Is Norway, a nation celebrated for its progressive values and breathtaking landscapes, truly governed by its people? While it champions democratic ideals, the nation remains a constitutional monarchy, a system where a king reigns, but the power rests primarily in the hands of an elected parliament.
This delicate balance between tradition and modernity is embodied by King Harald V, the current monarch. Born on February 21, 1937, at Skaugum, Norway, Harald ascended to the throne on January 17, 1991, succeeding his father, Olav V. As a member of the House of Glcksburg, his lineage is intertwined with European royalty. He is the son of King Olav V and Crown Princess Mrtha of Sweden, Harald experienced a childhood marked by both privilege and upheaval. Being the youngest of three children, and the only son, his destiny as heir apparent was solidified when his father assumed the throne in 1957, making him Crown Prince.
Full Name | Harald V |
Born | February 21, 1937 (age 87 years), Skaugum, Norway |
House | House of Glcksburg |
Father | Olav V of Norway |
Mother | Princess Mrtha of Sweden |
Spouse | Queen Sonja (m. 1968) |
Children | Princess Mrtha Louise, Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway |
Ascended to the Throne | January 17, 1991 |
Predecessor | Olav V |
Official Residence | Royal Palace, Oslo |
Military Service | Served in the Norwegian Army, Navy, and Air Force |
Education | Norwegian Military Academy, Balliol College, Oxford |
Website | The Royal House of Norway |