CHARLES XV

born May 3, 1826, Stockholm died Sept. 18, 1872, Malm, Swed. Swedish in full Carl Ludvig Eugen king of Sweden and Norway from 1859 to 1872. Succeeding his father, Oscar I, on July 8, 1859, Charles was an intelligent and artistically inclined ruler much liked in both kingdoms. The royal power, however, was considerably reduced during his reign as the Riksdag (parliament) and executive assumed increasing power. Among important new liberal measures that enjoyed his support was the introduction of a bicameral legislature. A champion of Pan-Scandinavianism and political solidarity among the three northern kingdoms, Charles unwisely gave a half promise of helpwhich his ministers were unable to backto Denmark during the SchleswigHolstein crisis of 1864. He left one child, Louisa Josephina Eugenia, by his marriage to Louisa, daughter of Prince Frederick of Denmark, and was succeeded by his brother, Oscar II.