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).

Related Topics:
May 14 - 1710 - February 12 - 1771 - King of Sweden - 1751 - 1673 - 1726 - 1682 - 1755

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
Frederick I of Sweden - Gustav I of Sweden - Charles X of Sweden

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Related Topics:
August 18 - 1744 - Louisa Ulrika of Prussia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• (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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 Hetvägg, 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."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~