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Swedish king sends green Christmas greeting

Published: 25 Dec 12 14:18 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/45268/20121225/

In his traditional Christmas Day speech, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf said that more must be done to combat climate change.

"More people in the world need to move from speech to action when it comes to handling the environment and climate issues," said the King.

He added that Sweden "has an important part to play in this mission."

"I have participated in many meetings about the environment and the importance of sustainability. We want future generations to be able to breathe fresh air and drink clean water. And so we have to find new ways for our Earth to function in the future, too."

The King also spoke of the challenges facing Sweden in the current turbulent financial climate.

He took the opportunity to thank Swedes for their well-wishes on the occasion of the birth of his granddaughter, Princess Estelle, in February.

"To become a grandfather and a grandmother was a big occasion for Queen Silvia and I", said the King.

He said he is now looking forward to a new year with new opportunities.

"We are especially pleased for Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill and their coming wedding."

Last week, the Royal Court confirmed that Madeleine and Christopher will marry on June 8th in Stockholm's Royal Palace church (Slottskyrkan).

In 2013, the King will celebrate 40 years as Head of State. He and the Queen will visit all counties of Sweden as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The King's Christmas Day speech is a Swedish tradition dating back to 1938. It was introduced by Prince Wilhelm and is broadcast on Sveriges Radio, Sweden's public service radio.

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21:08 December 25, 2012 by johan rebel
Wow! Now that the muppet-in-chief has spoken, the 7 billion mere mortals on this planet will bow, curtsy and set the climate right forthwith!

Thanks for saving the planet in one day, Kermit!
21:58 December 25, 2012 by Rebel
So how many trips does he take per year?

Typical upper class elite. Make the poor sacrifice so he and his group can enjoy life to its fullest.
00:11 December 26, 2012 by Pojopi
Congratulations, you Swedish have the most stupid king on earth. There has been no global warming for the last 16 years, nor will we see any warming in the coming 50 to 70 years. Low solar activity is causing a new Little Ice Age. The earth is cooling down quickly, in Sweden too. And what does king Stupid say: We must combat Climate Change. That king of yours is the most stupid of all idiots.
00:16 December 26, 2012 by theobserver
Hypocritical. Just as when he had sex with underage prostitutes.
02:18 December 26, 2012 by Eric1
I'll take King Karl XVI Gustaf over Emperor Obama any day, but these "Climate Change" religious zealots are a bunch of loons.
19:41 December 26, 2012 by johan rebel
Well, the Beligian Royal Kermit has been roundly criticized for his speech to the minions, so Muppet Carl is in good company. That's what you get when you spend centuries inbreeding. An no, adding German brown blood ain't gonna help none.
09:01 December 28, 2012 by robban70226
Green is the color of the dollar that is what rules the planet
14:28 December 28, 2012 by Eric1
robban70228, Obama is fixing "king dollar". it will be worthless before he leaves office.
17:46 December 31, 2012 by True & Evil
Satan will kill him soon
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