The title "Grand Duke of Finland" was historically held by the monarch of Russia, who ruled Finland as a grand duchy from 1809 until 1917. This title was established when Finland was ceded to Russia by Sweden after the Finnish War. The Grand Duke had limited powers, with most governance handled by a local parliament and officials. After Finland declared independence in 1917, the title became obsolete. Initially, there was a brief consideration of establishing a monarchy with a German prince as the Grand Duke, but this plan was abandoned following World War I. Finland then became a republic, solidifying its independence.