Ο Charles XIV(Charles XIV, 1763-1844), King of Sweden and Norway (1818-1844), was born as Jean Baptiste Bernadotte in France and was brought up in the Swedish royal family through his election as heir in 1810, at the invitation of the Swedish government. On his departure from France, he adopted the name Charles XIV and ascended the throne in 1818, succeeding Charles XVIII. His reign was marked by important political and social reforms, mainly aimed at strengthening the constitutional monarchy and stabilising the Swedish state after turbulent periods such as the Napoleonic Wars.

Charles XIV was a Freemason with a strong presence in Sweden during his time. He was initiated while still in France and became associated with the French Formalists before ascending the throne of Sweden. As a prominent military leader and later as a monarch, his involvement in Freemasonry was important, as the Brotherhood was very influential in elite circles in Europe at the time.

Charles IV’s involvement in Freemasonry reflected his support for the Enlightenment values that the Brotherhood promoted, such as liberty, equality and fraternity. His relationship with the Brotherhood influenced his reign, particularly in supporting and consolidating Freemasonry in Sweden.

Charles XIV died in 1844 and bequeathed the reign to his son, Oscar I, strengthening the leadership of the Bernadotte family in Sweden.