Axel Lewenhaupt facts for kids
Count Axel Charles Emil Lewenhaupt (born May 27, 1917, died November 20, 2018) was a very important Swedish diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, helping to keep good relationships. He also held a special job at the Royal Court of Sweden called Grand Master of Ceremonies. This role involves organizing important events for the royal family. Axel Lewenhaupt lived to be 101 years old!
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Axel Lewenhaupt's Journey as a Diplomat
Axel Lewenhaupt was born in Helsingborg, Sweden. He finished high school in 1936. He then studied law at Uppsala University, earning his degree in 1942. Soon after, in 1943, he started working for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This is the part of the government that handles Sweden's relationships with other countries.
His first job as a diplomat was in Rome, Italy, in 1943. During World War II, his duties in Rome included protecting Swedish people and interests. For example, he helped look after the Swedish Institute and the Santa Brigida convent church. After Rome, he worked in Berlin, Germany, in 1944. From 1945 to 1947, he was in Helsinki, Finland.
He continued to work at the Foreign Ministry in Sweden from 1948 to 1952. Then, he moved to Madrid, Spain, where he worked from 1952 to 1956. After that, he returned to the Foreign Ministry in Sweden. He worked there as a director from 1958 to 1960.
Axel Lewenhaupt then became an embassy counsellor in Washington, D.C., USA, from 1960 to 1962. An embassy counsellor is a senior diplomat. He was also an ambassador in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) from 1962 to 1963. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation.
He continued his important work at the Foreign Ministry in Sweden from 1964 to 1967. Later, he served as ambassador in many different countries:
- Bangkok, Thailand (1967–1970)
- Rangoon, Myanmar (1967–1970)
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1967–1970)
- Singapore (1967–1970)
- New Delhi, India (1970–1975)
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (1970–1975)
- Katmandu, Nepal (1970–1975)
After these roles, he was ambassador in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and Tirana, Albania, from 1975 to 1978. He worked at the Foreign Ministry again from 1978 to 1979. His final ambassador roles were in Rome, Italy, and Valletta, Malta, from 1979 to 1983. Finally, from 1983 to 1988, he became the Grand Master of Ceremonies at the Royal Court of Sweden.
Other Important Roles
Besides his diplomatic career, Axel Lewenhaupt had other important jobs:
- He was a secretary for the Foreign Ministry's admissions commission in 1951. This group helped decide who could join the diplomatic service.
- He represented Sweden in trade talks with countries like Spain and the Soviet Union from 1952 to 1958.
- He became a member of the Royal Automobile Club in 1956.
- In 1959, he traveled with Prince Bertil during an officer's visit to Ethiopia and Liberia.
- He represented Sweden at the United Nations General Assembly in 1973. The UN General Assembly is where all member countries discuss global issues.
- From 1979 to 1983, he was a permanent representative at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO is a part of the United Nations that works to end hunger and improve food security worldwide.
Family Life
In 1944, Axel Lewenhaupt married Elsa Rudberg. They had two daughters, Anne (born 1946) and Eva (born 1948). Elsa passed away in 1990. In 1991, he married Countess Louise Ehrensvärd. Axel Lewenhaupt lived a long life, celebrating his 100th birthday in May 2017. He passed away in November 2018 at the age of 101.
Awards and Honors
Axel Lewenhaupt received several awards and decorations for his service:
- Commander of the Order of Civil Merit
- Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
- Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy
- Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Ethiopia
- Commander of the Order of the Crown
- Commander of the Order of Merit of the Austrian Republic
- Swedish Red Cross badge of merit in silver
