Monarchy of Sweden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King of Sweden
Sveriges Konung
Greater coat of arms of Sweden
Incumbent
Carl XVI Gustaf since 15 September 1973
Details
Style	His Majesty
Heir apparent	Crown Princess Victoria
First monarch	Eric the Victorious
Residence	Stockholm Palace Drottningholm Palace

The monarchy of Sweden is a system where a king or queen is the head of state of Sweden. It's a special type of monarchy called a constitutional monarchy. This means the monarch's power is limited by laws and a parliamentary system. It's also a hereditary monarchy, meaning the title is passed down through the family.

Sweden has had kings for over a thousand years! It started as a system where kings were chosen, but in the 1500s, during the time of Gustav Vasa, it became hereditary. This means the crown passed from parent to child. Sweden's monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. Its list of rulers goes back to the tenth century, starting with Eric the Victorious.

The Swedish monarchy has played a big part in Swedish culture. For many centuries, kings and queens supported arts and sciences. Many important Swedish groups and cultural places are still protected by the royal family today. Even though Sweden is a very modern and democratic country, the monarchy remains popular.

Today, Sweden is a representative democracy. This means people vote for their leaders. The monarch and the royal family have many official duties. They represent Sweden both at home and in other countries. The current King of Sweden is Carl XVI Gustaf. His daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, is next in line to the throne.

The Swedish monarch has several homes. Some are owned by the state, and some are private. Their main official home and workplace is Stockholm Palace. Drottningholm Palace is where the King and Queen live privately. Other important royal homes include Gripsholm Castle and Ulriksdal Palace.

A Look Back: The History of Sweden's Monarchy

Early Kings: Before the 1500s

kunuki, meaning "king" in Old Norse. This runestone from the 1000s mentions King Håkan the Red.

People in Scandinavia have had kings since ancient times. Even in the 1st century CE, a writer named Tacitus mentioned that the Suiones (an old Swedish tribe) had a king. However, we don't know much about the early Swedish kings before Eric the Victorious (who died in 995). Most of what we know comes from old Norse stories.

In the past, a Swedish king had powers like a war leader, a judge, and a priest. There are many old runestones that remember ordinary people. But there are very few writings about Swedish kings before the 1300s. Only a few runestones are thought to mention kings.

Around 1000 A.D., Olof Skötkonung was the first king known to rule both Svealand and Götaland. These were two important regions that later formed Sweden. The royal court today counts Olof's father, Eric the Victorious, as Sweden's first king. The king's power grew a lot when Christianity came to Sweden in the 1000s.

For a long time, Swedes chose their king from a special family at a place called the Stones of Mora. The people had the right to choose the king and even remove him. These special stones were destroyed around 1515.

In the 1100s, different royal families fought for power. This ended when the House of Bjälbo took the throne. This family made Sweden a stronger country. King Magnus Eriksson (who ruled from 1319–1364) even ruled Norway and Scania for a while.

In 1397, after a terrible plague called the Black Death, Queen Margaret I of Denmark brought Sweden, Denmark, and Norway together. This was called the Kalmar Union. But there were often fights between the Swedes and the Danes. This union finally broke apart in the early 1500s.

Big Changes: The 1500s and 1600s

House of Vasa

Nils Kettilsson(Vasa)(sv) [sv] († 1378)                                                                                                   Krister Nilsson (Vasa)(sv) [sv] († 1442)               Ramborg Nilsdotter (m. Tord Bonde (Röriksson)(sv) [sv])Bonde family                                               {{{! }}}                                       Karl Kristiernsson(Vasa) [sv] († 1440)     Johan Kristiernsson(Vasa) [sv] († 1477)   Nils Kristiernsson (Vasa) [sv] († 1464)   Kristina Kristiernsdotter (ép. Bengt Jönsson(Oxenstierna))   Knut Tordsson († 1413)                                                     Kettil Karlsson (v. 1433–1465) bishop of Linköping from 1459 to 1465 and Swedish regent in 1465.       Erik Johansson Vasa (v. 1470–1520)                 Charles VIII Bonde (1409–1470) r. 1448 – 1457                                                       Gustav I Eriksson Vasa (1496–1560) Regent 1521–1523 r. 1523 – 1560                                                                                                                             {{{- }}} {{{- }}} {{{- }}} {{{- }}} {{{. }}}                                     Eric XIV (1533–1577) r. 1560 – 1568   John III (1537–1592) r. 1568 – 1592           Charles IX (1550–1611) Regent 1599–1604 r. 1604 – 1611     Magnus (1542–1595) Duke of Östergötland     {{{F }}} {{{~ }}} {{{~ }}} {{{J }}}                             {{{~ }}} {{{~ }}} {{{~ }}} !                 Julius Gyllenhielm [sv] Gyllenhielm [sv] (1560–1581)   Sigismund III Vasa (1566–1632) r. 1592 – 1599       Catherine (1584–1638)   Gustav II Adolph (1594–1632) r. 1611 – 1632   Carl Gyllenhielm Gyllenhielm [sv] (1574–1650) Swedish Field Marshal                                             {{{L }}} {{{~ }}} {{{~ }}}                         Władysław IV Vasa (1595–1648) King of Poland, GD of Lithuania r. 1632 – 1648   John II Casimir Vasa (1609–1672) King of Poland, GD of Lithuania r. 1648 – 1668 (abdicated)   Charles X Gustav (1622–1660) r. 1654 – 1660   Christina (1626–1689) r. 1632 – 1654   Gustaf Gusstafsson (Gustaf Gustafsson af Vasaborg [sv]) (1616–1653) af Vasaborg,1637 (Vasaborg (ätt) [sv]), Count of Nystad, 1647

Gustav I, shown here in 1542, made the monarchy hereditary and created the modern Swedish state.

The King of Denmark, Christian II, was overthrown by a Swedish nobleman named Gustav Vasa. Gustav's father had been killed by the Danish king. Gustav Vasa was chosen as King of Sweden on June 6, 1523.

Gustav I was inspired by the ideas of Martin Luther. He used the Protestant Reformation to reduce the power of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1527, he convinced the Swedish parliament to take over church lands. These lands made up a large part of the country's farms. He also broke away from the Pope and started a new state church, the Church of Sweden.

Gustav I worked to make the king's power stronger. He laid the foundation for the modern Swedish state. In 1544, Sweden officially became a hereditary monarchy. This meant that Gustav I's sons would inherit the throne.

Sweden also made tax reforms and improved its economy. In 1535, German traders who had a monopoly on foreign trade were expelled. This helped Sweden's own economy grow quickly. By 1544, Gustav controlled 60% of all farmlands in Sweden. Sweden also built a strong army and an effective government.

When King Gustav I died in 1560, his oldest son Eric XIV became king. Eric's reign involved wars and conflicts. He was later removed from the throne in 1568 and replaced by his brother, John III. John III had some Catholic sympathies, which caused tension. His son, Sigismund III, became King of Poland. Sigismund tried to rule Sweden from Poland, but his uncle, Charles IX, took control. In 1598, Charles defeated Sigismund's army. Sigismund was then removed as King of Sweden.

King Gustavus Adolphus at the Battle of Breitenfeld (1631). He was known as 'The Lion of the North'.

In 1604, Charles IX officially became king. His short reign was filled with wars. He fought with Poland, Russia, and Denmark. His son, Gustavus Adolphus, inherited these three wars when he became king.

Gustavus Adolphus and his Chancellor, Axel Oxenstierna, worked together very well. The war against Russia ended in 1617. This stopped Russia from reaching the Baltic Sea. The war against Poland ended in 1629. This gave Sweden control of a large area called Livonia. This also freed Swedish forces to join the Thirty Years' War in Germany.

Gustavus Adolphus was a brilliant military leader. He was killed in battle in 1632. His young daughter, Christina, became queen. A group of ministers ruled for her until she was old enough. During this time, Chancellor Oxenstierna wrote important rules for the government. Christina was very interested in learning and brought famous thinkers like René Descartes to Sweden.

Sweden continued to be involved in the Thirty Years' War. This war ended in 1648 with the Peace of Westphalia. Sweden gained new lands in Germany. Christina decided not to marry and gave up her throne in 1654. She became a Catholic and moved abroad. Her cousin, Charles X Gustav, became the new king.

House of Wittelsbach (Palatine-Zweibrucken branch) on the Swedish Throne

Sigismund III Vasa (1566–1632) r. 1592 – 1599 Gustav II Adolph (1594–1632) r. 1611 – 1632 Princess Catherine (1584–1638) John Casimir, Count Palatine of Kleeburg 1589–1652 Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp (1597–1659) Władysław IV Vasa (1595–1648) King of Poland, GD of Lithuania r. 1632 – 1648 John II Casimir Vasa (1609–1672) King of Poland, GD of Lithuania r. 1648 – 1668 (abdicated) Christina (1626–1689) r. 1632 – 1654 Charles X Gustav (1622–1660) r. 1654 – 1660 House of Sweden—Palatine-Zweibrücken Christina Magdalena of the Palatinate-Zweibrücken (1616–1662) Frederick VI, Margrave of Baden-Durlach (1617–1677) Charles XI (1655–1697) r. 1660 – 1697 John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach 1654–1686 Johanna Elisabeth of Baden-Durlach (1651–1680) Frederick VII, Margrave of Baden-Durlach (1647–1709) Christian Albert, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp (1641–1695) Hedvig Sophia of Sweden hieress of Sweden eldest sister of Charles XII of Sweden 1681–1708 Frederick I (1676–1751) r. 1720 – 1751 Ulrika Eleonora (1688–1741) r. 1718 – 1720 Charles XII (1682–1718) r. 1697 – 1718 Dorothea Friederike of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1676–1731) Johann Reinhard III, Count of Hanau-Lichtenberg (1665–1736) Margravine Albertina Frederica of Baden-Durlach (1682–1755) Christian August of Holstein-Gottorp, Prince of Eutin (1673–1726) Charles Frederick Duke of Schleswig- Holstein-Gottorp r. 1702–1739 1700–1739 Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna of Russia daughter & eventual heiress of Peter the Great r. 1725–1728 1708–1728 Louis VIII, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt (1691–1768) Countess Charlotte of Hanau-Lichtenberg (1700–1726) Adolf Frederick (1710–1771) r. 1751 – 1771 House of Holstein- Gottorp-Romanov House of Holstein-Gottorp (Swedish line) Peter III Emperor of Russia r. 1762–1762 1728–1762 Prince George William of Hesse-Darmstadt (1722–1782)

Charles XI at the Battle of Lund in 1676.

The Swedish parliament chose Charles X Gustav as the new king. His short reign was mostly about wars with other countries. He fought a long campaign in Poland and then with Denmark. In 1658, he led his army across frozen waters to attack Denmark. This led to Sweden gaining large areas like Skåne, Blekinge, and Bohuslän. These areas are still part of Sweden today.

Charles X Gustav died in 1660. His five-year-old son, Charles XI, became king. A group of nobles ruled for him. When Charles XI grew up, he found that the army was weak. Denmark invaded Sweden to get revenge. The Danes were not successful.

Charles XI then took steps to make Sweden stronger. He reduced the power of the nobles. He also created a new system for the armed forces. In 1680, with the support of the parliament, he was declared an absolute monarch. This meant he had complete power.

Charles XI's son, Charles XII, became king next. He was a very skilled military leader. He defeated much larger enemies with his small but strong Swedish army. His greatest victory was against the Russians in 1700. However, his long wars led to a huge defeat in 1709. He was later killed while trying to invade Norway. This marked the end of Sweden's "Age of Greatness."

From the 1700s to Today

House of Oldenburg (Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp branch) & Succession to the Swedish Throne

House of Sweden—Palatine-Zweibrücken House of Schleswig- Holstein-Gottorp Charles XI of Sweden King of Sweden r. 1660–1697 1655–1697 Christian Albert Duke of Schleswig- Holstein-Gottorp r. 1659–1695 1641–1695 Peter the Great Emperor of Russia r. 1682–1725 1672 – 1725 Hedvig Sophia of Sweden hieress of Sweden eldest sister of Charles XII of Sweden 1681–1708 Frederick IV Duke of Schleswig- Holstein-Gottorp r. 1695–1702 1671–1702 Christian August 1673–1726 Albertina of Baden-Durach her grandmother was a sister of Charles X of Sweden House of Romanov Anna Duchess consort of Holstein-Gottorp r. 1725–1728 1708–1728 Charles Frederick Duke of Schleswig- Holstein-Gottorp r. 1702–1739 1700–1739 Joanna Elisabeth 1712–1760 married Christian August- Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst Adolf Frederick King of Sweden r. 1751–1771 1710–1771 Frederick August I Duke of Oldenburg r. 1774–1785 1711–1785 George Louis 1719–1763 House of Holstein- Gottorp-Romanov House of Holstein-Gottorp (Swedish line) Peter III Emperor of Russia r. 1762-1762 1728–1762 Catherine II the Great Emperess of Russia r. 1762–1796 1729–1796 Gustav III King of Sweden r. 1771–1792 1746–1792 Charles XIII King of Sweden r. 1809–1818 King of Norway r. 1814–1818 1748–1818 William Duke of Oldenburg r. 1785–1823 1754–1823 Peter I Grand Duke of Oldenburg r. 1823–1829 1755–1829 Paul I Emperor of Russia r. 1796–1801 1754–1801 Gustav IV Adolf King of Sweden r. 1792–1809 1778–1837 Charles XIV John Bernadotte King of Sweden r. 1818–1844 1763–1844 Augustus Grand Duke of Oldenburg r. 1829–1853 1783–1853 House of Holstein- Gottorp-Romanov House Sweden-Bernadotte

After Charles XII died, his sister, Ulrika Eleonora, became queen. She had to sign a document in 1719 that ended the absolute monarchy. This document made the Swedish parliament, called the Riksdag of the Estates, the most powerful part of the government. The monarch's role became more symbolic. This period was known as the "Age of Liberty."

Ulrika Eleonora ruled for only a year. She then gave the throne to her husband, Frederick. He was elected king by the parliament. Frederick I was not very interested in governing. He also never had a child who could inherit the throne.

Later, Adolf Frederick became king in 1751. He was a relative of Gustav I. During his 20-year reign, Adolf Frederick had little real power. The parliament, with its two main parties, held most of the control. He tried twice to get more power, but he was not successful.

Adolf Frederick's son, King Gustav III, was better at bringing back royal power. In 1772, he changed the government rules. This gave the king more authority again.

Crown Prince Charles John at the Battle of Leipzig (1813).

In 1809, Sweden lost Finland to Russia after a war. King Gustav IV Adolf was removed from power by army officers. His childless uncle, Charles XIII, was then elected king. New government rules in 1809 limited the king's power. The parliament gained more control over making laws.

The current royal family, the House of Bernadotte, started in 1810. The Swedish parliament chose a French Marshal, Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, as the new crown prince. This happened because Charles XIII had no children.

Over the 1800s, the power of the king slowly decreased. More people gained the right to vote. The current King Carl XVI Gustaf is related to Gustav IV Adolf through his grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf.

Before World War I, King Gustaf V disagreed with the prime minister about defense spending. This was seen as the king trying to interfere in politics. However, after 1917, the king's political power was greatly reduced. It became an unwritten rule that the king would not get involved in politics.

During World War II, Gustaf V supposedly threatened to step down. This was about whether Sweden should allow German troops to pass through the country.

King Gustaf VI Adolf became king in 1950. He was seen as a king who stayed out of politics. In 1971, major political parties agreed on the future role of the monarchy. This agreement, called the Torekov compromise, decided that the monarchy would remain. But it would become completely ceremonial, with no political power left.

In 1975, new government rules came into effect. These rules officially removed all formal executive powers from the monarch. The king became a symbolic figurehead.

Carl XVI Gustaf became king on September 15, 1973. He is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history. His 50th year as king was celebrated in 2023.

The Monarch's Role Today

Since 1975, the King of Sweden has no real political power. The government, led by the prime minister, holds all executive power. The prime minister is chosen by the Riksdag (parliament). The prime minister then chooses the other ministers. Laws passed by the Riksdag become law without the king's approval. The prime minister or a minister signs them "On Behalf of the Government."

The King is still called the "Head of State." However, his role is mostly ceremonial. The King cannot be charged with crimes while in office. This protection does not apply to other members of the Swedish Royal Family or royal staff.

The monarch has several important duties. The King opens the yearly session of the Riksdag. He also receives new ambassadors from other countries. The King chairs special meetings when a new government is formed. He also holds regular meetings to get information from the government. It's the prime minister's job to keep the King informed. The King also leads a council that discusses foreign affairs.

The monarch is no longer the commander-in-chief of the Swedish Armed Forces. But he is the top representative of the Swedish defense. He holds the highest rank in the army, navy, and air force. The King has a military staff that includes officers who serve as aides.

The Royal Family's Cultural Role

The King and other members of the Swedish Royal Family have many official duties. They represent Sweden at home and abroad. They play a key role in state visits to Sweden. They also make state visits to other countries on behalf of Sweden. Other family members may also represent the country at smaller events.

The royal flag used by the monarch

Many Swedish flag days are connected to the royal family. These include the King's, Queen's, and Crown Princess's name days and birthdays. Gustavus Adolphus Day on November 6 remembers King Gustavus Adolphus. None of these flag days are public holidays.

One of the most famous events the Royal Family attends is the Nobel Prize award ceremony. This is held every year in Stockholm. The King presents the Nobel Prizes for achievements in physics, chemistry, literature, medicine, and economic sciences.

Eriksgata was an old tradition. Newly chosen medieval Swedish kings would travel through important areas. This was to have their election confirmed by local assemblies. The last king to follow this old tradition was Charles IX in the early 1600s. Today, kings still visit Swedish provinces and call it an Eriksgata. But these visits are very different from the old tradition.

Royal Titles

The Silver Throne, used by Swedish monarchs since 1650.

The Monarch's Title

From 1523 to 1973, the full title of the Swedish monarch was:

In Swedish: Med Guds Nåde Sveriges, Götes och Vendes Konung
In Latin: Dei Gratia Suecorum, Gothorum et Vandalorum Rex

This translates to "By the Grace of God, King of the Swedes, the Goths, and the Wends." It also means "By the Grace of God, King of Sweden, of the Goths and Vandals."

When Carl XVI Gustaf became king in 1973, he chose a simpler title: Sveriges Konung (King of Sweden).

Titles for Royal Family Members

The usual title for the person next in line to the throne is crown prince (kronprins) or crown princess (kronprinsessa). The wife of a crown prince also gets a similar title. But the husband of a crown princess does not. Other male heirs used to be called hereditary prince (arvfurste). Female heirs are called princess (prinsessa).

In 1980, the rules for who inherits the throne changed. Now, the oldest child, no matter if it's a boy or a girl, inherits the throne. This meant Princess Victoria became crown princess, even though her younger brother, Prince Carl Philip, was born first.

Ducal Titles

King Gustav III brought back an old tradition. He started giving male heirs to the throne ducal titles of Swedish provinces. These titles are not passed down through generations. They are given at birth. Since 1980, all royal heirs, both male and female, receive these titles. The wives of royal dukes share their husbands' titles. The husbands of royal duchesses have done so since 2010.

Royal Symbols

Royal Jewels and Objects

The Crown of Eric XIV

The regalia of Sweden are special jewels and objects used by monarchs. They are kept in a museum called the Treasury of Sweden. This museum is located under the Royal Palace in Stockholm. It has been open to the public since 1970. Some of the oldest items include the sword of Gustav Vasa and the crown of King Erik XIV. These items belong to the state.

The last king to have a coronation was Oscar II. His son, Gustaf V, chose not to have one. Swedish royalty stopped wearing crowns and other regalia in 1907. However, these items are still shown at royal events. These events include weddings, christenings, and funerals. Until 1974, the crown and scepter were also displayed at the opening of the Riksdag.

Royal Orders of Chivalry

The Royal Orders of Sweden.

Royal orders are special awards with a long history. They were formally created in 1748 by King Frederick I. In 1974, the rules for these awards changed. No Swedish citizen outside the Royal Family could receive them. The Order of the Seraphim is only given to foreign heads of state and royal family members. The Order of the Polar Star was given only to non-Swedish citizens. Other orders were no longer given out.

In 2022, new changes were proposed. These changes would allow Swedish citizens to receive royal orders again. However, the Order of the Seraphim would still be only for foreign royals and heads of state.

Between 1975 and 2023, the highest honor for Swedish citizens was H. M. The King's Medal.

Royal Homes

The Royal Palaces are owned by the government. They are managed by the National Property Board of Sweden. These palaces are available for the Monarch to use. This arrangement has been in place since the early 1800s. Some palaces, like Solliden Palace, are privately owned by the Swedish Royal Family.

Stockholm Palace

The Royal Palace in Stockholm.

The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the King's official home. It is located in the old town of Stockholm.

The offices of the King, other royal family members, and the Royal Court are in the palace. The King uses the palace for official events and state occasions. The Royal Palace is guarded by the Högvakten. These are regular members of the Swedish Armed Forces. This tradition of guarding the palace dates back to 1523.

The old castle Tre Kronor, on the site of today's palace, in a painting from 1661.

The Royal Palace in Stockholm is special because large parts of it are open to visitors all year. The first building on this site was a fortress built in the 1200s. It was called Tre Kronor, meaning "Three Crowns." In the late 1500s, it was changed into a Renaissance palace. In 1690, it was decided to rebuild the castle in a Baroque style.

However, much of the old castle was destroyed in a big fire in 1697. The palace was rebuilt over 63 years. The outside was finished in 1754. The royal family moved into the palace then.

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the private home of the King and Queen.

Drottningholm Palace is located on the island of Lovön, near Stockholm. It was first built in the late 1500s. It has been a home for Swedish royal family members for many years. Today, it is the private home of the King and Queen. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit.

The gardens and parks around Drottningholm Palace are a big attraction. They have many different styles because they were created over time.

Drottningholm is a well-preserved example of 17th and 18th-century royal life. It was inspired by French buildings like the Chateau of Versailles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is mainly because of its theater and Chinese Pavilion. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1991.

Haga Palace

Haga Palace is the home of Crown Princess Victoria and her family.

Haga Palace is located in Haga Park, near Stockholm. It was built between 1802 and 1805. It was designed for the royal children. Several members of the Swedish royal family have lived there. The current King Carl XVI Gustaf was born there.

In 1966, the palace was given to the prime minister. It was then used as a guest house for important foreign visitors. In 2009, it was announced that the palace would be returned to the King. This allowed Crown Princess Victoria and her husband, Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland, to live there. They moved in after their wedding in 2010.

The Swedish Royal Family

Swedish Royal Family
HM The King HM The Queen HRH The Crown Princess HRH Prince Daniel HRH Princess Estelle HRH Prince Oscar HRH Prince Carl Philip HRH Princess Sofia HRH Prince Alexander HRH Princess Madeleine HRH Princess Leonore HRH Prince Nicolas HRH Princess Birgitta Extended royal family Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld HE Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson Marianne Princess Bernadotte, Countess of Wisborg Gunnila Princess Bernadotte, Countess of Wisborg

The Swedish royal family is divided into different groups.

• First, there are members with royal titles who perform official duties for the country. This group currently includes the King, Queen, and their children and their spouses.
• Second, there are members with royal titles who do not perform official duties.
• Third, there is the King's extended family. These are close relatives who are not considered official royals and do not represent the country.

The King decides who belongs to these groups. There are no specific laws about it.

Who Inherits the Throne?

The royal barge Vasaorden, last used at the 2010 royal wedding.

The Act of Succession of 1810 sets the rules for who can inherit the Swedish Throne. It says that the monarch and royal family members must always be Protestant Christians. They must follow the "pure evangelical faith," which means the Church of Sweden.

In 1980, the Act was changed. Before, only boys could inherit the throne. Now, the oldest child, whether a boy or a girl, inherits the throne. This change meant that Princess Victoria became crown princess. This happened even though her younger brother, Prince Carl Philip, was born before her.

Today, only the children and grandchildren of Carl XVI Gustaf can inherit the Throne. If the royal family were to end, the parliament would not have to choose a new royal family.

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