King of Sweden stresses need for ‘serious’ media and source checking after Donald Trump’s immigration claims

King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasises the importance of showing positive examples of his country

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at the Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony at Concert Hall (Getty Images)

Sweden’s King has stressed the need for “serious” media and source checking in the era of Donald Trump.

King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasised the importance of sharing positive stories about Sweden after Donald Trump made comments about immigration in the country.

Mr Trump also appeared to refer to an attack that had not happened and then claimed Sweden’s generous immigration policies were not working.

During an interview with Sydsvenskan, King Gustaf said there were many positive developments in Sweden and it was important to challenge misconceptions.

"Without media that works seriously and carries out good criticism of its sources, that doesn’t work," he said, according to the Local.

"It is important to present the good examples. There are so many positive developments, and good Swedish research that we don’t even know about here in Sweden.

"In Malmö University, for example, a lot of good research is being conducted on integration issues.

“It may take a bit of time. It’s important not to give up. I've been doing it for more than forty years,” he added.

Sweden responded with confusion after Mr Trump’s initial comments during a rally in Florida.

“Sweden. They took in large numbers. They’re having problems like they never thought possible. You look at what’s happening in Brussels,” Mr Trump said.

"You look at what’s happening all over the world. Take a look at Nice. Take a look at Paris."

Former Prime Minister Carl Bildt took to Twitter to express his confusion, saying: “Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound."