Queen of Sweden. Gunnilda was the daughter of John Axelson of the Bielke Dynasty of nobles, who was a Member of the Swedish National Council and a cousin of king John III. At 14 years of age she became Maid of Honour to the Queen, Catherine (Jagiello). One year after the death of Catherine, king John III proposed to Gunnilda, who declined. But in the end she was convinced by her family that she should marry the King. Unfortunately the Royal Family considered the marriage a misalliance, which sharpened the already tense relations between its members. When the wedding was celebrated at Vadstena Castle, the King's brother, Duke Carl (later king Carl IX) refused to come. Despite her youth Gunnilda had a powerful influence on her husband.
Queen of Sweden. Gunnilda was the daughter of John Axelson of the Bielke Dynasty of nobles, who was a Member of the Swedish National Council and a cousin of king John III. At 14 years of age she became Maid of Honour to the Queen, Catherine (Jagiello). One year after the death of Catherine, king John III proposed to Gunnilda, who declined. But in the end she was convinced by her family that she should marry the King. Unfortunately the Royal Family considered the marriage a misalliance, which sharpened the already tense relations between its members. When the wedding was celebrated at Vadstena Castle, the King's brother, Duke Carl (later king Carl IX) refused to come. Despite her youth Gunnilda had a powerful influence on her husband.
Bio by: Benny Chordt Hansen
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