On Sunday 17 January 2021, it was 30 years since the start of the reign of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway following the death of His Majesty King Olav V. While the Silver Jubilee, five years ago, was celebrated throughout the year, this anniversary will not be marked due to the coronavirus pandemic. On the anniversary itself, however, the King and Queen gave a special greeting filled with thanks to the Norwegian people. The Royal Court also shared new photographs of the King and Queen.
The press has been informed that the day was marked privately at Kongssæteren, where King Olav died 30 years ago.
The following statement was given by King Harald and Queen Sonja:
“We have been able to follow Norway and the Norwegian people through an exciting development. We look back with joy on hundreds of trips and visits around our beautiful country over the years. We remember encounters with people – on mountain peaks and plateaus, on the coast and in deep forests, in cities and in villages. We have met in all kinds of weather, under all kinds of conditions. We have shared both good, fun experiences – and sad and difficult.
We are deeply grateful that we are always received so warmly and hospitably when we visit – no matter what the occasion. We experience a people who in all their diversity show creativity, courage and perseverance. Who sees opportunities – and who above all cares about each other. All over Norway, we meet people with a deep love for their hometown, for the local community and their fellow human beings.
It fills us with infinite joy and pride. Thank you for the company on the journey so far!”
King Harald has said that he was terrified to take over from his father who was a popular monarch. It has since been shown that King Harald has created a successful role as king. More than 80% of all Norwegians support the monarchy and this number has been incredibly stable throughout the King’s 30-year reign. Queen Sonja also has a lot to say for the monarchy’s popularity. When Queen Sonja became queen in 1991, Norway had not had its own queen since Queen Maud died in 1938.
Royal Central has a special video celebrating the jubilee on our You Tube channel.
