Amalia of Sweden was the princess in exile who loved music above all.
Birth, Title & Troubled Beginnings
Amalia Maria Charlotta was born on 22 February 1805 in Stockholm. She was the daughter of King Gustav IV Adolf and Frederica of Baden. Amalia was very amiable and had a heart of gold, but her childhood was far from stable. When she was 4 years old, her father was overthrown in the Coup of 1809, Sweden lost Finland, and the family went into exile. Amalia and her siblings were raised in Baden, Germany, under the care of their mother and grandmother.
Health, Identity & Single Life
Amalia struggled with health issues that left her with a deformed spine and body. These physical disabilities shaped her life significantly: she never married, and she never had children.
She often used the courtesy title “Amalia von Vasa” later in life, especially when living abroad. It was a nod to her dynastic heritage, even though politically her family had lost the throne.
Music, Friendships & a Quiet Life
Amalia found comfort and identity in the arts. She loved music and was friends with prominent musicians, among them the famed Swedish soprano Jenny Lind. They reportedly spent time together when Amalia lived near Vienna.
In 1830, she moved to Hacking, near Vienna, to live with her brother, Prince Gustav. She spent many years there and enjoyed the arts and a quiet social life.
Exile & Legacy
Amalia’s life is a reminder of the price of royal upheaval. She never returned to Sweden in a ruling capacity. She died at age 48, on 31 August 1853, in Hacking. Though removed from power, she helped keep the memory and identity of the old Swedish royal line alive, living under the “von Vasa” name and staying in touch with siblings and cultural spheres.
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