Adolf Frederick of Sweden

Adolf Frederick (Adolf Fredrik) (May 14, 1710 – February 12, 1771), was King of Sweden from 1751 until his death. He was the son of Christian August von Schleswig-Holstein-Eutin (1673-1726) and Albertina Frederica von Baden-Durlach (1682-1755).

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He was elected crown prince to the heirless king Frederick I of Sweden after the bungled war against Russia, which ended losses in the Treaty of Turku 1745. He was a relative of the Russian monarch who just had won. Through his mother, he descended from king Gustav I of Sweden and from a sister of Charles X of Sweden. Under his reign the nobles divided themselves into the two factions of the Caps, or the peace-party, and the Hats, or the war-party.

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On August 18, 1744, he married Louisa Ulrika of Prussia (1720 - 1782) and they had the following children:

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• (Stillborn) (1745)
• Gustav III (1746-1792)
• Charles XIII (1748-1818)
• Fredrik Adolf (1750-1803)
• Sophia Albertine (1753-1829)

Disputes between him and the political parties led to the attempt of a revolution in 1756. However, the revolution was exposed and a number of influential people were executed.

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The king died of digestion problems on February 12, 1771 after consuming a meal consisting of lobster, caviar, sour cabbage, smoked herring and champagne that was topped off by his favourite dessert Hetv?gg, which is a Semla served in a bowl of milk, and is thus remembered by Swedish schoolchildren as "the King who ate himself to death."

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He was regarded, both during his time and in later times, as dependent on others, a weak ruler and lacking of any talents. But he was allegedly also a good husband, a caring father and a gentle master to his servants. His personal hospitality and friendliness were witnessed by many who deeply mourned him at his death.

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His favourite past time occupation was to make snuff boxes, which he allegedly spent a great deal of time doing.

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Johann Elias Ridinger etched an equestrian portrait of him when still being declared crown prince of Sweden and hereditary prince of Norway.

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May 14: May 14 is the 134th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (135th in leap years). There are 231 days remaining....

February 12: February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 322 days remaining, 323 in leap years....

1771: 1771 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar)....

Adolf Frederick of Sweden related Images and Photos (experimental)

Portrait of Frederick V 1749	Portrait of Frederick Iv	Portrait of Frederick William I	Portrait of Frederick Douglas
Portrait of Frederick II the Great 1772	Portrait of Frederick North Earl of Guildford	Karl XII of Sweden Shot	Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-89) and Her Court
The Marriage of Frederick William	The Smoking Council of Frederick William I of Prussia C.1737/8	King Karl XII of Sweden	Regatta Held in Honour of Frederick VI of Denmark 1709