Two generations of Swedish pop perform together for the King.

Two of Sweden’s greatest female pop icons came together for a truly royal performance in Stockholm recently when, by command of King Carl XVI Gustaf, Roxette’s dynamic singer Marie Fredriksson joined Frida (Anni-Frid Lyngstad) of the legendary pop outfit ABBA in the Royal Palace courtyard for a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “It’s A Wonderful World.”

The King brought the two stars together as the rousing climax to the annual Stockholm Water Festival, a three day music and cultural event designed to promote Sweden’s concern with water pollution and other environmental issues. The historic courtyard, where Marie and Frida performed, has not been open for public use since 1770.

ABBA’s enduring legacy has recently been honored by British pop band Erasure’s hit E.P. featuring reverent covers of the Swedish quartet’s greatest hits. Meanwhile Roxette continue to break records set by their homeland predecessors, as their new single “How Do You Do!” becomes the group’s fastest-selling single around the world.

A documentary of new songs recorded both live and in studios all over the world during their 18 month world-wide Joyride tour, Roxette’s new album Tourism is set for release in October, accompanied by a home video entitled “Live-ism”.

Seen here, singing Satchmo for King and country, are, from left, ABBA’s Frida and Roxette’s Marie Fredriksson.