Abba band members honourably receive royal medals at a ceremony in Stockholm.

Abba band members honourably receive royal medals at a ceremony in Stockholm.

For the first time in half a century, Sweden bestowed royal honors upon its citizens. This tradition had been abandoned in 1975, as it seemed outdated. While foreigners continued to be awarded the order, it was only in 2022 that the Swedish parliament revived the practice.

At a ceremony last week, a total of 13 Swedish citizens were decorated for their accomplishments, featuring two Nobel Prize winners—geneticist Svante Pääbo and French-Swedish physicist Anne L'Huillier.

Fifty years ago, another Swedish group made history when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo." This victory in the European music competition launched their careers, and they went on to produce singles like "Mamma Mia" (1975), "Dancing Queen" (1976), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980). Their catchy tunes and distinct style encapsulated the disco craze around the globe, leading to worldwide fame. In 1982, the band disbanded.

Today, each of the four singers is over 70 years old. Since their original success, they've sold more than 400 million albums. The quartet made a comeback last year, releasing a new album after a lengthy hiatus.

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1. Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, two members of the cult band Abba, were among the Swedish citizens honored with royal medals during the ceremony in Stockholm.
2. The royal medal ceremony recognized the significant contributions of the popular pop band Abba, consisting of members Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, to the music industry.
3. Sweden's King Carl XVI. was present at the ceremony to personally hand out the medals to the deserving recipients, including the Swedish 'supergroup' Abba.
4. The ceremony in Stockholm brought together more than 70-year-old members of the renowned band, celebrating their collective achievements and decades-long impact on the global music landscape.
5. As part of the ceremony, the Swedish parliament acknowledged the iconic Eurovision victory of Abba in 1975 and their continued influence, manifested in the sale of over 400 million albums worldwide.
6. Following the ceremony, the quartet, still beloved by fans worldwide, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to continue creating and sharing their timeless music.

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