.
Andersson, Faltskog, Lyngstad, who now use the last name Reuss walked up using a cane, and Ulvaeus received the order in an event that was aired live on Swedish media.
The Eurovision victory turned ABBA into a pop juggernaut, by far the most successful band to win the pan-continental music contest. ABBA’s melodic disco pop sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. The stage musical “Mamma Mia!” based on its songs is 25 years old and spawned two movies.
(With inputs from agencies)
This recognition hailed their "very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music life." The Swedish band had not performed together live for four decades but released a comeback album "Voyage" in 2021. The digital "ABBA-tars" opened in London in 2022.
The knighthood ceremony was held at the opulent Vita Havet Assembly Rooms in the Royal Palace, where King Carl XVI Gustaf presented the orders in red boxes, while Queen Silvia bestowed diplomas upon the recipients. "The order you receive today is Sweden’s expression of gratitude for your extraordinary contributions," remarked the monarch, addressing 13 distinguished Swedes honoured on the occasion.
Also read: Raye sets record at Britain's pop music honours
Earlier this year, candidates were nominated by the public and the Swedish government and king King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominees that included the four ABBA members.
The orders were awarded during a solemn ceremony at the Royal Palace in the gilded Vita Havet Assembly Rooms. The monarch handed them the order in a red box while a diploma was given to them by Queen Silvia.
"The order you get today today is Sweden’s thanks for your exceptional efforts,” the monarch said before handing out orders to 13 exceptional Swedes.
Andersson, Faltskog, Lyngstad, who now use the last name Reuss walked up using a cane, and Ulvaeus received the order in an event that was aired live on Swedish media.
The Eurovision victory turned ABBA into a pop juggernaut, by far the most successful band to win the pan-continental music contest. ABBA’s melodic disco pop sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. The stage musical “Mamma Mia!” based on its songs is 25 years old and spawned two movies.
(With inputs from agencies)
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