A monarch on a mission

Why the King of Sweden has got it right.

What is the role of a monarch? This is a valid and frequent question in today’s world. Undemocratic leaders are questioned more so now than perhaps at any time in history. The world keeps evolving and there are new roles for modern monarchs to play. Roles that make sense and can be justified.

“My role as monarch of Sweden is unpolitical,” said His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden to me and a small group of Japanese journalists this morning in Tokyo as part of the King’s lead role in a Royal Technology Mission to Japan.

The mission, led by the monarch and featuring a group of senior Swedish decision-makers from the private and public sectors, is organised by IVA, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, of which the King is a patron.

Next to the King this morning was Leif Johansson, chairman of both Ericsson and AstraZeneca, and one of the biggest names in Swedish business. For the Swedish monarch it comes natural to travel the world and promote Swedish interests together with one of the country’s biggest business leaders. It’s what he does and what he is good at. Countries that have a royal family in 2016 should make good use of them in a way that makes sense for both the country and the royals.

Leif Johansson and His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on a mission in Japan, 18th February 2016. (Photo: Stefan Nilsson)

The King's motto is: “For Sweden – With the times". That’s it. Simple and to the point but an important motto that keeps His Majesty focused. I wish that many of our politicians were more like His Majesty and put the good of the country and society first instead of getting caught up in political games that are not helping the country or its citizens. I am confident that many of our elected leaders could learn a lot from our unelected head of state. In tough times, many talk about the undemocratic ways of a monarchy and question the value of a king, queen or emperor as a head of state. Well, here’s your answer. A modern monarch who works tirelessly to promote the country and its businesses is a good investment. It’s a great investment for the nation.

In today’s society the surviving monarchs have taken different approaches to find their purpose and play a role in their kingdoms, principalities and empires. During the discussion this morning in Tokyo, a Japanese journalist made the point that it would be unthinkable for the Japanese Emperor to be doing similar business-related promotional work. While the Japanese Imperial family has remained a very traditional family, the Swedish royal family has adjusted and found a new role in the modern society (that is the “With the times” part of the motto).

When laws and taxes are no longer handled by the King, he is freed up to focus on other things that are equally important. Sweden is an export-led economy with a very small domestic market. Any Swedish firm who wants to grow and be a world-class player has to focus on international markets. Without Swedish companies growing and making money from overseas markets, one does not have to worry about what tax they would be paying if they were making any money. With the monarch travelling the world promoting Sweden’s capabilities in research, development, engineering, innovation and so on, and looking for possible collaborations with other countries and their companies, Sweden’s companies are better positioned to grow and help Sweden’s economy grow as well. That is good for Sweden and all its inhabitants.

This morning His Majesty was in good spirits and ready to charm Japan and the Japanese on his mission to promote Sweden and Swedish interests. Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, King of Sweden, became Sweden's Head of State on 15 September 1973 at the age of 27. He still got it after more than 42 years on the throne. He’s pragmatic and enthusiastic. He gets things done. I wish more leaders were unpolitical.

“For Sweden – With the times". I am with you, Your Majesty.