When most people think of monarchies, they picture something out of The Crown... Powdered wigs, scandalous tabloids, and palaces with more gold than good taste. But the Swedish Royal Family is… a bit different.
Yes, Sweden is a monarchy with a king, queen, crown princess, royal weddings, and lots of crisp uniforms. But it also manages to be pretty down-to-earth, democratic, and surprisingly functional (most of the time).
Wait... Did Sweden import a French king?
Kind of! Back in the early 1800s, Sweden had a succession crisis; no heir and no Plan B. So, in a very un-royal move, they headhunted a new crown prince. Who did they pick? A French general named Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, one of Napoleon’s old pals.
He wasn’t just imported like IKEA furniture. He had zero Swedish blood, didn’t speak the language, and still got the job. In 1810, he became Crown Prince Karl Johan, then later King Karl XIV Johan. Amazingly, the current king, Carl XVI Gustaf, is his direct descendant. So yes , Sweden’s royals are technically a French dynasty. Vive la Scandinavie!
Not Your Average Monarchy
Sweden’s monarchy is constitutional, meaning the royals don’t run the country, they just represent it. The king doesn’t sign laws or fire ministers. Think: ribbon-cuttings, diplomatic handshakes, and very polite speeches.
Unlike Britain, where you can still get into a full-blown debate over who's next in line, Sweden made the monarchy gender-neutral in 1980. That’s why Crown Princess Victoria, not her younger brother, is heir to the throne. Scandinavia being ahead of the curve? Good for them!
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| Photo by Tom Samuelsson on Unsplash |
Where’s the Royal Bling?
If you stroll past the Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) in Stockholm, you might assume the king lives there. But he doesn’t.
Even though the massive baroque palace has over 600 rooms (!), the royal family actually lives at Drottningholm Palace, a bit outside the city. Why? Probably because it’s quieter, greener, and has fewer tourists with selfie sticks. Also: better parking.
But the guards still march around the city palace, because it’s still the king’s official workplace, and tourists love a dramatic changing of the guard.
Hits and Misses of the Monarchy
Credit where credit’s due:
The current king helped modernize the monarchy and make it more accessible. No more divine rights or medieval titles. Today’s royals are expected to behave more like very photogenic civil servants.
Crown Princess Victoria is widely respected for her openness, especially regarding her past struggles with an eating disorder. Not exactly standard palace press release material.
Not-so-great moments:
The king’s 2010 biography hinted at alleged party scandals and questionable nightlife habits. His press team probably needed a stiff drink.
Royal expenses occasionally stir up debate. Swedes are generally cool with the monarchy, but they do like receipts.
Fun Facts to Crown it off:
- The king loves cars. His private collection includes vintage Porsches. No word on whether he parallel-parks them himself.
- Crown Princess Victoria, who holds a bachelor's degree in peace and conflict studies, married her former personal trainer.
- The Crown Princess Victoria Fund, established in 1997 under Sweden’s national charity Radiohjälpen, supports recreational activities for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. It is funded by public donations and sponsors like Arla and Swedbank, with additional contributions from Sweden’s bakers during “Princess Cake Week.” In 2006, the fund raised about 5.5 million SEK (~ USD 520,000), and Victoria visits funded projects each year.
- Princess Estelle, Victoria’s daughter and second in line to the throne, is already a national sweetheart with her own fan clubs.
- Every year on the king’s birthday (April 30), there’s a free celebration in front of the palace complete with bands, flags, and cake. However, April 30 in Sweden isn’t just the king’s birthday, it’s also Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish), a big spring celebration marking the end of winter and the coming of warmer, brighter days. It’s a pretty atmospheric night: fire, music, cool dusk air; and often people in very optimistic spring gear even if it’s still 7°C (44.6°F) outside.
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| Photo Credit: Jens Mahnke on Pexels |
Sweden’s monarchy may come with tiaras and titles, but it also feels surprisingly modern, even low-key. With a French origin story, a countryside home, and a future queen who married her trainer, it’s a royal family that’s uniquely Swedish: Structured, a little quirky, and somehow always weather-appropriate.
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| Photo Source: Wikipedia |
Do you keep up with royal families — or could you not care less about crowns and carriages? And who’s your favorite royal, Swedish or otherwise?
Well, I've watched most seasons of The Crown, and I watched when Harry and Meghan got married, and the Queen's funeral. I've read lots of gossip about and support for harry and Meghan and loved the Netflix special. Oh, and I'll never forget the wedding with Princess Diana and was upset when she died. So I'd say yes! Interesting to read about Sweden, and I loved your clever writing about them.
ReplyDeleteI love that the Princess married her trainer! How very modern!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a monarchist. Once Queen Elizabeth died I lot all interest in her heirs. I think I'd be fine if they did away with the monarchy all together.
Very interesting to learn the history. I used to keep up with the royal families, I found it interesting to see how things are done in different countries. Lately I don't even keep up with the US gossip, I mean families.
ReplyDeleteSweden seems to be a very smart country. I loved reading about the royal family.They seem to be very grounded.
ReplyDeleteNice to learn some royals are down to earth and not so full of drama.
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