In an era defined by shifting political landscapes, is the idea of inherited power truly outdated? The Norwegian monarchy, a system steeped in over a millennium of history, continues to navigate the complexities of modern governance, balancing tradition with the demands of a democratic society.
The Norwegian monarch stands as the head of state in Norway, a nation operating under a constitutional and hereditary monarchy integrated with a parliamentary system. The lineage of the Norwegian monarchy stretches back to Harald Fairhair and the unification of the petty kingdoms that formed Norway. This historical tapestry includes periods of union with both Sweden and Denmark, shaping the monarchy's evolution and its role within the Nordic region. Today, the monarchy is meticulously defined not only by tradition but also by a well-defined legal and ceremonial structure.
Category | Information |
---|---|
Official Title | King of Norway |
Current Monarch | King Harald V |
House | House of Glcksburg |
Succession | Hereditary, Constitutional Monarchy |
Role | Head of State |
Official Residence | The Royal Palace, Oslo |
Born | 21 February 1937 (age 87 years), Skaugum Estate |
Spouse | Sonja Haraldsen (m. 1968) |
Children | Princess Mrtha Louise, Crown Prince Haakon |
Father | Olav V of Norway |
Mother | Princess Mrtha of Sweden |
Ascended the Throne | 17 January 1991 |
Key Functions | Represents Norway internationally, approves laws, appoints government officials, supreme commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces. |
Website | The Royal House of Norway Official Website |