STOCKHOLM—Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf will undergo a keyhole surgical procedure in the heart area on Feb. 20, the palace announced Tuesday. No details were given regarding the nature of the surgery, which is the first of its kind for the 76-year-old monarch. Following the procedure, the king will take a rest period, resulting in his planned commitments this month and in early March being postponed until later this spring.
The palace stated that the king is doing well and his official program until the day of the operation is being carried out as scheduled. King Carl XVI Gustaf has been on the throne since Sept. 15, 1973, making him the longest reigning monarch in Sweden. He will be celebrating his 50th year on the throne later this year.
The royal family is highly popular in Sweden, with the monarchy garnering widespread support despite the country’s otherwise egalitarian society.