Royal Medals
Royal medals are conferred mainly upon Swedish citizens by the Head of State in recognition of outstanding contributions in society, and also to commemorate prominent individuals or important events.
In contrast to the cruciform shape of orders, medals are round or oval. They often have an image in relief on the front, with text on the back indicating the reason for conferral of the medal. An inscription with the recipient’s name and year of conferral is often inscribed on the back, sometimes on the rim. Apart from the Head of State, the government confers certain royal medals (see below). Medals are conferred by the Royal Academies as well as a great number of semi-official and private associations.
H.M. The King’s Medal and the Medal Litteris et Artibus (and, on an exceptional basis, the Seraphim Medal) are conferred twice a year, on the name day of Karl (28 January) and on the name day of Gustav (6 June).
The Prince Eugen Medal is conferred on the name day of Eugen (5 November) and the Prince Carl Medal is conferred on 1 December – the date on which it was instituted.
The King also confers royal jubilee commemorative medals. This was done for the wedding of the Crown Princess and for the 50th jubilee of H.M. the King.
Government Medals
In addition to the above, the Swedish government confers four royal medals:
- The Medal Illis Quorum Meruere Labores (For those whose work have made them thereof worthy)
- The Medal För berömliga gärningar (For commendable deeds)
- The Medal För medborgerlig förtjänst (For civic merit)
- The Medal För omsorgsfull renvård (For diligent reindeer husbandry)
Read more about the government-conferred medals and how nominations are made:
Another medal that is considered a government-conferred medal is part of the recognition För nit och redlighet i rikets tjänst (For zeal and devotion in the service of the realm), conferred for 30 years of serving in the Swedish public sector, or 25 years of service upon retirement. Read more in the government ordinance: