King Carl XVI Gustaf has given a special honour to the four stars of Sweden’s music scene, ABBA.

The pop legends have become members of the Order of Vasa, one of the most prestigious orders of chivalry in Sweden. It’s the first time that new members have been created for half a century.

Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Reuss all become members of the Order for outstanding contributions to Swedish and international music.

They are made Commanders First Class of the Order.

The appointments are made by the King of Sweden on the advice of the country’s government.

King Carl XVI Gustaf hasn’t appointed anyone to the country’s orders of chivalry since the very start of his reign. In 2022, the Swedish government decided that appointments would begin again to recognise those who have contributed to Sweden.

Now, months after the king’s Golden Jubilee, appointments are being made again. There are four orders in Sweden – the Order of the Seraphim, the Royal Order of the Sword and the Royal Order of the Polar Star as well as the Royal Order of Vasa.

ABBA have long links with Sweden’s royal family and famously performed Dancing Queen as the country celebrated the marriage of King Carl XVI Gustaf to Queen Silvia in 1976.