Carl XVI Gustaf

1.1. Birth and family

Carl Gustaf was born on 30 April 1946, at 10:20, at Haga Palace in Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden. He was the youngest of five children and the only son of Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten, and Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. His birth occurred during the reign of his paternal great-grandfather, King Gustaf V.

He was christened at the Royal Chapel on 7 June 1946 by the Archbishop of Uppsala, Erling Eidem. The christening used Charles XI's baptismal font, placed on Gustav III's carpet, and the prince lay in Charles XI's cradle with Oscar II's crown nearby. The white linen batiste christening gown worn by the prince had also been worn by his father in 1906 and would later be worn by his three children. His godparents included the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark (his paternal uncle and aunt), the Crown Prince of Norway, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, the King of Sweden (his paternal great-grandfather), the Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (his maternal uncle), the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Sweden (his paternal grandfather and step-grandmother), and Count Folke and Countess Maria Bernadotte of Wisborg.

Prince Carl Gustaf was also given the title of Duke of Jämtland. His father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten, was tragically killed in an airplane crash on 26 January 1947 at Copenhagen Airport, when Carl Gustaf was just nine months old. This event left the infant prince second in line to the throne, behind his grandfather, then Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf. When his paternal great-grandfather, Gustaf V, died in 1950, the four-year-old prince became the heir apparent of Sweden. Carl Gustaf was seven years old before he was told about his father's death. In a 2005 speech, he expressed his feelings about growing up without knowing his father. His sister, Princess Birgitta, elaborated on these feelings in an interview, noting that their mother and the strict royal court at the time did not consider the emotional needs of the children, and the tragedy was never openly discussed with them.

1.2. Education and preparation for reign

Carl Gustaf's earliest education was received privately at the Royal Palace. He then attended Broms school, followed by Sigtuna boarding school. After graduating from high school in 1966, Carl Gustaf completed two and a half years of education across the Swedish Army, the Royal Swedish Navy, and the Swedish Air Force. During the winter of 1966-1967, he participated in a round-the-world voyage aboard the mine-laying vessel Älvsnabben. He received his commission as an officer in all three services in 1968, eventually rising to the rank of captain (in the army and air force) and lieutenant (in the navy) before his accession to the throne. He also pursued academic studies in history, sociology, political science, tax law, and economics at Uppsala University and later economics at Stockholm University.

To prepare for his future role as the head of state, Crown Prince Carl Gustaf undertook a comprehensive program of studies focusing on the court system, social organizations and institutions, trade unions, and employers' associations. He also closely examined the operations of the Riksdag, the Government, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Crown Prince spent time at the Swedish Mission to the United Nations and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), worked at a bank in London and at the Swedish Embassy there, at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France, and at the Alfa Laval Company factory in France. In 1970, he represented the King as the head of the Swedish delegation to the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. Since his youth, the present monarch has been a strong supporter of the Scout Movement in Sweden.

1.3. Dyslexia

For several years, rumors circulated that the King suffered from dyslexia. Journalists noted instances where he misspelled his own name when signing documents, such as during his accession and in 1973, when he signed a rock wall during a visit to a copper mine in Falun, writing "Cal Gustf". In a 1997 interview with Swedish television, his wife, Queen Silvia, publicly acknowledged his condition, stating that "When my husband was a child, people did not pay attention to the problem. He did not get the help he needed." She also revealed that their children, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip, also have "a little" dyslexia themselves, indicating a hereditary component.

2.1. Accession and constitutional changes

On 15 September 1973, Carl Gustaf became King of Sweden following the death of his grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf. Four days later, on 19 September, he took the required regal assurance (Konungaförsäkran^Swedish) during an extraordinary cabinet meeting. He then appeared before the parliament, diplomatic corps, and court in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace, where he was enthroned on the Silver Throne and delivered a speech. Both the cabinet meeting and the ceremony were broadcast live on television. Following the ceremonies, he appeared on the balcony to acknowledge the gathered crowds. At the cabinet meeting, the King declared his regnal name would be Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. He adopted "For Sweden - With the times" (För Sverige - i tiden^Swedish) as his personal motto.

Shortly after his accession, the new 1974 Instrument of Government took effect on 1 January 1975. This reform formally stripped the monarchy of its remaining executive powers, meaning Carl Gustaf no longer performs many duties typically accorded to a head of state in parliamentary regimes, such as the formal appointment of the prime minister, signing legislation into law, or serving as commander-in-chief of the nation's military. The new instrument explicitly limited the King to ceremonial and representative functions, while retaining his right to be regularly informed of affairs of state.

2.2. Role as head of state

As the foremost representative of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf undertakes various ceremonial and representative duties. He conducts state visits abroad and receives visiting heads of state in Sweden. He opens the annual session of the Riksdag, chairs the Special Council held during a change of Government (skifteskonselj^Swedish), and holds regular Information Councils (informationskonselj^Swedish) with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. He also chairs meetings of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs (Utrikesnämnden^Swedish) and receives the Letters of Credence of foreign ambassadors to Sweden, while signing those of Swedish ambassadors to foreign nations. As a figurehead, he voluntarily abstains from voting in Swedish elections.

King Carl Gustaf holds the highest ranks in the three branches of the Swedish Armed Forces: General in the Army and Air Force, and Admiral in the Navy. These ranks were conferred ex officio upon his accession in 1973, as stipulated by § 14 of the 1809 Instrument of Government, which designated him the Commander-in-Chief (Högste Befälhavare^Swedish). Although the Instrument of Government of 1974 removed this constitutionally-mandated position effective 1 January 1975, he retained his ranks à la suite, signifying that he no longer holds military command authority, except over His Majesty's Military Staff.

Globally, Carl XVI Gustaf is widely recognized as the presenter of the annual Nobel Prizes; the first Nobel laureate to receive the prize from his hands was Leo Esaki. He also presents the Polar Music Prize. The King holds honorary doctoral degrees from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the Stockholm School of Economics, and the Åbo Akademi University in Finland.

2.3. Royal family and title changes

As head of the House of Bernadotte, King Carl Gustaf has exercised his prerogative to make a number of personal decisions regarding the titles and positions of his relatives and family members since his enthronement in 1973. These decisions include:

• In 1974, his sister Christina, who married a non-royal Swedish man, was removed from the Royal House and no longer styled as Royal Highness. She was given the courtesy title Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson, following a precedent set by his grandfather for two of Christina's older sisters who made similar marriages.
• In 1976, upon his marriage to Silvia Sommerlath, a non-royal German-Brazilian woman, she was created Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.
• Later in 1976, his paternal uncle Bertil married the non-royal British woman with whom he had lived for decades. Carl Gustaf created her a Royal Highness Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Halland, alongside Bertil's titles.
• In 1977, his daughter Victoria was born, and in 1980, Carl Gustaf created her Duchess of Västergötland.
• In 1979, his son Carl Philip was born and created Duke of Värmland.
• On 1 January 1980, a constitutional reform establishing absolute primogeniture took effect, making his elder child, Victoria, the heir apparent and Crown Princess of Sweden. Carl Philip, who had been the heir apparent since his birth in May 1979, was consequently displaced. King Carl Gustaf publicly objected to this reform, not to the succession by females, but to the fact that his son lost the position and title he had held since birth, due to the law's retroactive application.
• In 1982, his daughter Madeleine was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for her as Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
• In 1983, his paternal uncle Sigvard, who had lost his title as Prince of Sweden in 1934 due to a non-royal marriage, announced his own title as Prince Sigvard Bernadotte. Despite legal support for his claim and citing precedent, Carl Gustaf never formally responded to his uncle's statement, and the Royal Court of Sweden consistently refused to honor it, with Sigvard dying in 2002.
• In 2003, his paternal grandfather's first cousin Carl died, and Carl Gustaf formally recognized his Belgian title by allowing Prince Carl Bernadotte on his gravestone at the Royal Cemetery. In 2014, he did the same for Carl's widow, allowing her name as Princess Kristine Bernadotte on her gravestone.
• In 2010, his daughter Victoria married a non-royal Swede, Daniel Westling, whom Carl Gustaf created a Royal Highness Prince of Sweden and Duke of Västergötland.
• In 2012, his granddaughter Estelle was born and created Duchess of Östergötland.
• In 2013, his daughter Madeleine married a non-royal British American, Christopher O'Neill, who declined Swedish citizenship. Carl Gustaf granted him the special courtesy title of Herr (Mr.).
• In 2014, his granddaughter Leonore was born and created Duchess of Gotland.
• In 2015, his son Carl Philip married a non-royal Swede, Sofia Hellqvist, whom Carl Gustaf created a Royal Highness Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Värmland.
• In 2015, his grandson Nicolas was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for him as Duke of Ångermanland.
• In 2016, his grandson Oscar was born and created Duke of Scania.
• Later in 2016, his grandson Alexander was born and created Duke of Södermanland.
• In 2017, his grandson Gabriel was born and created Duke of Dalarna.
• In 2018, his granddaughter Adrienne was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for her as Duchess of Blekinge.
• In 2019, Carl Gustaf issued a statement rescinding the royal status of five of his grandchildren: Leonore, Nicolas, Alexander, Gabriel, and Adrienne. This decision was made in an effort to more strictly associate Swedish royalty with the office of the head of state. While they retained their titles as princes/princesses and dukes/duchesses of their respective provinces, they no longer hold the style of Royal Highness, though they remain in the line of succession to the throne.
• In 2021, his grandson Julian was born and created Duke of Halland, with the same standing as his elder brothers following the 2019 changes.
• In 2025, his granddaughter Ines was born and created Duchess of Västerbotten, also with the same standing as her elder brothers.

2.4. Key events and controversies

Carl XVI Gustaf's reign has seen him involved in various significant events and has also been marked by several controversies that have drawn public and media attention.

In 2004, after a state visit to Brunei, King Carl Gustaf praised Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and described Brunei as an "open country," despite its controversial human rights record. This statement, along with a previous critique of Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland's seal hunting policy, where he questioned whether someone who could not handle the seal problem could truly care for the Norwegian people, led to public support for the monarchy reaching its lowest numbers in many years. However, public trust significantly increased following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which tragically claimed many Swedish lives. Then-Prime Minister Göran Persson faced criticism for failing to fulfill his constitutional obligation to inform the King on matters of state during this crisis. During a highly praised memorial ceremony held at Stockholm City Hall on 10 January 2005, the King delivered a speech that helped restore public support for the monarchy. In 2023, Carl Gustaf reiterated his view that Brunei is an open country, while acknowledging its non-democratic form of government, stating that his previous comments were a "total misunderstanding."

In 2015, King Carl Gustaf claimed to have played an important part in resolving a diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia. The crisis began when Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström criticized Saudi Arabia's form of government and human rights situation, leading Saudi Arabia to recall its ambassador to Sweden and end a military cooperation agreement. The Swedish government reportedly asked for the King's assistance. He then wrote a letter to the Saudi Arabian King, and diplomatic relations soon returned to normal. However, Carl Gustaf's role in solving the crisis and his statement regarding it, in which he claimed to have "good relations" with the Saudi King, both received criticism from the media and political commentators.

In November 2010, a controversial book titled "Carl XVI Gustaf - Den motvillige monarken" (Carl XVI Gustaf - The Reluctant Monarch) was published in Sweden, alleging infidelity and visits to sex clubs by the King, including a supposed affair with singer Camilla Henemark. The book also claimed that the King attempted to buy back incriminating photographs through a Yugoslavian gangster named Mille Marković. While the King denied involvement in the alleged sex club visits and cover-up, the scandal reignited public debate and led to a significant drop in public support for the monarchy, from 64% to 44% in mid-2011. However, in December 2011, the Swedish tabloid Expressen reported that the alleged incriminating photos were digitally manipulated images of the King taken from a 1976 television interview with Queen Silvia, superimposed onto photos of naked women in a sex club. It was also reported that Marković had a history of similar blackmail attempts against celebrities. It is important to note that while prostitution is legal in Sweden, buying sex is illegal.

In 2016, the King intervened in the public debate surrounding the proposed Nobel Center at Blasieholmen in central Stockholm, near the Nationalmuseum and old town. He stated that he believed the proposed structure was "too big and in the wrong place" and suggested it "could be relocated." Following the 2018 election, the City of Stockholm abandoned the original proposal, opting instead for new plans near Slussen.

In December 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the King publicly stated that Sweden's approach to dealing with the virus "has failed." This sentiment was echoed by then-Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, who acknowledged that "the fact that so many have died can't be considered as anything other than a failure."

In 2023, the Nobel Foundation announced its intention to invite ambassadors from Russia, Belarus, and Iran to attend that year's Nobel Prize awards ceremony. This decision sparked widespread criticism, and the Royal Court issued a statement indicating that the King was still deciding whether to attend, as has been tradition. Many leaders of political parties also threatened to boycott the ceremony. Ultimately, the Foundation reversed its decision, retracting the invitations.

2.5. Longest reign

On 26 April 2018, Carl Gustaf became the longest-reigning Swedish monarch, surpassing the reign of Magnus Eriksson (also known as Magnus IV), who reigned for 44 years and 222 days. Following the abdication of his cousin, Margrethe II of Denmark, on 14 January 2024, Carl Gustaf became the longest-serving incumbent head of state in Europe and the longest-reigning sovereign in the world.

2.6. NATO accession

His reign saw Sweden end over 200 years of neutrality by officially joining NATO on 18 March 2024. During a ceremony held outside the Riksdag building, King Carl Gustaf described the move to join the alliance as a "new era" in Swedish security policy and reaffirmed Sweden's wish for peace, stating that "Sweden threatens no one." In January 2025, at the Society and Defence National Conference in Sälen, the King addressed Sweden's security situation, echoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's sentiment that while Sweden was not at war, it could no longer consider itself at peace. The King also emphasized the need for societal preparedness and expressed his belief that the public's willingness to defend the realm had grown in recent years.

3.1. Marriage and family

The King married Silvia Sommerlath, whose father was German and mother was Brazilian, and who had grown up in both countries. They first met at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where she was an interpreter and host. Their engagement was announced on 12 March 1976. The wedding was held on 19 June 1976, at Stockholm Cathedral, with the ceremony performed by the Archbishop of Uppsala, Olof Sundby. The evening before the wedding, a Royal Variety Performance took place, during which the Swedish musical group ABBA gave one of the first performances of their song "Dancing Queen" as a tribute to Sweden's future queen. In 1980, the King and his family moved their official residence to Drottningholm Palace west of Stockholm, while maintaining their business offices at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia have three children and nine grandchildren:

• Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Västergötland (born 14 July 1977), who is married to Daniel Westling and has two children.
• Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland (born 13 May 1979), who is married to Sofia Hellqvist and has four children.
• Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland (born 10 June 1982), who is married to Christopher O'Neill and has three children.

Prince Carl Philip was born the heir apparent. However, a constitutional reform, which was already underway at the time of his birth, made his elder sister, Victoria, the heir apparent and Crown Princess of Sweden on 1 January 1980, according to the principles of absolute primogeniture. Sweden was the first recognized monarchy to adopt this principle. King Carl Gustaf publicly objected to this reform, not to the succession by females, but to the fact that his son lost the position and title he had held since birth due to the retroactive application of the law.

3.2. Hobbies and interests

The King is passionate about the environment, technology, agriculture, trade, and industry. Like many members of the Swedish royal family, he has a keen interest in automobiles. He owns several Porsche 911s, a car model said to be a particular favorite of his, as well as a vintage Volvo PV444, a Ferrari 456M GT, an AC Cobra, and other cars. The first pictures taken of him and his future wife were of them sitting in his Porsche 911. In the summer of 2005, he was involved in a traffic accident in Norrköping. The incident was described as a "fender bender," with no serious personal injuries reported, but it still made national headlines. The King and Queen of Sweden frequently travel to the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, including in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024, to support the Swedish team.

His personal interactions have occasionally drawn media attention. For example, on 14 July 2005, during his daughter's birthday celebration, the King was photographed placing his hand on the back of singer Helena Paparizou. While this gesture is common in Western culture, the royal court stated that his hand had accidentally fallen.

3.3. Scouting

The King is the honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation and frequently participates in Scout activities both in Sweden and abroad. He regularly attends World Scout Jamborees, including the 1979 Dalajamb World Jamboree International Encampment hosted by Sweden, the 2002 World Jamboree held in Sattahip, Thailand, and the 100th Anniversary of World Scouting 2007 World Jamboree held in Hylands Park, England. He also attended the 1981 National Scout Jamboree in Virginia, United States, and the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. He delivered a speech on 6 August 2011 at the closing ceremony, which was attended by over 40,000 people, and the band Europe performed "The Final Countdown" for him. King Carl Gustaf also made an appearance at the 2013 Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in West Virginia. In 2017, he visited the Jamboree in West Java, Indonesia. For his exceptional services to world Scouting, he was awarded the Bronze Wolf, the only distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, in 1982. He also received the Golden Pheasant Award from the Scout Association of Japan in 1980 and the Mount Makiling Award from the Philippines.

3.4. Health

In January 2022, the King and Queen Silvia contracted COVID-19, despite having received three doses of the vaccine, including a booster shot. The Royal Court announced that their symptoms were mild and their health condition was good. In February 2023, Carl Gustaf underwent "a surgical intervention with catheter technology in the heart area."

4.1. Regnal name and title

Carl XVI Gustaf departed from the centuries-old traditional style "King of Sweden, the Goths and the Wends" (med Guds Nåde Sveriges, Götes och Wendes Konung^Swedish; Dei Gratia Suecorum, Gothorum et Vandalorum Rex^Latin), which had been in use since Gustav I adopted it in 1523. Instead, he chose the simpler "King of Sweden" (Sveriges Konung^Swedish).

There have not actually been sixteen kings of Sweden named Carl/Charles. The numeral "XVI" stems from an erroneous genealogy that includes fictitious kings, created by the 16th-century writer Johannes Magnus.

4.2. Coat of arms

Upon his creation as Duke of Jämtland, Carl XVI Gustaf was granted an achievement of arms that featured the arms of Jämtland in base. These arms can be seen on his stallplate as a knight of the Danish Order of the Elephant at Frederiksborg Palace. Since his accession to the throne, he has used the greater coat of arms of Sweden, although he is still associated with the ducal title of Jämtland, which he held as a prince.

4.3. National and foreign honours

Carl XVI Gustaf has received numerous national and foreign honours throughout his life.

• Sweden: Recipient of the 90th Birthday Medal of King Gustaf V
• Sweden: Recipient of the 85th Birthday Medal of King Gustaf VI Adolf
• Sweden: Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling
• Argentina: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (1998)
• Austria: Grand Star of the Order of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, Special Class (1967)
• Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (1977)
• Brazil: Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross (2007)
• Brunei: Recipient of the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (2004)
• Bulgaria: Sash of the Order of Stara Planina
• Chile: Collar of the Order of Merit
• Croatia: Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav (2013)
• Denmark: Knight with Collar of the Order of the Elephant (12 January 1965)
• Denmark: Grand Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog (1975)
• Egypt: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Nile
• Estonia: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana (1995)
• Estonia: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Star (2011)
• Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose (1974)
• France: Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honour
• Germany: Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Ducal Family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha: Knight Grand Cross of the Ducal Royal Saxe-Ernestine Saxe-Coburg and Gotha House Order
• Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer
• Holy See: Knight with the Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX
• Hungary: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary
• Iceland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Falcon
• Indonesia: Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 1st Class (2017)
• Italy: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (1991)
• Japan: Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum
• Jordan: Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali
• Latvia: Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars (1995)
• Latvia: Grand Cross of the Order of Viesturs
• Lithuania: Grand Cross with Golden Chain of the Order of Vytautas the Great (1995)
• Luxembourg: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
• Malaysia: Honorary Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm (1996)
• Mexico: Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle (2004)
• Netherlands: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
• Netherlands: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange
• Netherlands: Commander of the Order of the Golden Ark
• Norway: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of St. Olav (1974)
• Poland: Knight of the Order of the White Eagle
• Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Saint James of the Sword
• Portugal: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (1987)
• Romania: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Star of Romania (2003)
• Saudi Arabia: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Abdulaziz al Saud
• Slovakia: First Class of the Order of the White Double Cross
• Slovenia: Recipient of the Decoration for Exceptional Merits
• South Africa: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Good Hope (1997)
• South Korea: Recipient of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (2012)
• Spain: 1,183rd Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (1983)
• Spain: Knight of the Collar of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III
• Thailand: Knight of the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn (2003)
• Thailand: Knight of the Order of Ramkeerati (2008)
• Tunisia: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Republic
• Turkey: Collar of the Order of the State of Republic of Turkey (2013)
• Ukraine: Member of the Order of Liberty (2008)
• Ukraine: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
• Ukraine: Grand Officer of the Order of Merit, 1st Class
• United Kingdom: Stranger Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (1983)
• United Kingdom: Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain (8 July 1975)
• Yugoslavia: Order of the Yugoslav Great Star (1976)

4.4. Awards

• United Nations Peace Medal (1976)
• World Organization of the Scout Movement: Bronze Wolf Award (1982)
• Japan: Golden Pheasant Award of the Scout Association of Japan (1980)
• Philippines: Mount Makiling Award

4.5. Honorary military positions

• United Kingdom: Honorary Admiral, British Royal Navy (seniority: 25 June 1975)

7.1. Positive assessments

King Carl XVI Gustaf is widely credited with contributing to national unity and cultural preservation in Sweden. His ceremonial role, including opening the Riksdag and presenting Nobel Prizes, has allowed him to serve as a symbol of continuity and tradition. He has actively fostered positive international relations through numerous state visits and diplomatic engagements.

A notable instance of his positive impact on social cohesion occurred when, during a period of heightened prejudice and persecution against immigrants in Sweden, he addressed the nation in a televised speech. He emphasized that the current Bernadotte royal family originated from France, stating, "I am also a descendant of immigrants," which helped to calm the situation and promote a more inclusive societal view. His consistent support for the Scout Movement and his dedication to environmental causes, including the establishment of the annual King Carl XVI Gustaf Professorship in Environmental Science, further highlight his contributions to broader social and global issues.

7.2. Criticism and controversies

Despite his positive contributions, King Carl XVI Gustaf's reign has not been without criticism and controversy, particularly concerning his statements and the monarchy's relevance and cost in a modern democracy. His public comments, such as praising the Sultan of Brunei despite the country's human rights record, and his involvement in the 2015 diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia, where he claimed "good relations" with the Saudi King after the Swedish Foreign Minister criticized Saudi human rights, have drawn significant public and media criticism. These incidents have fueled debates about the monarchy's political neutrality and its alignment with Sweden's democratic values and human rights principles.

The publication of the "Carl XVI Gustaf - Den motvillige monarken" book in 2010, which alleged infidelity and visits to sex clubs, severely impacted public trust in the King. Although later reports suggested digital manipulation of some photographic evidence, the scandal highlighted concerns about the King's personal conduct and the transparency of the Royal Court.

The ongoing debate about the monarchy's relevance and cost also reflects broader social equity concerns. While public support for the monarchy has generally remained strong, often buoyed by the popularity of Crown Princess Victoria, there have been periods of increased scrutiny, particularly around events like his Golden Jubilee in 2023, which saw renewed publications of serious criticisms regarding the monarchy's development and financial aspects. These criticisms often touch upon the perceived disconnect between the hereditary institution and modern democratic principles, as well as the financial burden on taxpayers. His public statement in 2020 that Sweden's approach to the COVID-19 pandemic "has failed" also generated discussion, though it was largely seen as an honest assessment. The controversy surrounding the Nobel Foundation's initial decision to invite ambassadors from Russia, Belarus, and Iran to the 2023 Nobel Prize ceremony, and the King's initial hesitation to attend, further underscored the public's expectation for the monarchy to align with contemporary ethical and political standards.