The Royal family of Norway The history of

The Royal family of Norway

The history of Monarchy n n It’s more than 1000 years ago we first saw the signs of monarchy in Norway. There’s been over 60 different kings, and we do know the name of them all. The first king, Harald Hårfagre (865 -933), was only 10 years old when he got to the throne. Todays Royal family has reign since 1905.

King Olav V (1903 -1991) n n n Born in England, son of Prince Carl of Denmark (later Haakon VII of Norway) and Princess Maud (later Queen Maud) He was baptised as Alexander Edward Christian Frederik, but when his father became the king in Norway in 1905, he changed to Crown Prince Olav Married his cousin, Princess Märtha of Sweden, in 1929.

n n n Three children: Princess Ragnhild (1930), Princess Astrid (1932) and Prince Harald (1937). Escaped with King and Government in 1940 when the Germans invaded Norway. Became King Olav on death of father 21 st Sept. 1940. An active sportsman, and loved of the people. Died at Kongsseteren 17 th Jan. 1991.

HM The King n n n King Harald was born 21 st Feb. 1937 in Skaugum. He was the first Prince born in Norway for 567 years. Has two elder sisters, but only males could then succeed to throne. Peacefull childhood, until World War II. Escaped with mother to USA. Became Crown Prince 21 st Sept. 1957. Married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, 29 th Aug. 1968.

n n n Two children; Princess Märtha Louise (1971) and Crown Prince Haakon Magnus (1973) Succeeded to the throne 17 th Jan 1991. Blessed in Nidaros cathedral, Trondheim. As Head of State he has a lot of official duties. Likes outdoor life. Just been operated, and are now in recovery. The Crown Prince Haakon Magnus is now function as substitute for The King.

The Queen n n Born 4 th July 1937 in Oslo. Highly educated. Many tasks to assume. Concerned with projects to improve situation of disadvantage people of all ages in Norway. Became Norways first queen for 53 years. Has always enjoyed outdoor life, especially walking or skiing in the mountains.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus n n n Born 20 th July in Oslo. Heir to the throne, though he is two years younger than his sister. Happy childhood at parents home, Skaugum. Education from the navy and also studied Political Science. Married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby at the Oslo Cathedral, 25 th August 2001.

n n Crown Princess Mette-Marit grew up in the southern part of Norway. She also has one son, Marius. 21 th January Princess Ingrid Alexandra was born.

Princess Märtha Louise n n n Born 22 th Sept. 1971 in Oslo. Happy childhood at parents home, Skaugum. Educated as an physical therapist. Loves outdoor life and riding. Married to the writer Ari Behn in Nidaros Cathedral 24 th May 2002. They have two daughters, Maud Angelica Behn (29 th April 2003) and Leah Isadora Behn (8 th April 2005).