Page "Gustav I of Sweden" Paragraph 18

The ceremonial election of the regent Gustav Eriksson as king of Sweden was made when the leading men of Sweden got together in Strängnäs in June 1523.

When the councillors of Sweden had chosen Gustav as king, he met with the two visiting councillors of Lübeck.

The German representatives supported the appointment without hesitation and declared it as being an act of God.

Gustav stated he had to bow to what was described as the will of God.

In a meeting with the Privy Council, Gustav Eriksson announced his decision to accept.

In the following ceremony, led by the deacon of Strängnäs, Laurentius Andreae, Gustav swore the royal oath.

The next day, bishops and priests joined Gustav in Roggeborgen where Laurentius Andreae raised the holy sacrament above a kneeling Gustav Eriksson.

Flanked by the councillors of Lübeck, Gustav Eriksson was brought to Strängnäs Cathedral where the king sat down in the choir with the Swedish privy councillors on one side, and the Lübeck representatives on the other.

After the hymn " Te Deum ", Laurentius Andreae proclaimed Gustav Eriksson king of Sweden.

He was, however, still not crowned.

In 1983, in remembrance of the election of Gustav as Swedish king on 6 June, that date was declared National Day of Sweden.