Born on May 3, 2006, in Stockholm, Sweden, Björke Erik Gustaf Lindström was raised in a family with deep connections to both Swedish and Estonian heritage. His father, Gustaf Lindström, is a respected marine biologist of Swedish descent, while his mother, Maarja Lindström (née Tamm), is an Estonian historian specializing in Baltic cultural studies.

Prince Björke received his education at Stockholm International School, where he excelled in languages, environmental sciences, and history. His multilingual upbringing gave him fluency in Swedish, Estonian, and English from an early age, with Latvian added during his later studies.

In 2022, he began his undergraduate studies at Stockholm University, pursuing a degree in International Relations with a focus on Environmental Policy.

Prince Björke's connection to Ruhnu began during his early teens when he visited the island with his parents as part of their research on preserving cultural heritage in isolated Baltic communities. He was immediately captivated by the island's unique blend of Swedish and Estonian influences and its pristine natural environment.

Between 2020 and 2024, he made frequent visits to Ruhnu, establishing relationships with the island's residents and becoming involved in local conservation efforts. During this period, he discovered ancestral connections to the Swedish-speaking community that had historically inhabited Ruhnu.

As discussions about Ruhnu's political future developed, Björke's vision for a principality that honored both its Swedish heritage and its geographic connection to Estonia resonated with many islanders, leading to his consideration for a leadership role in the new governance structure.

On May 15, 2025, following the establishment of the Principality of Ruhnu, Björke Lindström was proclaimed Prince Björke I in a ceremony at the historic St. Magdalena Church. At 19 years old, he became one of the world's youngest heads of state.

The principality was established as a semi-constitutional monarchy, with Prince Björke serving as head of state while a democratically elected parliament and council of advisors handle day-to-day governance.

Upon his ascension, Prince Björke adopted the royal motto "Unity in the waves of the Baltic Sea," reflecting his commitment to fostering cooperation among Baltic nations and preserving the shared cultural heritage of the region.