On August 31, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited Vasterbotten County. On arrival in the county, the King and Queen were welcomed by Governor Helene Hellmark Knutsson and husband Richard Hellmark. The King and Queen visited the County Museum of Vasterbotten in Umea. This year marks King Carl Gustaf's 50 years as Sweden's head of state. The King ascended the throne on September 15, 1973.