HistoryNorway

On this day 30 years ago: King Harald takes his oath to the Constitution

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21st January 2021
On this day, January 21, 30 years ago, King Harald took his oath to parliament. On the evening of 17 January 1991, King Olav V died. At the same time, Crown Prince Harald became Norway’s new king, King Harald V.When one monarch passes away, the next takes over at the same moment. Hence the expression “The King is dead – Long live the King”. However, the transition is also…
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European RoyalsNorway

Haakon, thirty years as heir

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18th January 2021
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

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18th January 2021
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

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17th January 2021
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 VIIThe very first modern monarch…
European RoyalsNorway

The accession of King Harald V

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17th January 2021
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 Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) during a formal ceremony. Taking place just days after his father’s death, Harald took…
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Norway

The death of King Olav V

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17th January 2021
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…
European RoyalsHistoryNorway

Birthplace of a king: Skaugum Estate

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16th January 2021
Skaugum Estate is a farmhouse that lies just outside Oslo, Norway, and it is currently the home of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, though it has a storied history that dates back to the Middle Ages and is known as the birthplace of King Harald, in 1937.Originally a church property, Skaugum belonged to the Church of Mary and the Convent of Nonneseter. In 1909, a Norwegian…
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