Wikipedia talk:Today's featured article/April 30, 2011

The anniversary of the death of Sigismund I of Sweden is correctly linked to the article on Sigismund III Vasa of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Sigismund was deposed as King of Sweden in 1599, and in 1632 Gustavus Adolphus was King of Sweden (until 6 November)-- all per the List of Swedish Monarchs article. For added fun, the article on Sigismund III Vasa says he was not deposed until 1604.

The same article states that Sigismund's reign over the Commonwealth ended on 19 April 1632, 11 days before his death. (Julian v. Gregorian discrepancy??)

Sigismund was succeeded by his son Wladislaw IV Vasa on 8 November 1632. The lapse of time is easily attributed the need for Wladislaw to be formally elected.

In spite of the possible discrepancy between end of reign / date of death, it would be far less confusing if the On This Day listing for 30 April referred to this individual as Sigismund III of Poland-Lithuania, a title he held both before had after his reign over Sweden.

His formal title is given in English as:

Sigismund III, by the grace of God, king of Poland, grand duke of Lithuania, Ruthenia, Prussia, Masovia, Samogitia, Livonia, and also hereditary king of the Swedes, Goths and Vandals.