The four iconic members of the Swedish pop group ABBA—whose victory in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their chart-topping song ‘Waterloo‘ catapulted them to global fame—were today bestowed with one of Sweden’s most esteemed knighthoods – marking another milestone in their distinguished career.
Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were awarded the Commander of the First Class’ in the Royal Order of Vasa for their “remarkable accomplishments in Swedish and international music life.“
This was a very rare event as it was the first time in fifty years that the Order of Vasa has been awarded. The order had been dormant until late 2022 when it was reactivated following legislative changes that opened the Royal Orders to the public.
It is normally given to those who have made many contributions to Swedish society.
Earlier this year, the public and the Swedish government were invited to nominate candidates for the esteemed knighthood. After careful consideration, King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominees, a list that included the ABBA members, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Swedish and international music.
Reunited for this momentous occasion, the four members of ABBA stood together outside the Royal Palace in Stockholm, a symbol of their collective achievement.
They received the Royal Vasa Order from the Swedish king and queen, a testament to their contribution to Swedish cultural glory. The band is celebrating 50 years since their Eurovision win, a milestone that launched their music career on the global scene in 1974.
ABBA was not the only group honored; 13 others received the Royal Order of Vasa, including two 2023 Nobel Prize winners: French-Swedish physicist Anne L’Huillier and Svante Pääbo, who were awarded the prestigious prize in physics and medicine, respectively.
The smiling ABBA members stood together after receiving their knighthoods – reminiscent of their younger days.
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