A new special book about King Harald will be published this autumn, and the King of Norway himself contributed much to the upcoming book. Former newspaper-editor Harald Stanghelle is the author of the book, and beforehand, he had not thought that the King would want to be involved in the project.
In 2018 publisher Erling Kagge asked Harald Stanghelle if he would write a book based on conversations with King Harald. Stanghelle has now told the Norwegian press that he said yes in the safe assurance that King Harald would say no. Surprisingly, the King also said yes.
Stanghelle interviewed the King 11 times and the conversations took place at the Palace and at the royal farm at Bygdøy. The book, which has been named “The King Tells”, will be published in mid-October. In the book, King Harald talks about himself as a part of Norway’s history. The King gives a unique telling of his royal life since his childhood.
Stanghelle also revealed that several other royals have contributed to the book, which is supposed to offer exciting and new information. King Harald invited Princess Astrid to take part in one of the conversations about their war experiences and the return of the royal family from the United States in 1945. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon were also interviewed for the book.
Stanghelle emphasises that he was free to write the book as he wished. He said: “The King did not receive the questions in advance, nor did he ask for it. He has been very open and patient. With a certain amount of humour, he has answered my questions in every way. Several times, the King’s answers surprised me.”
