The Swedish royal couple quickly left during the gala concert.
Queen Silvia of Sweden and King Charles Gustav of Åland at the 100th anniversary of self-government. Antti Nikkanen
President Sauli Niinistö and his wife Jenni Haukio left Åland suddenly in the middle of the party. The presidential couple and the Swedish royal couple attended the 100th anniversary celebrations in Åland.
The presidential couple did not stay for dinner with others during their visit to Åland.
The Swedish royal couple also left quickly during the festive concert. According to the Expressen, the king Kaarle Kustaa and Queen Silvia watched the concert for less than 20 minutes.
Communications Manager of the Swedish Court Margareta Thorgren tells what the early concert visit was all about.
– In fact, it was planned that the presidential couple and the royal couple would attend the gala dinner and then go straight home. Since the presidential couple left and did not attend dinner, the royal couple had the opportunity to stay a little longer and attend the concert, Thorgren tells Expressen.
The communications manager says that Silvia and Kaarle Kustaa stayed longer than expected.
– It wasn’t planned for them to stay, but they wanted to, even though it was late at night, Thorgren says.
The reason for the early departure of the presidential couple was not clear.
According to the Office of the President of the Republic, the Swedish court and the Åland Lagting had been warned before the visit that the Finnish presidential couple might have to leave as soon as Niinistö’s active part, ie speech and discussions, had ended.
– When the president inevitably had to return, he could not stay with other guests for dinner, the office was told in a message.
King Charles XVI Gustav, Queen Silvia, President Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio attended the festivities. Antti Nikkanen
Source: Express