ABBA reunited for an appearance at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, where they were given the Royal Vasa Order, a Swedish knighthood.
All four members – Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Benny Andersson – were in attendance last Friday (May 31) at the country’s Royal Palace, accepting the honour from King Carl XVI Gustaf for their “very distinguished contributions within Swedish and international music life.”
Per The Associated Press, the Royal Vasa Order is one of the most prestigious knighthoods in the country, and it was handed out for the first time in almost 50 years.
The knighthoods were awarded during a solemn ceremony at the Royal Palace’s Vita Havet Assembly Rooms. The monarch handed them the order in a red box while a diploma was given to them by Queen Silvia.
”The order you get today is Sweden’s thanks for your exceptional efforts,” the monarch said, as reported by The Associated Press.
ABBA have not performed live together since 1982, although they have made sporadic public appearances together – including the unveiling of their ABBA Voyage show in 2022.
Last Monday (May 27), Ulvaeus and Andersson participated in a Q&A session on a night that celebrated the second anniversary of ABBA Voyage.
The two ABBA members entertained the idea of the Voyage live band performing at Glastonbury. “Oh yes! It’s a brilliant idea,” said Ulvaeus.” They’re a great band, why shouldn’t they play?”
Texas’ Sharleen Spiteri asked the duo if they’d ever considered getting up on stage to play with the band during a Voyage show, to which Andersson replied: “Definitely. Maybe if they play Glastonbury and need an extra piano player…”
ABBA Voyage continues into 2026. Visit here for tickets and more information.