Swedish Monarchy FAQs
Q: What is the dynastic name of the Swedish monarchy?
A: The Bernadotte Dynasty
Q: What type of monarchy is Sweden? Does the monarch have any political power?
A: Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch's duties are regulated by the constitution. The King's duties are primarily ceremonial and representative. The Constitution Act of 1974 states "all public power in Sweden derives from the people" meaning the King no longer rules the nation alone.
Q: Can a female member of the royal family inherit the throne?
A: The Swedish order of succession was changed in 1980 to a fully cognatic one. This means that the Monarch´s eldest heir, regardless of gender, inherits the throne.
Q: What are the duties of the reigning monarch?
A: The tasks entrusted to the reigning monarch by the 1974 Constitution Act and Riksdag (parliament) Act are as follows:
- Act as Head of State
- Head the special cabinet council when there is a change of government
- Open the Riksdag every year
- Chair the meetings of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs
- Represent the Swedish defense establishment. The monarch holds supreme rank in each branch of the armed forces, and is an honorary commander (Colonel-in-Chief) of certain military units
- Act as Sweden's foremost representative in relation to other countries, the monarch receives the credentials of foreign ambassadors and signs those of Sweden's ambassadors.