From parliamentary meetings to internal assemblies

Until the representational reform of 1865/66, the nobility held parliamentary meetings in the House of Nobility at which decisions were taken that had an impact on all of Sweden. Nowadays, assemblies of nobles are instead held for decisions relating solely to the internal affairs of the nobility. The assembly of nobles can thus be likened to a general meeting of an association.

Held every three years

According to the Riddarhus Decree, the assembly of nobles is normally held every three years. At the opening meeting, the executive board submits a report for the past period, as well as proposals for budgets and projects for the coming three-year period. Participants can submit motions, and a committee is elected by the assembly. The committee is tasked with discussing the activities of the executive board and any motions over the next three months, and then presenting the results at the time of the assembly. The closing meeting is normally held in June. During that time, the assembly reviews the committee’s report and takes a position on the motions. In addition, the executive board, auditors, election committee and medals committee are elected.

Who can attend?

The head of each family has the right of representation at the assembly of nobles. The head is the first-born son of the first-born son and so on stretching back to the individual who was first knighted. In the Swedish Peerage Book, which is a directory of Knighthood and Nobility family members, the name of each family head is indicated in capital letters. The family head may, in a special sequential order, transfer his right of representation to another nobleman within or outside his own line.

To participate in an assembly of nobles, the person in question must be of legal age and have paid the capitation fee of 350 kronor. As proof of eligibility to vote, a token is issued. Voting at the assembly takes place according to the principle of one member, one vote.