Duchies in Sweden have been allotted since the 13th century to powerful Swedes, almost always to princes of Sweden and wives of the latter. From the beginning these duchies were often centers of regional power, where their dukes and duchesses had considerable executive authority of their own, under the central power of their kings or queens regnant. Since the reign of King Gustav III the titles have practically been nominal, with which their bearers only rarely have enjoyed any ducal authority, though often maintaining specially selected leisure residences in their provinces and some limited measure of cultural attachment to them.
Prince Eugen, Duke of Närke, Prince Wilhelm, Duke of Södermanland and Prince Carl, Duke of Västergötland in their coronets attend the 1905 opening of parliament in the Throne Room of Stockholm Palace.
Princess Margareta, Duchess of Scania (Margaret of Connaught) poses in 1905 at Stockholm Palace, wearing her British coronet, for a subsequently colored photograph.
Prince Magnus as Duke of Sweden in a 13th-century bust
Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland, with her brother Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland, in 2010.
Magnus Ladulås or Magnus Birgersson,, was King of Sweden from 1275 until his death in 1290.
Bust of Magnus as duke at Skara Cathedral
Seal of King Magnus
Magnus's 16th century grave monument over his family crypts in Riddarholm Church
