Born in the 1130's. Parents: King Sverker I and Ulfhild, Inge II's widow.
Elected King in 1161, after defeating and killing King Magnus Henriksson. He was killed on 12 of April 1167.
Married (probably in 1163) to Kristina, daughter of Stig (from the Hvide family) and Margareta, sister of King Valdemar the Great of Denmark and daughter of Duke Knut Lavard. Through her mother, Kristina was a descendant to Inge the older. Child: Sverker.
On 12 of April 1167, Karl was attacked and killed by Knut Eriksson of the Erik House, who claimed the throne.