Scout Movement thanks His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf
This past week, Scouts and National Scout Organization leadership from around the world celebrated and thanked His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for nearly 50 years of dedicated service and contributions of to the Scout Movement. To commemorate this milestone, Baden-Powell Fellows, national leadership, and Scout leaders from across the Movement gathered for the World Scout Foundation’s 78th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event in Stockholm, Sweden.
From across the global network, National Scout Organizations expressed their appreciation ahead of the Fellowship Event, which also saw His Majesty step down as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in Scouting's history.
The gathering, held from 7 to 10 May 2026 in cooperation with the Swedish Chapter of the BP Fellowship and Scouterna, Sweden's National Scout Organization, honoured His Majesty’s decades of service. Over the years, he has inspired millions of Scouts through public appearances at Scouting events, and supporting youth-led projects and actions that have created a better world.
During the gala dinner, His Majesty encouraged the Scout Movement to continue its commitment to peace and the service of others: “The world needs more of this - and more Scouts. And this is what has kept me active in Scouting for so long. I therefore encourage you all to continue your support for World Scouting. Every young person we reach, and every Scout-led programme we support, helps build bridges and contributes to a more peaceful future."
World Scouting's Secretary General David Berg expressed his gratitude in a shared video message with World Scout Committee Chairperson Daniël Corsen, on behalf of the Scout Movement, where he reflected on His Majesty's decades of service to the Scout Movement.
“Around the world, millions of young people and volunteers have been shaped by your remarkable legacy. You have always championed the voice of young people across the movement, spoken out about the importance of environmental sustainability, and opened the door for more young people from all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of Scouting,” he said.
In a special meeting at the Royal Palace, World Scouting presented His Majesty with a specially designed scarf on behalf of all 176 National Scout Organizations in recognition of His years of service and commitment to the Movement.
Speaking at the event in Stockholm, Chairperson Daniël also used his address to highlight the scale and impact of Scouting: “Whether leading a community project for the first time, responding to a flood in their neighbourhood, planting trees on a hillside, building bridges across faiths at a Jamboree, or simply being the person their peers turn to when things get hard. Scouting meets young people where they are and asks them what they can do.”
The occasion was also one of remarkable generosity. A special fundraising appeal held in His Majesty's honour raised USD 9.6 million to support Scouting’s programmes worldwide, empowering young leaders and strengthening efforts to promote peace and inclusion. World Scouting’s leadership recognised Stefan Mahlstein, the newly appointed Board member for the World Scout Foundation and Chairman of the newly created Swedish Foundation, and Thomas Frostberg, head of the Swedish World Scout Foundation Chapter, for their significant fundraising efforts.
Among those who attended the event were members of the World Scout Committee, including Vice-Chairperson Julius Kramer, and members Chrissy Pollithy, Steve Kent, Dan Ownby, and Jennifer Hancock. During the event, Secretary General David was awarded the Gustaf Adolfs-märket medal while Vice-Chairperson Julius received the Silver Wolf Award, the highest honours in Swedish Scouting, in recognition of their service.
His Majesty will continue to serve the Movement as Honorary Founder of the World Scout Foundation. He is succeeded by His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg as Honorary Chair of the Foundation.
To read more about His Majesty's impact on Scouting over the years and celebrate his legacy, visit the dedicated page on Treehouse.
