Harald V (1937-…) is the king of Norway, a constitutional monarchy. Elected officials run the government, so the king’s role is largely ceremonial. Harald ascended to the throne in 1991, after the death of his father, King Olav V. Harald’s mother was Crown Princess Martha, a granddaughter of King Oscar II of Sweden.
As head of state, Harald attends meetings of the national cabinet, called the Council of State, and receives ambassadors. He is the commander-in-chief of Norway’s armed forces as well as the head of the country’s official church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Harald was the first prince to be born in Norway in 567 years. Beginning in 1380, Norway and Denmark were joined under the rule of the same kings in what soon became a Danish-controlled union. From 1814, Norway was ruled by Swedish kings. When Norway regained independence in 1905, it accepted a Danish prince as its king. This was Harald’s grandfather, who ruled as Haakon VII. Harald’s father, King Olav V, was born in England. Harald’s birth provided Norway a Norwegian-born heir to the throne, which caused much celebration.
German troops invaded Norway in 1940 during World War II (1939-1945), causing the royal family to flee the country. Harald, his mother, and his sisters spent the next five years in the United States. They returned to their homeland in 1945. The prince received his early education and military training in Norway. He later studied economics, history, and political science at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Harald became crown prince in 1957, when Olav took the throne. Beginning in 1958, Harald served as regent (substitute ruler) during the king’s absences and illnesses.
In 1968, Harald married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner. Because she was not of royal descent, Harald’s choice caused some controversy. However, King Olav and the government approved the marriage, and the people of Norway came to admire Queen Sonja. The royal couple have two children—Princess Martha Louise, born in 1971, and Crown Prince Haakon, born in 1973.
Harald succeeded Olav as king on Jan. 17, 1991. Although the king holds little political power, the royal family has great popularity as a symbol of national unity. The king and his family have also represented Norway’s interests during visits to other nations.
