Swedish Monarchy: Overview
The Monarchy of Sweden dates back to the early pre-historic times, originally a system where the Monarch had little power, and acted more like a judge or high priest, the system of Monarchy in Sweden started developing especially after the introduction of Christianity into the region.
The Monarch of Sweden started consolidating power, and by the end of the 1500’s the King had assumed absolute power, and the Monarchy like in Denmark went from a system whereby the Sovereign was elected into hereditary.
The role of the Monarch, the Succession to the Crown were again changed when the present Bernadotte dynasty was established during the Napoleonic Wars.
Constitutional Monarchy was established in 1917, and further enhanced when in 1974 the Instrument of Government was introduced; the legislation greatly reduced the powers of the Monarch and increased the role of Parliament. It removed the power of the Sovereign granting royal assent to parliamentary bills.
As Head of State, the King of Sweden presides over several government committees including the Committee of Foreign Affairs and the Privy Council.
Unlike most European Monarchs, the King of Sweden does not have any reserve powers.
The law of succession was changed in 1979 to allow the eldest child of the Sovereign regardless of gender to ascend to the throne.
In Sweden, and indeed abroad the King of Sweden is supported by members of the Swedish Royal Family, these include:
- Her Majesty the Queen Silvia of Sweden
- T.R.H. The Crown Princess of Sweden and Prince Daniel
- H.R.H. The Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland
- H.R.H. The Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland
- H.R.H. Princess Lilian, Duchess of Halland