All for Norway: How King Harald V, 1937 – 2026, Unified a Modern Nation
It is with great sorrow that I write about King Harald V of Norway who passed away on Friday, August 28th, 2026. Harald was Europe’s oldest monarch. Unlike many other monarchs who have recently abdicated their thrones, Harald remained in his role. Despite his declining health, he greeted the Norwegian national football team on their return home after their best ever World Cup performance.
Harald was born in Asker, Norway in 1937. The prince was the first to be born in Norway since 1370 as Norway had been in union with Denmark and then Sweden. During World War II, the Norwegian Royal family fled and Harald spent his time in the United States until his return after the war in 1945.
Harald was encouraged to date and marry within his class. However, he married Sonja in 1968 which was a life-long romance with a commoner. His genuine romance endeared him to the Norwegian people.
In 1991, his father King Olav V passed away, and Harald V became King. He kept the motto of his father as “All for Norway.” He then worked to modernize the institution that he led. He commanded great moral authority and was a unifying figure for the Norwegian people. After a right-wing extremist and terrorist attacked his fellow Norwegians in 2011, the King said, “I remain convinced that the belief in freedom is stronger than fear. I remain convinced in the belief of an open Norwegian democracy and society. I remain convinced in the belief in our ability to live freely and safely in our own country.”
On September 1st 2016, The King surprised many and cemented his legacy as a unifier when he spoke about inclusion and diversity. “Norwegians are northerners” … “Norwegians have also emigrated from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Poland, Sweden, Somalia, and Syria.” … “Norwegians are unmarried, divorced, families, and old couples. Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who like boys, and girls and boys who are fond of each other.” He also spoke about religious freedom and tolerance, “Norwegians believe in God, Allah, Everything and Nothing.”
Harald was also a keen athlete and environmentalist. He represented Norway three times at the Olympics. He is survived by his wife Sonja, and the new King of Norway, Haakon VIII.
