The four members of the Swedish pop group ABBA – formed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 Waterloo He won the song – on Friday he received one of Sweden's most prestigious knighthoods, the 16th century. From King Gustav Károlyi of Sweden. The Vasa Medal was awarded for the first time in nearly 50 years, he wrote ABC.
Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have been appointed as “first class conductors” of the order “for their very distinguished efforts in Swedish and international musical life”.
Sweden has many honours, including the Royal Order of the Seraphim, awarded to foreign heads of state and kings, and the Royal Order of the Polar Star, awarded to foreign citizens and stateless persons.
The Royal Order of Vasa, which is awarded in recognition of personal efforts for Sweden or Swedish interests, as well as successful performance of public duties, was dormant until the end of 2022, when it was reactivated after decrees reopening royal orders to Swedish citizens.
Earlier this year, the public nominated the candidates, and the Swedish government and the king approved the candidates, including the four members of ABBA.
The awards were presented at an official ceremony held at the Royal Palace in the gilded Vita Havit Hall. The monarch presented the award in a red box, while Queen Szilvia handed her the certificate.
The request you are receiving today is to thank Sweden for your exceptional efforts
The king said before presenting awards to “13 exceptional Swedes.”
Andersson, Waltskog, Lyngstad – who now has the surname Royce and uses a walking stick – and Ulvaeus received the order in an event broadcast live by Swedish media.
Some history
The Eurovision victory made ABBA a pop icon and the most successful band ever to win the continental music competition. ABBA's melodic pop-disco boasts hundreds of millions of recordings sold worldwide. The musical made from their songs A Mama Mia! He is 25 years old and has been the subject of two films.
Coincidentally, the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest was held in southern Sweden. The 68th competition was won by Swiss singer Nemo code With her song, an operatic pop-rap ode about the singer's journey towards gender identity.
By the way, the members of the Swedish band have not performed live together in four decades, but in 2021 they released the song a trip Their comeback album. Digital ABBA-tars (a digital concert interspersed with avatars) are set to open in London in 2022.
(Cover Photo: ABBA musical group In Stockholm, Sweden On May 31, 2024. Photo: Michael Oakes Archives/Getty Images)
