Australian-Based Honorary Consuls attended royal reception in Stockholm
At the end of May 2025, four Australia-based Honorary Consuls visited Stockholm to participate in the Honorary Consul Conference, hosted by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
As part of the official program, the Consuls were honoured at a distinguished royal reception at the Royal Palace, hosted by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria. The event brought together Swedish Honorary Consuls from across Asia and Oceania, underscoring their vital role in advancing Sweden’s global engagement.
Representing Australia at the conference were:
- James Letherbarrow (Sydney)
- Benjamin Sandquist (Melbourne)
- Kevin Stephens (Darwin)
- Lisa Jahrsten (Perth)
However, they weren’t the only ones with ties to Australia in such high-level event. Also in attendance were Ambassador-Designate to Australia Klas Molin and Carina Engman, Head of Administration at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra, further underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between the Sweden and Australia.
During the ceremony, HM The King and HRH Crown Princess awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star to ten Honorary Consuls, including all four Australia-based representatives in attendance.
Honorary Consuls are vital links for Sweden internationally. Their work spans trade promotion, cultural exchange, and support for Swedish citizens abroad.
In his address, King Carl Gustaf praised the Consuls’ dedication, emphasising their contribution to Sweden’s international reputation and in fostering meaningful business and cultural ties between Sweden and the Asia-Pacific region.
