Charles XIII of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles XIII & II |
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Charles XIII of Sweden wearing the Order of Charles XIII in red
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| King of Sweden | |
| Reign | 6 June 1809 – 5 February 1818 |
| Predecessor | Gustav IV Adolf |
| Successor | Charles XIV John |
| King of Norway | |
| Reign | 4 November 1814 – 5 February 1818 |
| Predecessor | Christian Frederick |
| Successor | Charles III John |
| Born | 7 October 1748 |
| Died | 5 February 1818 (aged 69) |
| Spouse | Hedwig Elizabeth Charlotte of Holstein-Gottorp |
| Issue | Carl Löwenhielm (extramarital) |
| House | House of Holstein-Gottorp i.e. House of Oldenburg |
| Father | Adolf Frederick |
| Mother | Louisa Ulrika of Prussia |
| Religion | Lutheran |
Charles XIII & II (also known as Carl or Karl XIII in Swedish) was a king who ruled both Sweden and Norway. He was born on October 7, 1748, in Stockholm, Sweden. He passed away on February 5, 1818.
Charles XIII became the King of Sweden in 1809. He was known as Charles XIII in Sweden. Later, in 1814, he also became the King of Norway, where he was called Charles II. He ruled both countries until his death in 1818.
He was the second son of King Adolf Frederick of Sweden and Louisa Ulrika of Prussia. Louisa Ulrika was the sister of a famous king, Frederick II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great.
Becoming King of Sweden
Charles XIII became king of Sweden after his nephew, Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden, was removed from power. This happened in 1809. Charles was already quite old when he became king. He was 60 years old.
Even though he was called Charles XIII, he was actually the seventh Swedish king with that name. The earlier King Charles IX of Sweden had picked his number after reading a made-up history book about Sweden. This means the numbers for some Swedish kings are not always exact.
Becoming King of Norway
In 1814, Norway joined Sweden. This created a union between the two countries. Because of this, Charles XIII of Sweden also became King of Norway. He was known as Charles II in Norway.
Before him, Christian Frederick was the King of Norway. Charles II ruled Norway from November 4, 1814, until his death in 1818. This union lasted for many years after his reign.
Family and Life
Charles XIII was married to Hedwig Elizabeth Charlotte of Holstein-Gottorp. They did not have any children who survived to adulthood. Because of this, they needed to find someone to take over the throne after him.
They adopted a French general named Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. He later became King Charles XIV John (and Charles III John of Norway). He started the current royal family of Sweden.
Charles XIII was also a member of the Freemasons in Sweden. He became the leader of the Swedish Freemasons.
Images for kids
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Prince Charles, in 1758 by Ulrica Pasch.
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Gustav III, King of Sweden, and his brothers
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Coronet created for Prince Charles and worn at his brother Gustav's coronation in 1772.
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King Charles XIII of Sweden by unknown artist
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The elderly King Carl XIII
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