Haakon, King of Norway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haakon |
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Haakon in 2021
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| King of Norway | |
| Reign | 28 August 2026 – present |
| Predecessor | Harald V |
| Successor | Ingrid Alexandra |
| Regent of Norway | |
| Reign |
See list
25 November 2003 – 12 April 2004 29 March – 7 June 2005 25 September – 31 October 2020 3 March – 22 April 2024 18–28 August 2026 |
| Regent | Harald V |
| Born | 20 July 1973 The National Hospital, Oslo, Norway |
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| Issue | |
| House | Glücksburg |
| Father | Harald V |
| Mother | Sonja Haraldsen |
| Religion | Church of Norway |
| Education | |
| Military career | |
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Branch
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Norwegian Army Norwegian Navy Norwegian Air Force |
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Service years
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1992–present |
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Rank
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General (Army) General (Air Force) Admiral (Navy) |
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King Haakon (Haakon Magnus; born 20 July 1973) is the King of Norway. He became the monarch of Norway on 28 August 2026.
He is the son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. King Haakon represents the royal House of Glücksburg. He is married to Queen Mette-Marit. Together, they have two children: Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
King Haakon has dedicated much of his life to public service. He served in the Royal Norwegian Navy and is the Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces. He has also worked with the United Nations Development Programme as a Goodwill Ambassador. He cares deeply about environmental protection, education, international peace, and youth empowerment.
Contents
Early Life and Royal Heritage
Childhood in Oslo
King Haakon was born on 20 July 1973 at The National Hospital in Oslo, Norway. At his birth, he was given the name Haakon Magnus. His parents decided that he would simply be called Haakon.
He was baptised on 20 September 1973 in the royal chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo. He was named after his great-grandfather, King Haakon VII, who was Norway's first modern king after the country regained full independence in 1905. He was also named after his uncle Haakon Haraldsen and the historic Norwegian figure Saint Magnus.
Growing up, Haakon lived a life balanced between royal duties and a regular childhood. His parents wanted him and his older sister, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, to experience normal everyday activities alongside their royal education.
Royal Lineage and Succession
Haakon belongs to the House of Glücksburg, a royal house with ties to many European monarchies. His grandfather was King Olav V, a beloved king who ruled Norway for many decades.
When King Olav V passed away on 17 January 1991, Haakon's father became King Harald V. On that same day, 17-year-old Haakon officially became the Crown Prince of Norway.
In 1990, Norway updated its constitution regarding royal succession. The country adopted absolute primogeniture, which means the eldest child inherits the throne regardless of gender. However, because this rule applied only to children born after 1990, Haakon remained the heir to the throne ahead of his older sister.
Education and Military Training
Schooling and University Studies
Haakon received a broad education both in Norway and abroad. He attended local schools in Norway before pursuing higher education at top international universities.
He moved to the United States to study at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1999, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Berkeley provided him with a chance to live as a student and understand international politics.
After returning to Europe, he took specialized courses at the University of Oslo. He also completed training for civil servants at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001.
To expand his knowledge of global affairs, Haakon attended the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. In 2003, he earned a Master of Science degree in development studies, focusing on international trade and global economic growth.
Military Service and Paratrooper Training
Military service is an important tradition for members of the Norwegian royal family. Haakon trained with the Royal Norwegian Navy and attended the Norwegian Naval Academy, graduating in 1995.
He spent time stationed aboard missile torpedo boats and other naval vessels. Through these missions, he learned naval leadership, teamwork, and navigation along Norway's vast coastline.
Over the years, Haakon advanced through the military ranks. He holds the rank of Admiral in the Navy and General in both the Norwegian Army and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
In 2016, Haakon challenged himself further by taking a demanding military paratrooper course run by the Special Operations Commando. He successfully completed all the required parachute jumps and earned his official military paratrooper wings.
Marriage and Family Life
Royal Wedding
Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby on 25 August 2001. The ceremony took place in Oslo Cathedral. Many royal guests from all over the world attended the grand celebration.
Frederik, who was then the Crown Prince of Denmark (and later King Frederik X), served as Haakon's best man. The wedding was watched by millions of people on television and celebrated widely across Norway.
Children and Family
King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit have two children:
- Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, born on 21 January 2004. She is the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.
- Prince Sverre Magnus, born on 3 December 2005.
Haakon is also a supportive stepfather to Mette-Marit's older son, Marius Borg Høiby.
The family lives at the historic Skaugum Estate, located in Asker, southwest of Oslo. The estate includes farming land and beautiful natural forests where the family enjoys outdoor life.
Royal Duties and Service
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Serving as Regent
Before becoming king, Haakon served as Regent of Norway several times when his father was unwell or recovering from medical treatments.
As regent, Haakon stepped in to carry out all the official duties of the monarch. This included leading the Council of State at the Royal Palace, meeting with the Prime Minister, and welcoming foreign ambassadors. These experiences gave him extensive practice in managing the duties of the head of state.
International Philanthropy and the United Nations
King Haakon has always been active in global issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, and education.
In 2003, he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this role, he travelled to many developing nations to see local community projects, promote sustainable development, and highlight clean energy initiatives.
In 2006, Haakon co-founded Global Dignity alongside Finnish philosopher Pekka Himanen and American entrepreneur John Hope Bryant. The organization teaches young people around the world about self-worth, respect, and universal human rights through special school workshops.
He was also an active member of the Young Global Leaders network from 2005 to 2010 and served on its Foundation Board until 2017.
Arctic Expeditions and Environmental Causes
Norway has deep historical connections to polar exploration. Haakon is passionate about the polar regions and climate science.
In May 2022, he took part in a scientific expedition organized by the University of Tromsø. The team crossed the massive Greenland ice sheet using snowkites—large parachute-like kites that pull skiers across the snow using wind power.
During the two-week journey across the ice, Haakon helped researchers study the effects of climate change and spread awareness about the importance of protecting the Arctic environment.
Personal Interests and Sports
Passion for Ocean Sports and Music
King Haakon is an active outdoorsman and athlete. He loves ocean sports, especially surfing and windsurfing. Whenever he has time off, he enjoys surfing the cold waves along Norway's western coast.
He is also a big fan of music. In his youth, he often attended major music festivals, including the Roskilde Festival in Denmark and the Quart Festival in southern Norway.
In 2011, Haakon even joined the Norwegian folk-rock band Katzenjammer in a studio recording for a charity Christmas album called "Vi tenner våre lykter" ("We light our lanterns"). The project raised funds for community youth programs.
Olympic Moments and Sports Support
The Norwegian royal family has a long connection with the Olympic Games. At the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, King Harald V opened the games, and Crown Prince Haakon was chosen to light the Olympic flame in front of thousands of spectators and millions watching around the world.
Years later, in 2016, his daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra had the honour of lighting the cauldron at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics, which were also held in Lillehammer.
In 2026, Haakon joined his son Prince Sverre Magnus to row the historic Myklebust Ship, a reconstructed Viking longship. He also joined thousands of enthusiastic sports fans outside the Royal Palace to celebrate Norway's major football victories, proudly performing the popular "Viking Row" celebration.
Titles, Styles, and Honours
Titles and Styles
- 20 July 1973 – 17 January 1991: His Royal Highness Prince Haakon of Norway
- 17 January 1991 – 28 August 2026: His Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Norway
- Since 28 August 2026: His Majesty The King of Norway
Coat of Arms and Monogram
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Monogram as Prince
Selected Honours and Medals
Norwegian Honours
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav
- Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
- Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch
- Royal Norwegian Navy Service Medal
Selected Foreign Honours
Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant
Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Germany: Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Iceland: Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon
Japan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III
Sweden: Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim
See Also
- List of current heirs apparent
- Monarchy of Norway
