Finnish "Royals"

[frederika]

these dukes were they the tsars of russia also or just other members of the family?

[bluetoria]

From 1809 (from Alexander I) onwards they were the Tsars of Russia - so Nicholas was the last Grand Duke/Prince of Finland.

[frederika]

Thanks for that Finland also had these leaders

1284-1291 Bengt I
1302-1317 Vladimar
1353-1356 Bengt II
1918-1918 Friederich Karl Ludwig Konstantine I von Hessen
never arrived

Friederich was asked to except the title king of finland in 1917 which he did but after germany's surrender he chose not to except the throne.

[bluetoria]

  And these :

Johan III 1581-92
Sigismund  1592-99
Karl IX 1604-11
Gustav II Adolf 1611-32
Kristina 1632-54
Karl X Gustav 1654-60
Karl XI 1660-97
Karl XII 1697-1718
Ulrika Eleonora 1719-20
Fredrik I 1720-51
Adolf Fredrik 1751-71
Gustav III 1771-92
Gustav IV Adolf 1792-1809

[Mia]

Yes, Bluetoria, those names sound more familiar than the extremely distant rulers from the early mediaeval period. I don't know if I've ever heard on the history lessons of Bengt I or Vladimar (Vladimir?).

It's, of course, nice to have presidents in Finland in today's world, It's very handy system, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like having some royal splendour in the country. Friedrich Karl sounded like a very descent man for a king.

[frederika]

there was a lot of support to make finnland a kingdom and a lot of dissapointment when it did not work out but to make the royalist happy the presedent was given al the stiles and treatment of a king

[Moonlight_Densetsu]

Was a residence already prepared for a Monarchy? What was the official residence of the King of Finland going to be, are there any pictures of it?

[James_Davidov]

I started a thread while ago in the 'Imperial Family' section on 'Europes Crowns'  someone helpful posted a great image of the unused Finnish crown jewels...Its kinda sad that they were never used.

James

[mariah]

Was a residence already prepared for a Monarchy? What was the official residence of the King of Finland going to be, are there any pictures of it?

Yes, it was ready. Now it´s the presidental palace.



More info, history, pictures, virtual tour etc. (in english) http://www.president.fi/english

When Finland became independent (on december 6. 1917. Russia´s bolshevik goverment recognises Finnish independence on december 31.), finnish goverment decided that Finland is republic country. At the end of January (1918 ) goverment forces, known as the Whites, led by general C.G.E. Mannerheim, start to disarm Russian troops still stationed in the western finnish province of Ostrobothnia. At the same time, left-wing forces known as the Red guards, inspired by the bolshevik revolution, seized power in southern Finland. The ensuing conflict between Red and Whites (known also as a civil war, a liberation war, a class war etc.), depending on political views, ended in victory for the Whites.
After civil war the right wing though that republic form of goverment was too uncertain in young Finland. So in October 9. Finland became constitutional monarchy (based upon the instrument of goverment of 1772).
Finland wanted Emperor Wilhelm II:s son Oscar to be the king of Finland, but Wilhelm didn´t let him go from Germany. Then the parliament chose Friedrich Karl Ludvig Konstantin von Hessen-Kassel (Frederick of Hesse), the brother-in-law to Wilhelm II, to be king "Kaarle I" (Carl I), or May be "Fredrik Kaarle".. One used finnish name is Väinö I (George I), but some reason experts doesn´t like to use that name )
Titles: The king of Finland and Karelian
Duke of Ã…land Islands
Grand duke of Lapland
Master of Kaleva and the North.

Well if we want a litte bit imagine the situation... If Frederick should has crowned.... He died in 28.4.1940. His oldest son Wolfgang (1890-1989), "the next king", really was here in Finland. He was the officer in Lapland (1941-1943) when Finland was in war with Soviet Union. Wolfgang got married twice, but he didn´t have any children.
So the next king should has been Wolfgangs eldest nephew Heinrich (1927).. I´m not sure is he still alive. But because Finland doesn´t have king "Henrik I" or "Kaarle III", he was very famous art painter and set-builder, even in La Strada opera. Heinrich doesn´t have children neither, but may be his nephew Phillipp should be our crown prince or king now.
But he isn´t, because Frederick abdicated the thorne in December 14. 1918... Without setting foot in Finland... But yes, we have a nice president now  


Frederick


And his wife Margaretha. Wilhelm II was her brother.

[Moonlight_Densetsu]

Thanks so much for the information you posted! I cant believe he gave up the chance to be a King! Who does that?

[Moonlight_Densetsu]

Wow, Finland has a female president.

[Mia]

Wow, Finland has a female president.

 

Here she is. I guess the picture is taken at the presidential castle.

Pic from www.presidentti.fi

But still a few words of Friedrich Karl. He would have been probably a very good king, just like most of the kings and rulers. But because Germany had lost the war it would have been politically nearly impossible to ascend to the throne. So it was just common sense to understand the situation and abdicate.

[NAAOTMA]

Isn't the current presidential palace the former palace of the Grand Duke of Finland (as in the Tsar)? Last summer we went by it in the pouring rain, and we were told it had been the Tsar's residence when visiting Helskinki.

There is a monument to Alexander I's tsarina right outside it near the wharf area of Helsinki. (Or is it a monument to Nicholas I's wife? I can't remember!)

[Mia]

The presidential palace has been used for several purposes and altered many times. It was originally the home for a merchant and shipowner J.H. Heidenstrauch. The work started 1813 and the building was finished 1820. But already 1837 the house was sold and ment to be the Emperor's residence in Helsinki.

Furthermore the palace was a hospital during the WWI but it was also the office for the ministry of foreign affair after the civil war. It was renovated for presidential palace 1921.

The obelisk was raised 1833 for Alexandra Feodorovna, Nikolai I's wife when the imperial couple visited shortly Helsinki.

[NAAOTMA]

Thank you Mia for the information!

Helsinki is a beautifiul city with a fascinating history and architectural treasures set in a lovely natural setting.