Wedding of Count Carl Johan Bernadotte

Prince Carl Johan of Sweden gave up his Royal Title when he married Swedish journalist Kerstin Wijkmark at the Riverside Church in New York City on this day in 1946, 80 years ago!

Prince Carl Johan of Sweden, Duke of Dalarna, son of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden and Princess Margaret of Connaught, married Swedish journalist Kerstin Wijkmark at the Riverside Church in New York City, with a Reception held at the 21 Club.

Their marriage took place at Riverside Church in New York City on February 19, 1946. Kerstin was escorted down the aisle of the “quiet dim chapel,” by Hugh Fenwick, a family friend. A reception at the 21 Club followed the wedding.

The new Mrs Kerstin Bernadotte wore an antique Diamond Necklace and Crown Princess Margareta’s Grenadier Guards Brooch.

Kerstin, whose first marriage ended in divorce, wore a “champagne beige wool suit, with a wreath of pale roses in her hair.”

Prince Carl Johan lost his Princely Title upon his marriage and his claim to the Swedish Throne. In 1951, the couple were given the titles of Count and Countess of Wisborg by Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. The Countess passed away in 1987, with Prince Carl Johan remarrying the following year to Countess Gunnila Bernadotte, before his death in 2012.