Sofia Magdalena, Princess of Denmark, Queen of Sweden

Queen Sofia Magdalena

Sofia Magdalena was the daughter of Fredrik V of Denmark and Louise of Great Britain. She married Gustav (III) in 1766. However, their relationship was not a happy one and it was not until 1778 that she became pregnant. In November that year, she gave birth in her state bedchamber at the palace. Fortunately, the child was a boy, the future Gustav IV Adolf. Four years later, a second son – Karl Gustav, who never reached adulthood – was born.

Conflict and discord within the royal family led to the queen becoming increasingly isolated. Sofia Magdalena never saw her son Gustav IV Adolf again after his abdication and exile in 1809.

Long plagued by failing health, Sofia Magdalena died at Ulriksdal Palace in 1813.

Sofia Magdalena, 1746–1813, Princess of Denmark, Queen of Sweden, painted by the Swedish artist Jakob Björck (1727–1793). The painting hangs at Gripsholm Castle, and is part of the Swedish State portrait collection. Photo: Nationalmuseum

sofia magdalena of denmark

Born 3 July 1746, died 21 August 1813
Queen 1771–1792*

Coronation

1772 Stockholm Cathedral

Buried

1813 Riddarholmen Church

PREDECESSOR

Lovisa Ulrika

SUCCESSOR

Fredrika

Spouse

Gustav III

Issue

Gustav IV Adolf (1778–1837), King of Sweden 1792–1809
Karl Gustav (1782–1783)

*Years refer to time as queen, not as dowager queen.

Sofia Magdalena
of Denmark