Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden

Gustav VI Adolf (Oskar Fredrik Wilhelm Olaf Gustav Adolf) (November 11, 1882 – September 15, 1973) was King of Sweden from 1950 until his death. He was the eldest son of King Gustav V. At birth he was created Duke of Skåne. On October 29, 1950, he succeeded his father on the throne.

Reign

In 1950, Prince Gustaf Adolf became king at age 67 upon the death of his father, King Gustav V.

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During Gustaf's reign, work was underway on a new constitution — eventually taking effect in 1975 after Gustaf's death — to replace the 1809 constitution and produce reforms consistent with the times. Among the reforms sought by some Swedes was the replacement of the monarchy or at least some moderation of the old constitution's provision that "The King alone shall govern the realm."

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Gustaf Adolf's personal qualities made him popular among the Swedish people and, in turn, this popularity led to strong public opinion in favor of the retention of the monarchy. Gustaf Adolf's expertise and interest in a wide range of fields (architecture and botany being but two) made him respected, as did his informal and modest nature and his purposeful avoidance of pomp.

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The affection and respect for which the Swedish people felt for Gustaf VI Adolf led to the retention of the monarchy was as a symbol of continuity, but the monarchy was made subordinate to a democratic state. Many of the powers of the Swedish monarchy died with King Gustaf Adolf in 1973. Additional powers of the monarch were removed when Sweden's constitutional reform became complete in 1975.

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Gustav VI Adolf was a devoted archaeologist, and was admitted to the British Academy for his work in botany in 1958. Gustaf participated in archaeological expeditions in China, Greece, and China, and founded the Swedish Institute in Rome.

Related Topics:
Archaeologist - British Academy - 1958

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King Gustaf died in 1973 at age 90 after a deterioration in his health that culminated in inflammation of the lungs. He was succeeded on the throne by his 27-year-old grandson Carl XVI Gustaf, son of the late Prince Gustaf Adolf.

Related Topics:
Carl XVI Gustaf - Prince Gustaf Adolf

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