King Olav V of Norway

      Biography: Olav was born July 2. 1903 in England as an only child. He died January 17. 1991, 87 years old. His baptismal name was Alexander Edward Christian Fredrik, and he was prince of Denmark. Olav’s parents were called King Haakon VII and Queen Maud. When he was only two years his father became the King of Norway. So his son became a Crown Prince and a Norwegian heir to the throne. And got a new name, Olav.  Olav was King of Norway from 1957 until his death in 1991. He was a very popular king, and because of his down-to-earth manner he got the Alias, “King of the people”.

            Sportsman: Olav was an active sportsman his whole life. He went on skies, and competed in ski jump competitions. He was also an active sailor for about 70 years. He even won a gold medal in the Amsterdam Olympic games in 1928 with his sail boat “Norna”.

           Family: Olav had no siblings. March 21. 1929 Olav married his Swedish cousin Märtha. Olav and Märtha got three children. Princess Ragnhild, Princess Astrid, and Crown Prince Harald who is the king of Norway today. They lived at Skaugum in Asker.

World War two: Under world war two Olav left the country and escaped to London together with the king family and the government. He wanted to stay in the country and help the people, but the government and his family made him go.  June 13. 1944 Olav became minister of defense for Norway. When Olav came home after the war he was met with endless jubilation from the Norwegian people.

            King: After the war Olav got multiple representation tasks. In 1955 King Haakon got sick and Olav became prince regent. His father died at his home in Oslo, September 21. 1957, and Olav became the King of Norway. He took his father’s motto “everything for Norway”. King Olav V was blessed in Nidarosdomen, July 22. 1958. He was widower, so he hadn’t anybody to be his Queen.  So two of his children, Princess Astrid, and Crown Prince Harald helped him the first years. Olav worked a lot, and he used much time with public visits, traveling and audiences. Through his 33 years as king Olav was a respected monarch. It was his down-to-earth manner who made him to the King of the people.

          

           King Olav’s death: King Olav died, January 17. 1991, 87 years old. After his death the place in front of the castle changed to a sea of lights. People had come to lay down flowers and candles to show how much they loved and appreciated him. The people’s king was dead.