Charles XV of Sweden-Norway is crowned king of Sweden.

Known officially in Sweden as Charles XV and in Norway as Charles IV, Carl Ludvig Eugen (born on 3 May 1826 and passed away on 18 September 1872) held the dual crown of both Sweden and Norway from 1859 until his death in 1872. His reign marked a significant period for the two nations, then united under a single monarch. While his Swedish regnal name was well-established, the difference in numbering between his two kingdoms offers a fascinating glimpse into their distinct historical traditions.

A Royal Name with a Dual Identity: Charles XV and Charles IV

Upon his ascension, Carl Ludvig Eugen became King Charles XV of Sweden and King Charles IV of Norway. This discrepancy in numbering, though seemingly minor, reflects different historical approaches to royal lineage in the two countries. In Sweden, he was indeed the fifteenth monarch to bear the name Charles (Karl in Swedish). However, this sequence carries a peculiar historical footnote. The numerical order for Swedish kings named Charles was largely influenced by the 16th-century historian Johannes Magnus, who in his work Historia de omnibus Gothorum Sueonumque regibus (History of all Gothic and Swedish Kings) enumerated many legendary and semi-legendary kings. This led to a historical inflation, meaning that Charles IX (reigned 1604–1611), for instance, adopted his numeral based on this partly fictitious history. Consequently, Charles XV was, in actual historical succession, the ninth Swedish king named Charles. Norway, on the other hand, did not adhere to this historical convention and numbered its kings named Charles independently, thus referring to him accurately as Charles IV. This distinction was typically observed in official documents and historical records, though contemporary Norwegian coins sometimes mirrored the Swedish numbering for the sake of the union.

The Bernadotte Dynasty: A New Chapter

Charles XV was a pivotal figure within the House of Bernadotte, the royal dynasty that still reigns in Sweden today. He was the third monarch from this line to sit on the Swedish and Norwegian thrones, following his grandfather Charles XIV John (the dynasty's founder) and his father Oscar I. Importantly, Charles XV holds the distinction of being the first monarch of the House of Bernadotte to be born in Sweden. Born in Stockholm, his Swedish birth marked a further integration of the dynasty, which originated with French Marshal Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, into the fabric of the Swedish nation. His reign was characterized by advancements in law and society, though he is often remembered more for his cultural patronage and artistic leanings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles XV

Why was he known as Charles XV in Sweden but Charles IV in Norway?
He was known as Charles XV in Sweden due to a historical numbering tradition influenced by a 16th-century chronicle that included legendary kings, artificially inflating the count of kings named Charles. In actual historical succession, he was the ninth Swedish king named Charles. Norway, however, did not follow this tradition and numbered its kings independently, accurately recognizing him as Charles IV.
What was the "fictitious history" that led to the numbering discrepancy in Sweden?
The numbering discrepancy stems from Johannes Magnus's 16th-century work, Historia de omnibus Gothorum Sueonumque regibus. This chronicle included many legendary and semi-legendary rulers, which led earlier Swedish kings, such as Charles IX, to adopt higher regnal numerals than their actual historical sequence would suggest.
How long did Charles XV reign?
Charles XV reigned for 13 years, from 1859 until his death on 18 September 1872.
Which royal house did Charles XV belong to?
Charles XV belonged to the House of Bernadotte, the royal dynasty that originated with French Marshal Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte and continues to reign in Sweden today.
Was Charles XV the first Bernadotte monarch born in Sweden?
Yes, Charles XV was indeed the first monarch of the House of Bernadotte to be born on Swedish soil, specifically in Stockholm, marking a significant milestone for the dynasty's establishment in Sweden.