List of Swedish monarchs

Gustav Vasa

Life period: 1496–1560

Gustav Vasa established an independent kingdom under a strong central power. He broke with the Kalmar Union, and installed himself as head of the church through the Reformation. Gustav Vasa also made Sweden a hereditary monarchy.

Katarina of Sachsen-Lauenburg

Reign period: 1531–1535 Life period: 1513–1535

Queen Katarina was the mother of Erik (XIV). The idea that Katarina was unpredictable and the marriage was unhappy comes from the negative propaganda against Erik XIV that circulated after his removal from power.

Read more about Katarina of Sachsen-Lauenburg

Margareta Leijonhufvud

Reign period: 1536–1551 Life period: 1516–1551

Queen Margareta and Gustav Vasa had ten children, including Johan III and Karl IX. She remained a Catholic until her death, and gave generous gifts to the church.

Katarina Stenbock

Reign period: 1552–1560 Life period: 1535–1621

Queen Katarina survived her husband by more than sixty years. The couple had no children together, but she was on good terms with her stepchildren.