The Swedish Royal House

The House of Bernadotte has ruled Sweden since 1818, when the French Marshal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte became Swedish king as Charles XIV John.

History

The House of Bernadotte was founded when the French Marshal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte was adopted by the childless Swedish King Charles XIII and later ascended the throne as Charles XIV John in 1818. The dynasty has ruled Sweden for over 200 years.

From Charles XIV John to Today

Charles XIV John was one of Napoleon's generals before becoming Swedish Crown Prince. His successors have modernized the Swedish monarchy, and in 1979 Sweden became the first European monarchy to introduce absolute primogeniture, where the eldest child inherits the throne regardless of gender.

King Carl XVI Gustaf has been King of Sweden since 1973. His eldest daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, is heir to the throne.

Residences

• Stockholm Palace - The official palace
• Drottningholm Palace - The royal family's residence
• Haga Palace - The Crown Princess's residence
• Solliden Palace - Summer residence on Öland

Monarchs since 1800

• Gustav IV Adolf (1792-1809)
• Charles XIII (1809-1818)
• Charles XIV John (1818-1844)
• Oscar I (1844-1859)
• Charles XV (1859-1872)
• Oscar II (1872-1907)
• Gustav V (1907-1950)
• Gustav VI Adolf (1950-1973)
• Carl XVI Gustaf (1973-)