ABBA HONOURED BY THEIR OWN COUNTRY

The Swedish government has awarded one of the country’s most prestigious knighthoods to the four members of the super group ABBA.

Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Anna-Frid Lyngstad received the honour in the capital of Stockholm for their “longevity and successful engagement within the performing arts”. The knighthoods were given to them by King Carl XVI Gustav and were televised live on Swedish media.

The knighthoods were followed by the handing over of official diplomas by Queen Silvia.

“The order you get today is Sweden’s thanks for your exceptional efforts.”

It was the first time in almost 50 years that the prestigious knighthood Royal Order of the Vasa has been handed out.

The four Swedish nationals, along with nine other “exceptional Swedes” became Commanders of the First Class of the order for “very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music life”.

ABBA first made headlines around the world when they won the Eurovision Song Contest held in Brighton 50 years ago. Their song Waterloo was a massive hit for the foursome and the start of a very successful and highly acclaimed career.

Image credit: Yahoo News Singapore