On Sunday, December 15, 2024, a Seraphim Toll was held at Riddarholmen Church in Stockholm to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Birgitta, who passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 87.

The Order of the Seraphim is conferred upon members of the Swedish Royal House and, by recommendation of the government, upon heads of state or individuals of equivalent status in connection with state visits.

Princess Birgitta was appointed as a Member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim on March 22, 1952. As part of the tradition of the Order, when a Knight or Member is conferred the honor, a heraldic coat of arms – a seraphim shield – is proposed and subsequently painted by the Chapter of the Orders.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, Riddarholmen Church has been the designated church of the Order of the Seraphim. The seraphim shields of deceased knights and members are displayed in the church, while shields of living knights and members are kept at the Royal Palace.

On the day of the funeral, the coat of arms of the deceased is solemnly transferred from the Royal Palace to Riddarholmen Church. The Seraphim Toll (Swedish: Serafimerringning), as this tradition is known, takes place between noon and 1 p.m., during which the great bell of the church tolls continuously for one hour, in reverence of the life and service of the departed.

Photo: Alexandru Baboş Albabos, Wikimedia Commons

Source: Royal Orders of Knighthood