King Carl XVI Gustaf's Life in Photos
King Carl XVI Gustaf is the longest-reigning monarch in Sweden's history. As we approach his Golden Jubilee, take a look back on the Swedish king's life.
The head of the House of Bernadotte (a.k.a. the Swedish royal family), Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus was born on April 30, 1946 at Haga Palace in Solna, Sweden. He's now the longest-reigning Swedish king in history, and set to celebrate his Golden Jubilee—marking 50 years on the throne—this September.
Following the death of his father when he was just nine months old, Prince Carl Gustaf became the Crown Prince and heir to the throne when his when his grandfather ascended when Carl Gustaf was a 3-year-old. In 1973, he ascended to the throne himself as King Carl XVI Gustaf at age 27. He married Silvia Renate Sommerlath, a German-Brazilian interpreter, in 1976, and they have three children: Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Madeleine. He's now a grandfather of eight. According to his official bio, King Carl Gustaf is a big fan of nature, and his hobbies include fishing, hunting, and game preservation. He often travels to the Olympics to support Swedish athletes, and partakes in cross-country and downhill skiing himself.
Here, see the best photos of King Carl XVI Gustaf throughout his life.
1946
Prince Carl Gustaf at just six months old, with his older sister Princess Christina, who is 3 here.
1947
The young Swedish prince was the youngest of five siblings, and the only son.
1947
Carl Gustaf with mother Princess Sibylla and oldest sister Princess Margaretha in Stockholm.
1947
King Gustav V poses with his great-grandchildren at his summer quarters at the Solliden castle. From left to right, Princess Birgitta, the King, Prince Carl Gustaf (aged 1), Princesses Margaretha (13) and Christina (4), Princess Sibylla, and Princess Desiree (9).
1949
Another snap from King Gustaf V's summer residence, this time just with Carl Gustaf, who is three years old in this photo. Upon the death of King Gustaf V, Carl Gustaf became next in line to the royal throne of Sweden.
1950
Crown Prince Carl Gustaf (second from right), 4, and his sister, Princess Christina (right), 7, with their friends on a motoring trip in a Stockholm park.
1951
The original caption of this photo says it all: "Bubbling over with the joy of living as small boys the world over on a bright and sunny spring day, is little Crown Prince Carl Gustav of Sweden, who will celebrate his fifth birthday on April 30th. ... At the moment little Crown Prince Carl isn't thinking in terms of titles and crowns. He is just a small boy, with mischief in his eyes, starting out on an adventure all his own."
1952
Prince Carl Gustav is shown playing with a model plane at the Royal Palace just outside of Stockholm.
1954
A young prince at school. Carl Gustaf wasn't told about his father's death until he was seven years old.
1955
"Chewing on his pencil boy-fashion, is young Carl Gustaf, Crown Prince of Sweden, who is probably daydreaming about the birthday party in store for him when he celebrates his ninth birthday on April 30. This picture, released in connection with his birthday, shows the young heir to the throne during [sic] his homework," reads the original caption of this photo.
1956
The Swedish royal family attend an Olympic equestrian event at Jarvafaltet, outside Stockholm, together in June. The royal party includes Princess Sibylla and her children (left to right): Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, Princesses Christina, Désirée, Birgitta and Margaretha. Between Princesses Christina and Désirée is Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting Lady Pamela Mountbatten.
1957
Prince Carl Gustaf plays ice hockey at Brunnsviken, near the Haga Castle, outside Stockholm.
1959
In a play, Carl Gustaf portrayed Richard Lion Heart. In this photo, he's with his grandmother, Queen of Sweden Louise Mountbatten.
1960
Carl Gustaf smiles for a photo.
1964
An 18-year-old Prince Carl Gustaf takes part in the Scholars' Rifle Championships.
1965
Prince Carl Gustaf swore an oath of allegiance before his grandfather and all the military and civil chiefs of Sweden.
1966
Prince Carl on a boat, which the caption declares to be "his favorite sport."
1966
King Gustaf Adolf, 83, and Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, 19, walk together in Stockholm.
1966
The Swedish prince attended the Swedish Royal Naval Academy.
1966
He is thrown high into the air after he successfully completed his matriculation examination at the Sigtuna boarding school.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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