Over the centuries, it has been put to the test time and again: the Swedish monarchy, one of the oldest in the world and, at the same time, one of the most modern. What is the secret to the success of the Swedish royals, who enjoy such great popularity? “Moving with the times for Sweden”: King Carl Gustaf has made this the motto of his reign. As a result, gender equality has long been a part of the Swedish royal family. In 1980, the law of succession was amended to grant men and women equal inheritance rights. Marriages to commoners have also become a tradition. Sweden’s royal children are free to marry whomever they choose. The king himself set the example when he married Silvia Sommerlath from Heidelberg in 1976.