Sweden's king celebrates 40 years on the throne

[September 16, 2013]  STOCKHOLM (AP) -- King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is celebrating 40 years on the throne by throwing a dance party in the Stockholm Palace courtyard.

The royal palace celebrated the king's 40th anniversary Sunday by holding a service in the palace church, attended by the heads of state from neighboring Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. On Saturday, there was a dinner and a jubilee concert.

Later Sunday the mayor of Stockholm, Sten Nordin, will toast the king, and there will be a party for the public, featuring dance rhythms such as salsa, waltz, lindy hop and foxtrot.

In a Swedish radio interview, the 67-year-old monarch indicated he will stay on the throne for as long as he remains healthy and said his job is now "more exciting than ever."

[Associated Press]

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