Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden

Gustav IV Adolf (November 1, 1778 – February 7, 1837), was King of Sweden from 1800 until his abdication in 1809. He was the son of Gustav III of Sweden and his queen consort Sophie Magdalen.

Abdication

On March 29 Gustav, in order to save the crown for his son, voluntarily abdicated; but on May 19 the Riksdag of the Estates, dominated by the army, declared that not merely Gustav but his whole family had forfeited the throne. On June 5 the duke regent was proclaimed king under the title of Charles XIII, after accepting the new liberal constitution, which was ratified by the diet the same day. In December Gustav and his family were transported to Germany. In exile Gustav used several titles, Count Gottorp, Duke of Holstein-Eutin, and finally settled at St. Gallen in Switzerland where he lived in great loneliness and indigence, under the name of Colonel Gustafsson. It was there that he suffered a stroke and died. At the suggestion of King Oscar II of Sweden his body was brought to Sweden and interred in the Riddarholmskyrkan.

Related Topics:
March 29 - May 19 - Riksdag of the Estates - Army - June 5 - Charles XIII - Constitution - Germany - Gottorp - St. Gallen - Switzerland - Oscar II of Sweden - Riddarholmskyrkan

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