 In 1780, he served as formal chief commander during the king's stay in Spa.The same year, Gustav III named him regent for his son should he succeed him while still a minor.However, he was not appointed regent during the journey of the king to Italy and France in 1783-84, and in the following years, he came under the influence of Gustaf Adolf Reuterholm, who was in opposition to the monarch, and came to be less trusted by Gustav III.