Today it is 500 years since Gustav Vasa was elected king, and King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia therefore began the National Day celebrations in Strängnäs.
"This is where it all started. On Saturday, June 6, 1523, Gustav Eriksson Vasa was elected King of Sweden here in Strängnäs. Imagine if you had been able to be there on that summer day, said the king when he spoke solemnly.
"The actual royal election must have taken place outdoors. On this occasion, Gustav Vasa was 27 years old, just as I was when I succeeded my grandfather in 1973.
"Signals above all community"
The King says that he thinks we have Gustav Vasa to thank for laying the foundation for the Sweden we see today.
"What would we have told you about Sweden if we had met Gustav Vasa today? If we had described our thriving business community, our welfare society, our quest for justice and community, yes, we probably would.
In the speech, the King also paid tribute to the Swedish flag and calls it an obvious symbol.
"It represents everything we have achieved and what we are fighting to keep. Democracy, justice, freedom of expression and of the press, peace and freedom. The flag will fly on June 6 everywhere in Sweden in squares and gardens, on buses and balconies. The blue and yellow color signals solemnity and celebration, but above all perhaps fellowship.
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Our flag used to be darker