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…
Read more
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 Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) during a formal ceremony. Taking place just days after his father’s death, Harald took…
Read more
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…
European RoyalsHistoryNorway

Birthplace of a king: Skaugum Estate

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…
Read more
European RoyalsNorway

Norway's modern consorts

Queen Maud Queen Maud never had designs on becoming a queen when she was born, a daughter of the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, in 1869. As a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, she was raised in splendour, and well-travelled, having…
FashionNorway

Norway's most glittering tiaras

As Norway’s first queen consort since 1938, Queen Sonja brought back the spectacle and glamour of a queen when her husband, King Harald, came to the throne in January 1991. As a major representative of Norway, both home and abroad, Queen Sonja has many majestic tiaras at her disposal. Today, we’re going to look at some of her most magnificent jewels. Maltese Cross Tiara [getty…
Read more