King Harald V

King Harald V
Name	Harald V
Title	King of Norway
Caption	King Harald V in 2019.
Reign	17 January 1991 – present
Coronation	23 June 1991
Predecessor	Olav V
Successor	Heir apparent: Crown Prince Haakon
Birth date	21 February 1937
Birth place	Skaugum, Akershus, Norway
Spouse	Sonja Haraldsen (m. 1968)
Issue	Princess Märtha Louise, Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
House	Glücksburg
Father	Olav V
Mother	Princess Märtha of Sweden
Religion	Church of Norway

King Harald V is the reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Norway, having ascended to the throne upon the death of his father, Olav V, in 1991. He is a member of the House of Glücksburg and the first Norwegian-born prince since Olav IV in the 14th century. His reign has been characterized by a modern, unifying approach to the monarchy, emphasizing stability and continuity through periods of significant social and economic change in Norway.

Early life and education

He was born on 21 February 1937 at the Skaugum estate in Akershus, the only son of then-Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha of Sweden. His birth came during the reign of his grandfather, King Haakon VII. The Norwegian royal family was forced into exile during the German occupation of Norway in World War II, fleeing to Sweden and later the United States, where they lived in Washington, D.C.. He returned to Norway after the liberation in 1945. His early education took place in Norway, and he later attended the Norwegian Cavalry Officers' Training School and the University of Oslo, before studying at Balliol College, Oxford.

Military service

He undertook a comprehensive military education, beginning at the Norwegian Military Academy. He completed officer training in the Norwegian Army and also served in the Royal Norwegian Navy and the Royal Norwegian Air Force, attaining high ranks in all branches. His service included periods with the Norwegian Home Guard and he participated in numerous national and NATO exercises. He holds the rank of General in the Army and Air Force and Admiral in the Navy, reflecting his deep connection to the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Marriage and family

In 1968, he married commoner Sonja Haraldsen, a union that faced initial opposition but ultimately modernized the monarchy. The wedding took place at Oslo Cathedral and was followed by a procession to the Royal Palace, Oslo. The couple has two children: Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon. The family's primary residence is the Skaugum estate in Asker. His role as a grandfather to Maud Angelica Behn, Leah Isadora Behn, Prince Sverre Magnus, and Princess Ingrid Alexandra is often highlighted in the Norwegian media.

Reign

He became king on 17 January 1991. His formal consecration, a symbolic ceremony rather than a constitutional requirement, was held at the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on 23 June 1991. As a constitutional monarch, his duties are largely ceremonial and representative, defined by the Constitution of Norway. He performs key state functions such as opening the Storting, formally appointing the Prime Minister based on parliamentary support, and hosting state visits. He has been a stable national figure during the tenure of prime ministers including Gro Harlem Brundtland, Kjell Magne Bondevik, Jens Stoltenberg, and Erna Solberg. His reign has overseen Norway's growth as a major energy exporter and its continued engagement with international bodies like the United Nations and European Free Trade Association.

Health and later years

In recent years, his health has been a subject of public attention. He has undergone several significant medical procedures, including surgery for bladder cancer in 2003, heart surgery for a stenosis in 2005, and knee replacement surgery. In 2020, he underwent surgery to replace a heart valve at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo. These episodes have led to temporary transfers of royal authority to Crown Prince Haakon as regent, in accordance with the constitution. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a reduced but active schedule of official duties and public engagements.

Legacy and honors

He is widely respected for his dedication to duty, his role as a unifying symbol for the nation, and his successful modernization of the monarchy. A passionate sailor, he represented Norway in the Sailing events at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympic Games. He has been awarded numerous national and international honors, including the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of St. Olav and the Royal Victorian Chain. His commitment to national unity was powerfully expressed in a 2016 speech supporting LGBT rights, stating that "Norwegians are Norwegians," which was widely praised. His legacy is closely tied to the continued strong public support for the monarchy in Norway.

Category:Norwegian monarchs Category:1937 births Category:House of Glücksburg Category:Living people