Carl Johan Bernadotte, Count of Wisborg (b. 1916)

Carl Johan Arthur, who would later be known as Prince Bernadotte and Count of Wisborg, was born on 31 October 1916. His long and distinguished life concluded on 5 May 2012, making him a figure of considerable historical interest within European royalty. He was the fourth son and the fifth and youngest child of Sweden's then Crown Prince, who would later become King Gustaf VI Adolf, and his first wife, Princess Margaret of Connaught. His mother, Princess Margaret, herself a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, brought a strong British royal connection to his lineage.

Born into the heart of European aristocracy, Carl Johan was initially known as a Prince of Sweden and held the traditional ducal title of Duke of Dalarna. These titles signified his place within the Swedish royal house and the line of succession to the throne. However, a pivotal decision in his early adulthood altered his royal standing significantly. In a move that was common for European royals wishing to marry individuals not of royal or princely birth during that era, he chose to renounce his birth titles and his place in the line of succession. This was a consequence of his decision to marry a commoner, a practice historically met with the forfeiture of royal status, though it often allowed for a personal, non-dynastic title to be granted.

Following his renunciation, he was granted the personal title of Prince Bernadotte, a reference to the dynastic name of the Swedish royal house, and the noble title of Count of Wisborg. This latter title, often conferred by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, became a traditional designation for Swedish princes who married without royal consent and subsequently lost their Swedish princely status. His life then proceeded outside the direct demands of royal duties, though his connections to Europe's monarchies remained deep and extensive.

Carl Johan was closely related to several reigning European monarchs. He held the position of a paternal uncle to the current Swedish sovereign, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Furthermore, through his sister Ingrid (who became Queen of Denmark), he was a maternal uncle to both Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, illustrating his pervasive family ties across the continent's royal families.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Carl Johan's life was his unique historical position as the last surviving great-grandchild of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. His passing in 2012 marked the end of a direct generational link to one of the most iconic and influential periods of British and European history, signifying the close of an era that began with the vast and interconnected family tree of the "Grandmother of Europe."

Frequently Asked Questions About Carl Johan Arthur, Prince Bernadotte

Why did Carl Johan Arthur renounce his titles?

He chose to renounce his birth titles as a Prince of Sweden and Duke of Dalarna in order to marry a commoner, a practice that historically required members of royal families to forfeit their royal status and rights of succession.

What titles did he hold after renouncing his Swedish princely status?

After his renunciation, he was granted the personal title of Prince Bernadotte and the noble title of Count of Wisborg.

Who were Carl Johan Arthur's parents?

He was the son of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden and his first wife, Princess Margaret of Connaught.

How was he related to Queen Victoria?

Carl Johan Arthur held the unique distinction of being the last surviving great-grandchild of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, marking a significant historical link.

What were his connections to other European monarchs?

He was a paternal uncle to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and a maternal uncle to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece.