A Norwegian Prince

Harald was born at Skaugum in Asker on 21 February 1937, the son of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. His grandfather was King Haakon VII.

His birth was historic. Prince Harald was the first prince born in Norway in the direct line of succession to the Norwegian throne in more than five centuries.

He grew up together with his older sisters, Princess Ragnhild and Princess Astrid. But his childhood would soon be changed dramatically by events in Europe.

War and Exile

On 9 April 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Norway. Harald was only three years old.

The Norwegian Royal Family was forced to flee. King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav continued the Norwegian struggle from Britain, while Crown Princess Märtha and her children eventually travelled to the United States.

Prince Harald therefore spent several of his earliest childhood years in America.

After the liberation of Norway in 1945, the Royal Family returned home. The experiences of occupation, exile and liberation became part of the history of the family Harald would later represent as King.

Becoming Crown Prince

King Haakon VII died on 21 September 1957.

Harald's father succeeded him as King Olav V, and the 20-year-old Prince Harald became Crown Prince of Norway.

As Crown Prince, Harald increasingly represented Norway both at home and abroad and prepared for the constitutional duties he would one day assume as King.

Harald and Sonja

Harald's relationship with Sonja Haraldsen became one of the best-known stories in the history of the modern Norwegian Royal Family.

They met in 1959. Sonja was not of royal birth, and at the time a marriage between the future King and a commoner was considered highly controversial.

The couple waited for years before they were permitted to marry. Harald eventually made it clear that if he could not marry Sonja, he would not marry anyone else.

King Olav V gave his consent, and Crown Prince Harald and Sonja Haraldsen married in Oslo Cathedral on 29 August 1968.

Their daughter Princess Märtha Louise was born in 1971, followed by Prince Haakon Magnus in 1973.

King of Norway

On 17 January 1991, King Olav V died. Crown Prince Harald immediately succeeded his father and became King Harald V of Norway.

His accession continued a modern Norwegian royal tradition established by his grandfather King Haakon VII and continued by his father King Olav V.

King Harald served as Norway's constitutional Head of State, formally opening Parliament, presiding over meetings of the Council of State and representing Norway during state visits and official occasions throughout the world.

Together with Queen Sonja, he travelled extensively throughout Norway, visiting communities from the largest cities to some of the country's smallest and most remote settlements.

A King Through Changing Times

Harald's reign accompanied Norway through enormous change. Technology transformed everyday life, Norwegian society became increasingly international, and new generations grew up in a country very different from the Norway into which he had been born in 1937.

Throughout these changes, the King represented continuity. He was present during national celebrations and achievements, but also addressed the nation during periods of tragedy, uncertainty and mourning.

King Harald repeatedly emphasised community, inclusion and the idea that Norway belongs to all those who call the country their home.

Sport and the Sea

Sport played an important role throughout Harald's life. He was particularly passionate about sailing and represented Norway internationally as a competitive sailor.

Before becoming King, Harald participated in several Olympic Games and carried the Norwegian flag during the opening ceremony of the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.

His lifelong enthusiasm for sport, sailing and outdoor life reflected interests shared by many Norwegians and remained an important part of his public identity.

Key Dates in His Life

Before Harald — and After

The modern Norwegian monarchy dates from Norway's independence from Sweden in 1905. Harald represented the third generation of the royal family established that year.

Between King Olav V and the next generation stood Harald's own 35-year reign as King of Norway from 1991 to 2026.