The king of Sweden says the country has failed in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing it to "suffer tremendously".
While countries around the world began to lockdown when coronavirus first began spreading around the world in early 2020, Sweden took a controversial 'herd immunity' approach'.
The country wanted enough people to catch the virus so it didn't transmit as easily and has now recorded more than 357,000 cases of COVID-19.
But it's also seen over 7800 deaths - significantly more than its Scandinavian neighbours.
On Thursday, King Carl XVI Gustaf spoke out on the pandemic during the royal family's annual Christmas TV special.
"I think we have failed. We have a large number who have died and that is terrible," he said, BBC reported.
"The people of Sweden have suffered tremendously in difficult conditions. One thinks of all the family members who have happened to be unable to say goodbye to their deceased family members. I think it is a tough and traumatic experience not to be able to say a warm goodbye."
When asked if he was afraid of catching the virus, the 74-year-old replied: "Lately, it has felt more obvious, it has crept closer and closer. That's not what you want".
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said he agreed with the king's remarks, according to BBC news.
"Of course the fact that so many have died can't be considered as anything other than a failure," Löfven told reporters.
In reference to Sweden's response, he said: "it's when we are through the pandemic that the real conclusions can be drawn".
This comes two weeks after Sweden implemented harsher restrictions due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Lofven announced secondary school students would do school work from home for the rest of the term, the Guardian reported.
"This is being done so as to have a slowing effect on the spread of the disease," Löfven said at the time.
"I trust that you are wise, and understand that this is not an extended Christmas break. It's not a go-ahead for parties with friends, you are still in school and should study."
