British RoyalsQueen Elizabeth II

The Governor General of Canada resigns following accusations of toxic work environment

The Governor General of Canada, The Queen’s viceregal representative in Canada, has stepped down from her post following a months-long investigation into the work environment at Rideau Hall. The Right Honourable Julie Payette, who had served as Canada’s Governor General since October 2017, resigned from her position earlier Thursday, becoming the first in modern Canadian history to do…
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European RoyalsNorway

Haakon, thirty years as heir

Though King Harald and Queen Sonja are marking 30 years on the throne this year, there’s another anniversary in Norway to commemorate as well: Crown Prince Haakon’s 30 years as the heir apparent to the throne. Born on 20 July 1973, Haakon has been destined for the…
European RoyalsNorway

King Harald V of Norway: The Reformer King

Harald became King of Norway in January 1991 upon the death of his father and was consecrated alongside his wife, Queen Sonja, (who became the first Norwegian queen to be born a commoner) later that year. As mentioned in another article, Harald’s reign has been marked by maintaining the status quo set by his grandfather and father, focusing on social issues and allowing the government to…
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European RoyalsNorway

The modern monarchs of Norway

As King Harald marks his 30th year on the Norwegian throne, we’re looking back at the three very modern monarchs of Norway since the dissolution of Sweden and Norway in 1905 and the independence of a Norwegian monarchy. King Haakon VII The very first modern monarch…
European RoyalsNorway

The accession of King Harald V

In Norway, monarchs aren’t crowned, they’re consecrated. King Haakon VII was the last king to be crowned, while his heirs, Olav and Harald, have been consecrated in ceremonies at Nidaros Cathedral in Oslo. Prior to the consecration, King Harald swore an oath at the…
Norway

The death of King Olav V

On 17 January 1991, King Olav of Norway suffered a fatal heart attack, following nearly a year of health problems, and passed away at the age of 87. He was succeeded by his son, Harald, who marks 30 years on the Norwegian throne today. Though he’d been born Prince Alexander of Denmark at Sandringham in the United Kingdom, once his father was named king of a newly independent Norway…
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