King Harald V of Norway Through the Years ???? From 1 to 89 Years Old

King Harald V has experienced an extraordinary journey from a young Norwegian prince to the King of Norway.

Born on February 21, 1937, at Skaugum in Asker, Harald was the only son of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. His birth was historically significant: he was the first prince born in Norway in 567 years. But his childhood soon changed dramatically. When German forces invaded Norway in April 1940, three-year-old Prince Harald fled the country with his mother and sisters. After first reaching Sweden, they spent much of World War II in the United States before returning to Norway in 1945.

As a young man, Harald received military training before continuing his education at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied social science, history, and economics. Following the death of his grandfather, King Haakon VII, in 1957, Harald became Crown Prince of Norway.

Away from royal duties, Harald developed a lifelong passion for sailing. He carried Norway’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and later achieved major success in international sailing, including a world championship with his crew in 1987.

One of the most personal chapters of his life was his relationship with Sonja Haraldsen. The couple had known each other for nine years before King Olav V finally approved their marriage. Harald and Sonja married at Oslo Cathedral on August 29, 1968, challenging the traditional expectation that the future king should marry into royalty or nobility. They later became parents to Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.

On January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, Harald became King Harald V of Norway. He adopted the royal motto “Alt for Norge” — “We give our all for Norway.” More than three decades later, King Harald continues to serve as Norway’s head of state, carrying out primarily representative and ceremonial duties.

This video follows King Harald V through the years — from his childhood during World War II and his years as Crown Prince to his marriage, sporting achievements, family life, and long reign as King of Norway.