Abba Reunites to Receive Swedish Knighthood from King Carl XVI Gustaf

On May 31, 2024, the iconic Swedish pop group Abba, composed of Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Björn Ulvaeus, reunited at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. They were awarded the Royal Order of Vasa by King Carl XVI Gustaf for “outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music.” This prestigious knighthood was last awarded nearly 50 years ago.

The ceremony was held in the Royal Palace’s Vita Havet Assembly Rooms, where the king handed out red-boxed orders and Queen Silvia presented diplomas to the recipients. Abba’s recognition comes after the reinstatement of Royal Orders to Swedish citizens, which ended in 1975 but resumed in 2022.

Abba, who rose to global fame after their 1974 Eurovision win with “Waterloo,” has sold over 400 million records worldwide. Their cultural impact includes the widely popular “Mamma Mia!” musical and films, and their recent “Voyage” digital concert series in London.

The event also honored 13 other Swedes, including Nobel laureates Svante Pääbo and Anne L’Huillier.

Keywords: Abba, Royal Order of Vasa, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Stockholm, Swedish pop music, knighthood, Eurovision, Mamma Mia!, Voyage.