Swedish television host Pernilla Wahlgren has faced public backlash following a comedy segment on the popular program Allsång på Skansen. During a broadcast celebrating the Swedish royal family, comedian Peter Magnusson appeared in a parody of King Carl Gustaf, triggering viewer complaints about the perceived disrespect toward the monarchy. Wahlgren has dismissed the criticism, characterizing the performance as high-level comedy.
The Controversy Surrounding the Royal Parody
The incident occurred during a broadcast coinciding with Victoriadagen, the celebration of Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday. According to Expressen, Wahlgren opened the segment by attempting to honor the King, who recently turned 80, stating, “Sometimes words feel too small and trivial, so we want to honor him with music.”
Immediately following a performance of the Kungssången, comedian Peter Magnusson entered the stage disguised as the King. Magnusson, who previously portrayed the monarch in the 2000s-era TV4 humor series Hey Baberiba, engaged in a sketch that featured him acting confused while playing a keyboard. The skit concluded with the “King” joining in on a performance of the song “Kung i baren” by Magnus Uggla.
The segment culminated in an interview where the character spoke about a cat—a direct reference to a viral video clip of the real King Carl Gustaf. While the production team framed the segment as a humorous tribute, the reaction from the audience was polarized. Expressen reported that several viewers labeled the skit “embarrassing” and “disrespectful” to the royal family.
Did you know?
The character of King Carl Gustaf portrayed by Peter Magnusson appeared in the television show Hey Baberiba during the 2000s.
Wahlgren Responds to Public Backlash
Pernilla Wahlgren has remained firm in her defense of the creative choice. In comments provided to Expressen, the host noted that the comedy sketch was intended to be lighthearted rather than malicious. She emphasized that the show also included a traditional tribute to the King, balancing the humor with the formal Kungssången.
“Peter has done this character in Hey Baberiba, and it is so terribly funny. It is comedy at the highest level,” Wahlgren told Expressen. She suggested that the negative reactions might stem from viewers who expected a purely serious tribute, adding, “I love it, and I think many thought it was fun too. You can’t please everyone all the time.”
Wahlgren further speculated on the King’s own potential reaction, stating she believes the monarch would have likely laughed had he been watching the program. At the time of the broadcast, the King was at Solliden Palace for the Victoriadagen festivities, making it unlikely he saw the live performance.
Public Satire and the Monarchy
The use of SVT—which broadcasts Allsång på Skansen—to depict the monarch in a comedic light has drawn scrutiny from those who view the institution as requiring a more formal tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did viewers criticize the Allsång på Skansen segment?
Viewers criticized the segment for being disrespectful, arguing that making fun of the king was inappropriate.
What was the intent behind the parody?
According to Pernilla Wahlgren, the segment was intended to be a lighthearted comedic tribute to the King following his 80th birthday, performed by a comedian who has portrayed the character before.
Did the King react to the skit?
The sources do not mention an official comment from the Royal Court. Wahlgren speculated that the King would have likely found the humor amusing, though he was attending other engagements during the broadcast.
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