Adolf Frederick of Sweden

Adolf Frederick's father was Christian Augustus (1673–1726)^[4] duke and a younger prince of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, prince-bishop of Lübeck, and administrator, during the Great Northern War, of the duchies of Holstein-Gottorp for his relative Charles Frederick.^[5]

His mother, Albertina Frederica of Baden-Durlach (1682–1755),^[4] was a descendant of earlier royal dynasties of Sweden, great-granddaughter of Princess Catherine of Sweden, mother of King Charles X of Sweden. On his mother's side, Adolf Frederick was descended from King Gustav Vasa and Christina Magdalena, a sister of Charles X of Sweden.^[6]

From 1727 to 1750 Prince Adolf Frederick was the prince-bishop of Lübeck. This meant he ruled a fief around and including Eutin. After his first cousin, Charles Frederick, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, died in 1739, Adolf Frederick became the administrator of Holstein-Kiel during the minority of the duke's orphan son, Charles Peter Ulrich. Shortly afterward, the young boy was invited to Russia by his maternal aunt, Empress Elizabeth, who soon declared him her heir. He later became known as Peter III of Russia.^[7]

In 1743, Adolf Frederick was elected heir to the throne of Sweden by the Hat faction (Swedish: Hattarna). The Hat faction wanted to obtain better conditions at the Treaty of Åbo from Empress Elizabeth.^[5] He succeeded to the Swedish throne on 25 March 1751.^[8]

During his 20-year reign, Adolf Frederick was little more than a figurehead, the real power being with the Riksdag of the Estates, often distracted by party strife. Twice he endeavored to free himself from the tutelage of the estates. The first occasion was in 1756. Stimulated by his consort Louisa Ulrika of Prussia (sister of Frederick the Great), he tried to regain a portion of the attenuated prerogative through the Coup of 1756 to abolish the rule of the Riksdag of the Estates and reinstate absolute monarchy in Sweden. He nearly lost his throne in consequence. On the second occasion during the December Crisis of 1768, under the guidance of his eldest son, Gustav, he succeeded in overthrowing the "Cap" (Swedish: Mössorna) senate, but was unable to make any use of his victory.^[5][9]

Adolf Frederick died suddenly in Stockholm on 12 February 1771 with symptoms resembling either heart failure or poisoning. Popular stories about his death having resulted from a large meal (consisting of lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers, and champagne as well as 14 helpings of his favourite dessert hetväggofsemla pastries and hot milk)^[10][11] are considered propaganda by modern writers.^[12]

Following his death, his son Gustav III seized power in 1772 in a military coup d'état, reinstating absolute rule.^[13]

The King was regarded as dependent on others, a weak ruler, and lacking of any talents as a statesman. However, he was allegedly a good husband, a caring father, and a gentle master to his servants. He was scientifically talented and especially interested in astronomy. He also had talent in military matters and in music. His favourite pastime was woodworking, especially to make snuffboxes, which he reportedly spent a great deal of time doing. His hospitality and friendliness were witnessed by many who deeply mourned him at his death.^[14]

By his marriage to Princess Louisa Ulrika of Prussia (which took place on 18 August/29 August 1744 in Drottningholm), he had five children:

1. (Stillborn) (18 February 1745 in Stockholm)
2. Gustav III (1746–1792)
3. Charles XIII (1748–1818)
4. Frederick Adolf (1750–1803)
5. Sofia Albertina (1753–1829)

With Jeanne Du Londel he had one son:

1. Adolf Fredriksson (c. 1734-1771), Captain in the Swedish Army.^[15]

With Marguerite Morel he had one son who died as a child:

1. Frederici (c. 1761 - 1771)^[16]

Adolf Frederick may have been the father of Lolotte ForssbergbyUlla von Liewen, but this has never been confirmed.^[17]

•   Media related to Adolf Frederick of Sweden at Wikimedia Commons