Queen Ulrika Eleonora the Younger

Ulrika Eleonora the Younger married Fredrik of Hesse, later Fredrik I, in 1715.

Following the death of Karl XII, she attempted to become regent. The Riksdag initially opposed this. In 1719 she became queen after agreeing to abolish the autocracy, and her coronation took place in Uppsala that same year.

However, Ulrika had intended to co-rule with her husband, which the Riksdag did not agree to. At the 1720 Riksdag, Ulrika Eleonora relinquished the crown in favour of her consort Fredrik of Hesse.

The couple did not have any children, and Ulrika Eleonora died of smallpox in the autumn of 1741.

Ulrika Eleonora the Younger portrayed by the Swedish-German artist Georg Desmarées (1697–1776). The painting hangs at Gripsholm Castle, and is part of the Swedish State Portrait Collection. Photo: Nationalmuseum