In this paper we develop a controller reduction procedure for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems. The method uses synthesis Riccati inequalities for the normalized robust stabilization problem as a basis for the approximation. The technique provides a priori error bounds which are used to obtain closed-loop stability conditions and performance degradation level. We also generalize the relative model reduction method to LPV systems and give an energy interpretation to the controller reduction procedure. To illustrate the method, a reduced order controller is synthesized and tested on a nonlinear missile model. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.