A Video for the 35th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne - Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja celebrate 35 years of devotion to the throne
King Charles and Queen Sonja of Norway marked 35 years on the throne in January 2026. Their reign began on January 17, 1991, following the death of King Olav V. The couple’s journey to the crown started decades earlier, shaped by both tradition and personal choices.
The king and queen’s story began in 1968 when Harald, then crown prince, married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner. Their union faced initial resistance from his father, King Olav, due to her non-royal background. Despite this, the couple built a family, welcoming their first child, Princess Märtha Louise, who was later bypassed in succession under Norway’s old male-preference primogeniture laws.
The formal transition of power took place in two key ceremonies. On June 23, 1991, the signing event at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim cemented their roles. Earlier that month, King Harald had sworn his constitutional oath before the Storting, Norway’s parliament. He also adopted the royal motto ‘Alt for Norge’ (‘Everything for Norway’), continuing a tradition from his father and grandfather. Throughout their reign, the royal couple has maintained a strong presence across the country. They have visited all of Norway’s provinces multiple times, reinforcing their connection with the public. To celebrate their 35th anniversary, the palace released a commemorative video highlighting their decades of service. Even with recent health challenges, King Charles has made clear he does not intend to abdicate.
The anniversary reflects a reign defined by both tradition and change. King Charles and Queen Sonja have upheld long-standing customs while adapting to modern expectations. Their commitment to Norway remains central as they continue their duties without plans for retirement.
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