As Norway was a separate kingdom, with its own laws and institutions, the position of steward of Norway was arguably the most influential position for a Danish Norwegian nobleman or royal to hold, second to the King.

After the death of Charles X of Sweden in 1660, Brahe, as Lord High Steward, became one of the regents of Sweden for the second time (he had held a similar office during the minority of Christina, 1632 1644), and during the difficult year 1660 he had entire control of both foreign and domestic affairs.