King Carl XVI Gustaf will confer the Vasa Order on ABBA members for their notable impact on international musical culture, a decision announced by the Royal Palace and reported to the public in line with royal protocol.
The four musicians—Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, and Agnetha Fältskog—were singled out for this honor after the palace confirmed the government’s and the king’s endorsement of the award, highlighting their enduring contributions to the arts on a global stage.
The Order of Vasa is one of Sweden’s traditional chivalric orders, alongside the Order of the Sword, the Order of the North Star, and the Seraphim. It recognizes excellence in areas such as agriculture, mining, crafts, the arts, technology, commerce, education, and the humanities, celebrating individuals whose work advances Swedish society and its international cultural standing.
Recipients of the Vasa cross receive a white enamel-covered gold cross featuring a golden vase emblem, with the honorees granted the rank of commander first class, a prestigious level among the five ranks within the order.
The formal presentation is scheduled for May 31 at Stockholm Palace, marking the first ceremony awarding the Order of Vasa in Sweden since 1974 and underscoring the symbolic importance of cultural achievement in the nation’s honors system.
In May 2023, ABBA members stated that a performance at the Eurovision Song Contest would not take place in 2024, clarifying their plans while continuing to influence the European musical scene through their legacy and ongoing projects.
Earlier announcements indicated that the international song contest Intervision would be held in Moscow in 2024, reflecting shifts in the global music calendar and the enduring appeal of large-scale European gatherings for contemporary artists and audiences alike.