Royal Silver Jubilee in Norway

Sunday, 17th January 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the ascension to the Norwegian throne of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. 

H.M. King Harald V and H.M. Queen Sonja of Norway

On January 17, 1991 King Harald's father, the popular King Olav V, who had been Norway's King since 21st September 1957, died on a night that also was dramatic because of the start of the Gulf War.

King Harald immediately became king, as heir to the throne, and his wife became Queen Sonja.

He was the first heir to the throne born in Norway in 600 years since King Olav IV, who was born in 1370. Prince Harald was born in Skaugum on 21st February 1937 and was baptized in the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace in Oslo on 31st March 1937. Crown Prince Harald married Sonja Haraldsen at Oslo Domkirke in Oslo on 29th August 1968. The couple have two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon, heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.

Queen Sonja can be viewed as the “managing director” at the Royal Palace, the King is sometimes described as "the chairman of the board". King Harald has tried to continue the Norwegian royal family’s “folksey” image. But he is well aware that he and the Royal Family embody history and cultural heritage.

Gratulerer med deres 25 års jubileum!

H.M. King Harald V, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon and the heiress presumptive H.R.H. Princess Ingrid Alexandra