Prince Erik, Duke of Västmanland (d. 1918)

Prince Erik of Sweden, formally known as Erik Gustav Ludvig Albert, Duke of Västmanland, was a member of the Swedish royal house, born on 20 April 1889 and passing away at a young age on 20 September 1918. His life, though brief, intertwined with a significant period in Scandinavian history, as he held the distinction of being both a Swedish and a Norwegian prince.

Family Background and Royal Heritage

Prince Erik was the third and youngest son of King Gustav V of Sweden and his consort, Victoria of Baden. His father, King Gustav V, ascended the Swedish throne in 1907, succeeding Erik's grandfather, King Oscar II. His mother, Queen Victoria, was a German princess, the daughter of Frederick I, Grand Duke of Baden, and Princess Louise of Prussia, linking the Swedish royal house to prominent European dynasties.

Being the youngest of three sons, Erik had two elder brothers: Gustaf Adolf (who would later become King Gustaf VI Adolf) and Prince Vilhelm, Duke of Södermanland. This position placed him firmly within the succession line, though his life trajectory took a different path due to health challenges from birth.

A Prince of Two Kingdoms: The Norwegian Connection

At the time of Prince Erik's birth, the Crowns of Sweden and Norway were united under one monarch. This explains his dual designation as a Swedish and Norwegian prince. This union, however, was in its twilight years, eventually dissolving in 1905, just a year after a significant honor was bestowed upon him.

In 1904, a year before Norway gained full independence, Prince Erik was appointed a Knight of the Norwegian Lion. This prestigious order was personally conferred upon him by his paternal grandfather, King Oscar II. King Oscar II reigned as King of Sweden from 1872 and King of Norway from 1872 until the union's dissolution in 1905. The Order of the Norwegian Lion, established by Oscar II in 1904, was intended to be Norway's highest order of chivalry, comparable to Sweden's Order of the Seraphim. However, it had a very short lifespan as Norway established its own separate royal house and system of orders after 1905, making Erik one of the few recipients of this particular honor.

A Life Touched by Frailty and an Early Demise

Prince Erik's life was significantly shaped by his delicate health. From a young age, he suffered from epilepsy and learning difficulties, which led to a largely secluded life away from the public eye. His condition meant he could not participate in public life or take on the official duties typical of a royal prince. Instead, he lived a quiet existence, primarily at Drottningholm Palace and later at Villa Fridhem, a property owned by the royal family near Bråviken.

Tragically, Prince Erik's life was cut short during the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic. He succumbed to the illness on 20 September 1918, at the age of just 29. His passing was a private sorrow for the royal family, marking the end of a life lived with dignity despite personal challenges. He is interred in the Royal Cemetery at Haga Park, a testament to his place within the Swedish royal lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Erik

Who was Prince Erik, Duke of Västmanland?
Prince Erik Gustav Ludvig Albert was the third and youngest son of King Gustav V of Sweden and Queen Victoria of Baden. He was a Swedish and Norwegian prince, born in 1889 and passing away in 1918.
What was the significance of him being a "Swedish and Norwegian prince"?
At the time of his birth, Sweden and Norway were united under a single monarch, King Oscar II (his paternal grandfather). Therefore, members of the royal house were considered princes/princesses of both kingdoms until the union dissolved in 1905.
What was the Order of the Norwegian Lion?
The Order of the Norwegian Lion was a chivalric order established by King Oscar II in 1904, intended to be Norway's highest honor. Prince Erik was among the few recipients, having been appointed a Knight by his grandfather. The order was short-lived due to Norway's independence in 1905.
What was the cause of Prince Erik's early death?
Prince Erik passed away at the age of 29 on 20 September 1918, during the global Spanish Flu pandemic. His health had been delicate throughout his life, marked by epilepsy and learning difficulties.
Did Prince Erik have any public role or duties?
Due to his lifelong health challenges, Prince Erik led a largely private and secluded life. He did not participate in public royal duties or state affairs, dedicating his time to quiet pursuits.