Catherine Karlsdotter, in Swedish called ''Katarina Karlsdotter'' and later ''Katarina Gumsehuvud'' (died 7 September 1450) was

Queen of Sweden The monarchy of Sweden is centred on the monarchical head of state of Sweden,See the Instrument of Government, Chapter 1, Article 5. by law a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system.Parliamentary system: see the Ins ...

from 1448 to 1450 and Queen of Norway from 1449 to 1450 as the second wife of King

Karl Knutsson Karl Knutsson Bonde ( 1408–1470), also known as Charles VIII and called Charles I in Norwegian contexts, was King of Sweden (1448–1457, 1464–1465 and 1467–1470) and King of Norway (1449–1450). He rose in Swedish politics beca ...

Biography

Catherine was the daughter of the nobleman Karl Ormsson (Gumsehuvud). She married the Regent (and then widower) Karl Knutsson on 5 October 1438, when she became first lady and functioned as Queen in a ceremonial sense until 1440, when her husband was replaced as regent. Before their marriage, dispensation was obtained from the Pope, as Catherine was related to Karl's first wife. This was to ensure that children born in the marriage would be regarded as legitimate. In 1448, her spouse became regent again and then was crowned King. She was crowned Queen of Sweden in

Uppsala Cathedral Uppsala Cathedral () is a cathedral located between the University Hall (Uppsala University), University Hall of Uppsala University and the Fyris river in the centre of Uppsala, Sweden. A church of the Church of Sweden, the national church, in t ...

on 2 July 1448. The next year, her husband became King of Norway also, making her Queen of Norway. The marriage is described as very happy and resulted in nine children. It was said that ''"Their relationship had always been of the best kind".'' Their second daughter, Magdalene, married Ivar Axelsson (Tott), an uncle of Ingeborg Tott. Queen Catherine was described as beautiful and cheerful; she created a nice environment and a relaxed atmosphere at court, and she was forthcoming to those who came seeking audience. In 1450, she became one of many who died of the plague in

Stockholm Stockholm (; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, most populous city of Sweden, as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in the Nordic countries. Approximately ...

, and was deeply mourned by the king. She was buried in 1451 in

Vadstena Abbey 250px, Aerial view The Abbey Pax Mariae (), more commonly referred to as Vadstena Abbey, is situated on Lake Vättern in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockholm and is a monastery of nuns within the Bridgettine Order. It was active from 134 ...

Children

* Margaret Karlsdotter (Bonde) (1442–1462) * Magdalen Karlsdotter (Bonde) (1445–1495), married to noble Ivar Axelsson (Tott) 1466 * Richeza Karlsdotter (Bonde) (born ca. 1445)

nun A nun is a woman who vows to dedicate her life to religious service and contemplation, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the enclosure of a monastery or convent.''The Oxford English Dictionary'', vol. X, page 5 ...

. * Bridget Karlsdotter (Bonde) (1446–1469)

. * four sons died early

References

* Wilhelmina stålberg:
Anteqningar om svenska qvinnor
' (Notes on Swedish women) (Swedish) * Åke Ohlmarks: ''Alla Sveriges drottningar'' (All the queens of Sweden) (Swedish) * Lars O. Lagerqvist: ''Sveriges regenter - från forntid till nutid'' (The regents of Sweden - from then to now) * Dick Harrison: ''Karl Knutsson'' , - {{DEFAULTSORT:Catherine of Bjurum Norwegian royal consorts Catherine 1448 15th-century births 1450 deaths Burials at Vadstena Abbey 15th-century Swedish nobility 15th-century deaths from plague (disease) 15th-century Swedish women 15th-century Norwegian people 15th-century Norwegian women