On 27 October, His Majesty the King conducted an inspection of the Life Guards' battalion in the inner courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm (capital of Sweden). The ceremony began with the assembled Life Guardsmen greeting the King in unison with the words "God save the King".
The Life Battalion consists of four divisions and is tasked with reinforcing the protection of the nation's and the Swedish Armed Forces' leadership in times of crisis or war. In peacetime, the battalion conducts parades and ceremonial duties, including state visits, National Day celebrations, and the guard at the royal palaces.
During the inspection, the King delivered a speech to the Life Guardsmen, highlighting the battalion's historical connection to the court and their efforts in both security assignments and ceremonial service. He also emphasised the importance of combining operational capability with representative duties:
"You are strongly associated with the image of Stockholm and are greatly appreciated by both myself and the public," said the King in his speech.
Approximately 450 soldiers, officers, musicians, and about 50 horses participated in the ceremony. The inspection concluded with a fourfold cheer for His Majesty.
Soldiers from the Life Guards have guarded the royal palaces and been responsible for the King's security since 1521, making the unit one of the world's oldest with continuous service.