Gustaf VI Adolf, King of Sweden

King Gustaf VI Adolf

As king, Gustaf Adolf fully accepted parliamentarianism. He kept his political views to himself, but it was no secret that he had liberal beliefs. By always fulfilling his representative duties faultlessly, the king helped to create a new type of rule: democratic rule.

He had five children with his first wife Margareta. Crown Princess Margareta died at the age of just 38 in 1920. Three years later, he married Lady Louise Mountbatten.

Gustaf VI Adolf was renowned for his thirst for knowledge. He had been a keen archaeologist since his youth, and became an expert in ancient Chinese art.

Portrait of King Gustaf VI Adolf in uniform. Photo by the Bergne Portrait Studio, 1951. Photo from the Bernadotte Library's archive.

gustaf Vi adolf

Born 11 November 1882, died 15 September 1973
Reign 1950–1973

royal motto

Duty above all

no formal coronation

Buried

1973 The Royal Cemetery

PREDECESSOR

Gustaf V

SUCCESSOR

Carl XVI Gustaf

Spouse

Margareta av Connaught
Louise Mountbatten

Issue

Gustaf Adolf (1906–1947), King Carl XVI Gustaf's father
Sigvard (1907–2002)
Ingrid (1910–2000), Queen of Denmark from 1947, Queen Margrethe II:s mother
Bertil (1912–1997)
Carl Johan (1916–2012)

The Bernadotte

dynasty