11/05/2026
For nearly five decades, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has served as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation with uplifting charisma, purpose-driven leadership, and a strong moral compass.
It is no exaggeration to say that the reach, strength, and spirit of Scouting over these past fifty years have been directly shaped by His Majesty. In grand halls and humble campsites alike, in moments of ceremony and quiet connection, through both defining speeches and simple human encounters, His Majesty has championed Scouting and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Scouts worldwide. This steadfast commitment has helped inspire a 60-million-strong movement united by a shared passion for Scouting and the good it can produce in the world.
As His Majesty concludes this remarkable chapter of service, we offer our deepest gratitude for His extraordinary contribution. With the highest respect, the World Scout Foundation and the Baden-Powell Fellowship express their sincere appreciation to His Majesty for a lifetime of service and an enduring commitment to building a peaceful, more inclusive world.
In a deeply symbolic moment last night, Our Scout King was awarded the Gold Wolf, “a unique distinction conferred only twice before,” said BP Fellow Craig Turpie, who co-presented the award, “first in 1917, by Lord Baden-Powell to His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, His Majesty’s maternal great-grandfather; and secondly, in 1953, to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her patronage of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom.” It was presented jointly by The Scouts of the UK and Scouterna of Sweden, represented by BP Fellows Göran Hägerdal and Linn Ternefors, and UK Chief Volunteer Carl Hankinson. This award was a beautiful capstone to a night celebrating nearly 50 years of His Majesty’s service as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and His transition to Honorary Founder.