Harald V facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids

Harald V

Harald in May 2026

King of Norway

Reign

17 January 1991 – 28 August 2026

Coronation

23 June 1991

Predecessor

Olav V

Successor

Haakon

Born

21 February 1937
Skaugum, Asker, Norway

Died

28 August 2026 (aged 89)
Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway

Spouse

Sonja Haraldsen

(m. 1968)

Issue

House

Glücksburg

Father

Olav V

Mother

Märtha of Sweden

Religion

Church of Norway

Signature

Harald V (21 February 1937 – 28 August 2026) was the King of Norway from 1991 until 2026. He belonged to the royal House of Glücksburg. When he was born, he was second in line to the throne behind his father, King Olav V.

During World War II, when Germany invaded Norway, Harald had to leave his homeland as a young child. He lived safely in Sweden and the United States before returning home in 1945. As a young man, he completed military training, went to college in Oxford, and took part in three Olympic Games as an expert sailor.

Harald became king on 17 January 1991. He was the first monarch born on Norwegian soil in over 600 years. During his long reign, he modernised the royal family, supported public charities, and led his nation through major historic events.

Early life and World War II adventures

Royal birth and family background

Harald with his mother Crown Princess Märtha in 1937

Harald was born on 21 February 1937 at the Skaugum estate in Asker, near Oslo. His grandfather was King Haakon VII, and his parents were Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha of Sweden.

The young prince was baptised on 31 March 1937 in the Royal Chapel in Oslo. Many kings and queens from across Europe served as his godparents. He grew up alongside two older sisters, Princess Ragnhild and Princess Astrid. At the time of his birth, Harald was second in line to the throne.

Escaping during World War II

Harald in 1943

In April 1940, German forces invaded Norway during World War II. The royal family had to escape immediately to avoid capture. To keep everyone safe, the family decided to split up into two groups.

King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav remained in Norway to organize resistance before moving to London. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Märtha fled across the border to Sweden with young Harald and his sisters. The journey was tense, and the family crossed into Sweden during the night.

After staying in Sweden for several months, the family boarded an American ship named the American Legion in northern Finland. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to find safety in the United States.

Growing up in the United States

Harald spent most of the war years living near Washington, D.C. He attended a local country school starting in 1943. While living in America, he became close friends with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Harald even played on the White House lawn with the president's famous dog, Fala.

In 1945, Harald stood right behind President Roosevelt during his presidential inauguration ceremony. Because he spent several formative years in America, Harald spoke English with a slight American accent for the rest of his life.

Harald also travelled to Canada to visit Little Norway, a training base where Norwegian pilots trained to fight for the Allied forces. When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Harald and his family returned home to cheering crowds in Oslo.

Schooling and education in Norway

In autumn 1945, Harald entered third grade at Smestad School in Oslo. He was the first Norwegian royal family member to attend a standard public school.

Harald was confirmed in his Christian faith on 10 May 1953 at Akershus Castle. Sadly, his mother Crown Princess Märtha passed away from cancer in 1954 when Harald was only 17 years old. He later named his daughter Märtha Louise in her honour.

Becoming Crown Prince and building a career

Military service and university studies

Harald as a student in military school, 1956

Harald graduated from Oslo katedralskole in 1955. He then joined the Norwegian armed forces, attending cavalry school and graduating from the Norwegian Military Academy in 1959.

When his grandfather King Haakon VII passed away in September 1957, his father became King Olav V. Harald then officially became the Crown Prince of Norway at age 20. He took a solemn oath to the Constitution of Norway on 21 February 1958.

In 1960, Harald moved to England to study at Balliol College, Oxford. At Oxford, he studied modern history, economics, and political science, while also learning how to row competitively.

Passion for competitive sailing

Harald with Australian Prime Minister John Gorton in 1970

Harald was an exceptional athlete who loved competitive sailing. He represented Norway at three separate Olympic Games:

1964 Tokyo Olympics (where he proudly carried Norway's flag during the opening ceremony)
1968 Mexico City Olympics
1972 Munich Olympics

Harald won multiple world championships in sailing. He earned a silver medal at the 1982 World Championship, gold in 1987, and bronze in 1988. Later, in 2005, he won a gold medal at the European Sailing Championship in Sweden.

Marriage to Sonja Haraldsen

On 29 August 1968, Crown Prince Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in Oslo Cathedral. Sonja was a regular Norwegian citizen without royal ancestry.

At the time, royal traditions required princes to marry members of other royal houses. Harald waited patiently for nine years to gain permission to marry Sonja. He told his father that if he could not marry Sonja, he would remain unmarried for life. This convinced King Olav to give his consent. Sonja became Crown Princess and later Queen of Norway.

Reign as King of Norway

Accession and royal blessing

Harald with Queen Sonja and US leaders in 2005

King Olav V passed away on 17 January 1991, and Harald became King Harald V. He was the first Norwegian-born king since King Olav IV died in 1387, ending an incredible 604-year gap.

Harald chose the royal motto Alt for Norge, meaning "All for Norway." On 23 June 1991, King Harald and Queen Sonja received a traditional royal blessing at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

How does the Norwegian monarchy work?

Harald visiting Argentina in 2018

Norway is a constitutional monarchy, which means the king serves as the formal head of state while elected politicians make laws.

The King meets with the Prime Minister and government ministers every Friday at the Royal Palace.
The King officially opens the Norwegian Parliament each October with a formal speech.
The King represents Norway during foreign state visits and hosts foreign leaders who visit Oslo.
The King does not make political decisions or participate in election debates, remaining neutral to unite the country.

Harald worked hard to make the royal court open, modern, and friendly. He opened historical royal properties to the public, including the palace stables and gardens.

Leadership during national challenges

Harald at the opening of the Sámi Parliament in 2021

Harald became famous for his comforting words during difficult moments in Norway's history. He visited rescue workers and families after severe natural storms and landslides.

In 2016, Harald delivered a famous speech celebrating kindness, tolerance, and inclusion. He reminded the nation that Norwegians come from all backgrounds and beliefs.

In 2015, Harald became the first reigning monarch in history to travel to Antarctica, where he visited the Norwegian territory of Queen Maud Land.

Later years, health, and succession

Health in his final years

Throughout his 80s, Harald managed several health challenges with resilience. He underwent heart operations in 2005 and 2020 and received a permanent pacemaker in 2024.

Whenever the King was recovering from illness, his son Crown Prince Haakon served as regent to handle official duties. Harald always maintained his lifetime oath to serve Norway, stating that he would remain king for his entire life.

In September 2024, Harald became the oldest reigning monarch in Norwegian history, living longer than any previous king over a 1,150-year period.

Passing and legacy

On 17 August 2026, King Harald was admitted to the hospital in Oslo for medical treatment. He passed away peacefully on the morning of 28 August 2026 at the age of 89.

He was succeeded by his son, who became King Haakon VIII. Harald is remembered by the people of Norway as a warm, hardworking, and humble leader who devoted his life to serving his country.

Family life

King Harald V and Queen Sonja had two children and five grandchildren:

Princess Märtha Louise (born 22 September 1971). She has three daughters: Maud Angelica, Leah Isadora, and Emma Tallulah.
Crown Prince Haakon (born 20 July 1973). He has two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.