King Harald V’s Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Harald V's childhood was spent in the shadow of World War II. When the Germans invaded in April 1940, the royal family had to flee Oslo.

On February 21, Norway celebrates King Harald V’s Day by raising flags and raising a toast to their king. On this day, the visionary and unconventional monarch Harald V was born. To the world, he might come across as mostly reserved. But everyone in Norway recognises him as an agent of profound social and political change in Norway. Throughout his reign, he has made the monarchy more approachable and contemporary. Thanks to his efforts, press access to the Norwegian royal family has increased dramatically. Even the king gives interviews to the media, which is likely a first for European royalty. King Harald V is the symbolic head of Norway, but he does not shy away from expressing his political views when it is necessary.

The background of King Harald V’s Day

Harald V’s childhood was spent in the shadow of World War II. When the Germans invaded in April 1940, the royal family had to flee Oslo. Harald, his two sisters, and his mother, Crown Princess Martha, departed Norway for Sweden, while his father remained behind in Norway. The family would eventually relocate to the United States, where Harald would spend the majority of his childhood in Washington, D.C.

1945 saw the return of the royal family to Norway, following the Allies’ victory. Harald V became the new king of Norway following the death of his father, Olav V, in 1991.

Since then, he has developed a reputation as Norway’s atypical king, who is greatly adored by his subjects. Reserved but highly effective, regal to the bone but approachable to all. He is also courageous in matters of the heart. Harald V departed from royal custom by marrying for love. Sonja, who is now the queen, was a commoner and therefore off-limits. Royals were restricted to marrying other royals or nobility at the time.

Norway, like the United Kingdom, is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the king has no political power. He also does not express a political viewpoint. Nonetheless, King Harald V is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and religious tolerance. His words have comforted the Norwegians during difficult times, such as the country’s 2011 terrorist attacks.

The values and actions of King Harald V continue to make the monarchy popular in Norway, despite the growing sentiment among Republicans to abolish the institution.

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KING HARALD V’S DAY ACTIVITIES

Celebrate like the Norwegians

Participate in the festivities if you happen to be in this stunning country. Flags are raised to commemorate the royal family’s birthdays.

Find out about Norway

Did you know that skiing was invented by the Norwegians? Or that the nation’s population reads more than any other in the world? Today, review your Norway trivia knowledge.

Prepare a Norwegian dish.

Today, make King Harold the Fifth proud by preparing a traditional Norwegian dish. Consider making Frikl, the national dish of Norway, a stew of lamb and cabbage. Simple to prepare, filling, and delicious.