Editing Axel Oxenstierna (section)

===1606–1611: Diplomat and Privy Councillor===
In 1606 he undertook his first diplomatic mission, to [[Mecklenburg]] and other German royal courts. While on diplomatic duty abroad, Oxenstierna gained appointment to the [[Privy Council of Sweden|Privy Council]] (''Riksrådet'').<ref name="Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon - Axel Gustafsson Oxenstierna" /> Henceforth, Oxenstierna became one of the king's most trusted servants.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Oxenstjerna|display=Oxenstjerna s.v. Count Axel Gustafsson|volume=20|pages=401–402|first=Robert Nisbet|last=Bain|author-link=Robert Nisbet Bain}}</ref> In 1609 he travelled to Reval (present day [[Tallinn]]), on King Charles's behalf, to receive tributes from the city of Reval and the Estonian knighthood.<ref name="Nordisk Familjebok - Axel Gustafsson Oxenstierna" /> Together with other councillors, Oxenstierna tried to warn the king of Denmark and the intentions of Danish King [[Christian IV]].<ref name="Populär Historia">{{cite web|url=http://www.popularhistoria.se/o.o.i.s?id=43&vid=1205 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070627002703/http://www.popularhistoria.se/o.o.i.s?id=43&vid=1205 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2007 |title=Den mäktige Oxenstierna |last=Wetterberg |first=Gunnar |year=2005 |work=popularhistoria.se |publisher=Populär Historia |language=sv |access-date=2 July 2009 }}</ref> In 1610, Oxenstierna travelled to [[Copenhagen]] with the aim of preventing war with the neighbours, but unsuccessfully.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"/> The following year, Danish forces crossed the border, initiating the [[Kalmar War]]. In autumn 1611, King Charles died. Around New Year 1611–12, the parliament had to deal with the situation. According to the rules, the 17-year-old [[Gustavus Adolphus]] had not reached the proper age to be considered adult enough to rule as king. However, the estates agreed to disregard those rules. In return, the young king agreed to ensure the nobles further privileges and appoint Axel Oxenstierna [[Lord High Chancellor of Sweden]].<ref name="Populär Historia"/>
[[File:Axel Oxenstierna painted by Jacob Heinrich Elbfas 1626.jpg|right|thumb|Axel Oxenstierna in 1626]]