Assassination of Gustav III of Sweden (1792)

King Gustav III was shot in the back during a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera in Stockholm on 16 March 1792. The attack was part of an aristocratic conspiracy against his policies. He survived the initial injury but died from sepsis thirteen days later on 29 March.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Gustav III faced growing hostility from the nobility due to the Union and Security Act of 1789, which stripped their privileges, and his stance on the French Revolution. In the winter of 1791–92, aristocratic enemies formed a conspiracy to assassinate the king and reform the constitution, culminating in the attack at the Royal Opera.

The Assassination. On 16 March 1792, Gustav III attended a masquerade ball at the Royal Opera in Stockholm. He was shot in the lower back during the event. Despite the injury, he managed to assume command and quell the uprising before succumbing to sepsis thirteen days later.

Aftermath. The wound became infected, leading to the king's death on 29 March 1792. During his final days, he received apologies from many political enemies. His immense powers were subsequently placed in the hands of a regency until his son reached adulthood.

People involved

Sources

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