Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

Reign: 1973 – 1973
Life: b. 1946

Having reigned for 52 years, he is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history and the second longest-serving current head of state. His father died in an airplane crash in Denmark in January 1947, when Carl Gustaf was nine months old. Carl Gustaf became crown prince and heir apparent to the Swedish throne at the age of four when his grandfather Gustaf VI Adolf acceded to the throne in 1950. Carl Gustaf acceded to the throne upon his grandfather's death on 15 September 1973.

During Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden's reign, Juliana of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Juan Carlos I of Spain ruled Spain, and Elizabeth II ruled Great Britain.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Sweden by Byron J. Nordstrom

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

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