description King Harald V Overview
Harald V became king of Norway on 17 January 1991 following the death of his father, Olav V. A member of the House of Glucksburg, he is Norway's constitutional monarch, with formal duties defined by the constitution and most political authority exercised by elected institutions. Born near Oslo in 1937, he was the first Norwegian-born prince in the direct line of succession since the late medieval period. He married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968 and represented Norway in Olympic sailing competitions.
insights Ranking position
King Harald V ranks #91 of 221 in the Monarch ranking, behind Pope Francis, ahead of Emperor Akihito (Heisei).
help King Harald V FAQ
When did King Harald V become the King of Norway?
Harald V ascended to the Norwegian throne on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. His reign has continued into the 2020s, maintaining the House of Glücksburg's rule over the country.
What is King Harald V's role in the Norwegian government?
As Norway's constitutional monarch, King Harald V holds a strictly ceremonial and symbolic role with formal duties dictated by the country's constitution. While he formally appoints the government and serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, actual political power rests entirely with the elected Storting (parliament) and the Prime Minister.
Who is in the line of succession after King Harald V?
The heir apparent to the Norwegian throne is Crown Prince Haakon, King Harald's only son. Haakon's elder sister, Princess Märtha Louise, is further down the line of succession, as Norway implemented absolute primogeniture in 1990, though it did not apply retroactively to Haakon.
Did King Harald V compete in the Olympic Games?
Yes, then-Crown Prince Harald represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games: 1964 in Tokyo, 1968 in Mexico City, and 1972 in Munich. He competed in the Soling and Dragon class sailing events and has remained an avid sailor and patron of Norwegian maritime sports throughout his life.
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