During the Time of Troubles in Russia, Carl Philip was one of the princes who were elected Tsar, in 1611.
When Charles IX died in 1611, his older son Gustavus Adolphus became King, while Carl Philip had his father's old duchy, centered at Nyköping, at his disposal. During his minority, the duchy was administered by his mother, Queen Mother Christina of Holstein-Gottorp.
Carl Philip joined the army and died from disease at Narva, Estonia. He was the last holder of a Swedish duchy. When Gustav III reintroduced the title in 1772, it was a mere honorary title.
He was secretly married to Elisabet Ribbing, and they had a daughter.