Haakon (King of Norway) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King Haakon of Norway |
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King Haakon in 2021
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| King of Norway | |
| Reign | 28 August 2026 – present |
| Predecessor | Harald V |
| Successor | Crown Princess 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 |
| Spouse | |
| 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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Haakon (Haakon Magnus; born 20 July 1973) is the King of Norway. He became king following the passing of his father, King Harald V.
Haakon is the only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. He belongs to the royal family known as the House of Glücksburg. Haakon married Queen Mette-Marit in 2001. Together, they have two children: Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
As monarch, Haakon acts as the ceremonial head of state for Norway. He is also the Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces. Throughout his life, he has supported education, international friendship, youth leadership, and environmental science.
Contents
Early life and royal heritage
Haakon Magnus was born on 20 July 1973 in Oslo, the capital of Norway. His birth took place at the National Hospital. At the time, his grandfather Olav V was the reigning monarch. His parents were Crown Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja.
He was christened in the royal chapel at the Royal Palace on 20 September 1973. His name carries great historical importance in Norway. He was named after his great-grandfather, King Haakon VII, who became Norway's first modern king in 1905. The name Magnus comes from medieval Norwegian kings and means "great."
Growing up in Norway
Haakon grew up alongside his older sister, Princess Märtha Louise. Their parents wanted them to have as normal a childhood as possible. They attended local state schools and played sports with neighbourhood children.
Haakon learned to ski, sail, and hike at an early age. The royal family spent holidays exploring Norway's mountains, forests, and coastlines. This helped Haakon develop a strong bond with Norwegian nature and culture.
Changes to the line of succession
In 1990, the Parliament of Norway changed the rules of royal succession. Under the new law of absolute primogeniture, the eldest child inherits the throne regardless of gender.
This change was not applied backwards to children born before 1990. Therefore, Haakon remained the heir ahead of his older sister. When his grandfather Olav V passed away in January 1991, Haakon officially became the Crown Prince of Norway at age 17.
Education and military training
Haakon completed a broad education that prepared him for leadership and public service. He balanced military training with university studies in several countries.
Haakon began his military journey in the Royal Norwegian Navy. He studied at the Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen and graduated in 1995.
After graduation, he served on naval vessels, including fast patrol torpedo boats. Over the years, he earned top officer ranks across all military branches. He holds the rank of Admiral in the Navy and General in the Army and Air Force. In 2016, he completed paratrooper training with Norway's special forces.
University studies and degrees
After serving in the navy, Haakon travelled to the United States for higher education. He enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1999, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
He later continued his studies in Europe:
- He attended lectures at the University of Oslo in law and social sciences.
- He completed a training course for civil servants with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001.
- He earned a Master of Science degree in development studies at the London School of Economics in 2003.
Family and personal life
Haakon lives with his family at the Skaugum Estate in Asker, southwest of Oslo. The estate features farm land, forests, and gardens.
Marriage to Queen Mette-Marit
Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby on 25 August 2001 at Oslo Cathedral. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark served as his best man.
The royal wedding brought huge crowds into the streets of Oslo. Millions watched the ceremony on television across Scandinavia. Together, the royal couple focused on charitable causes and supporting young people.
Children and royal heirs
Haakon and Mette-Marit have two children together:
- Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, born on 21 January 2004. She is first in line to the throne.
- Prince Sverre Magnus, born on 3 December 2005.
Haakon is also the stepfather of Mette-Marit's oldest son, Marius Borg Høiby. The family regularly participates in national holidays, including Constitution Day celebrations on 17 May.
Royal duties and public service
Before becoming king, Haakon served as Crown Prince for more than 35 years. During times when his father was ill, Haakon acted as regent, performing official head-of-state duties.
International diplomacy and the United Nations
Haakon has represented Norway in many international meetings. In 2003, he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In this role, he travelled to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He worked to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on ending poverty and protecting the environment.
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Supporting youth and social projects
In 2006, Haakon helped co-found Global Dignity. This international initiative teaches young people about self-worth, mutual respect, and human rights.
Haakon and Mette-Marit also created the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's Foundation. This charity supports programs that help teenagers finish school and build successful careers.
Hobbies and polar expeditions
Haakon is an active sportsman with a deep love for the outdoors, extreme sports, and modern music.
Sports and the Olympic Games
Haakon enjoys surfing, windsurfing, skiing, and sailing. He often spends his free time on Norway's coastal waters.
He has a special connection to the Olympic Games:
- At the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Haakon lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.
- His daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, lit the cauldron at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics in the same city.
- He attended the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver to cheer on Norwegian athletes.
Arctic research and polar exploration
Norway has a proud history of polar exploration. Haakon has continued this tradition through scientific expeditions.
In May 2022, he joined scientists from the University of Tromsø on an Arctic expedition. He spent two weeks crossing the Greenland ice sheet using a snowkite to bring attention to climate research and polar history.
Modern culture and sports celebrations
Haakon is a big fan of rock and electronic music. In his younger years, he attended major music festivals such as the Roskilde Festival in Denmark.
He is also an enthusiastic supporter of Norway's national sports teams. In 2026, he rowed aboard the reconstructed Myklebust Ship alongside his son, Prince Sverre Magnus. After Norway achieved major victories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Haakon celebrated with over 150,000 fans outside the Royal Palace by leading the famous "Viking Row" cheer.
Titles, honours, and symbols
Official titles
- 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
- From 28 August 2026: His Majesty The King of Norway
Coat of arms and monogram
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Monogram as Prince
Selected national 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
See also
In Spanish: Haakon Magnus de Noruega para niños
- List of current heirs apparent
