The Swedish royal family is the reigning royal house of Sweden, known as the House of Bernadotte. It was established in 1818 when Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, a French Marshal, was elected as Crown Prince of Sweden. The family plays a ceremonial role in Swedish society and is involved in various charitable activities. The current head of the family is King Carl XVI Gustaf, who ascended the throne in 1973. He is married to Queen Silvia, and they have three children: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Madeleine. The royal family represents Sweden at official events and promotes Swedish culture and traditions.