According to the latest update, King Harald V of Norway has passed away. Meanwhile, let's know all about his wife, Queen Sonja.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GooglePeople across the world are mourning the loss of Norway's King Harald V. Alongside, they are also looking at his Queen Sonja, who has supported him through difficult times for nearly six decades. Interestingly, the Norwegian queen's story is unlike other traditional royal romances. She was born a commoner, and their relationship endured several years of uncertainty before she received the nod to marry the future king.
Norway's Queen Sonja was born Sonja Haraldsen and grew up far from royal life. She is the daughter of a cloth merchant and studied in Oslo before moving to Switzerland. She has completed her studies in accounting, fashion design, social sciences, French, English, and art history.
Sonja was a successful artist, humanitarian, graphic artist, and ceramicist. Her work was also showcased at various exhibitions in Norway and other countries before she came into contact with the royal family. Therefore, she also founded the Queen Sonja Print Award and Queen Sonja International Music Competition to support budding artists and musicians. Notably, she made history by becoming the first queen to visit Antarctica when she opened the Norwegian Troll research station in 2005.
Sonja first met King Harald in 1959 at a dinner party. He was immediately impressed by her, and they dated for nine years. However, things were not easy for them because then Crown Prince Harald's father, King Olav V, refused to accept Sonja as his daughter-in-law. He made the tough call because Sonja was not a royal and had no aristocratic background. Therefore, their relationship remained uncertain for years.
After a long nine-year courtship, they finally received approval to marry. According to royal historians, Harald stated that he would not marry anyone else. His determination continued to put pressure on the royal family because his refusal to marry meant Norway would have been left without a direct heir.
Eventually, they got the permission to marry and tied the knot on August 29, 1968. The grand royal wedding was held at Oslo Cathedral with celebrations across the country. It also marked a turning point in the country's royal history, highlighting love won over tradition.
Over decades, King Harald V and Queen Sonja became one of Europe's most admired royal couples. They welcomed their first child, Princess Martha Louise, in 1971. Later, they welcomed Crown Prince Haakon in 1973. At present, they have five grandchildren in the later years of Harald's reign. Sonja has been one of his closest advisors and most trusted companions.
King Harald V has come into focus after reports of his worsening health were updated. He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on August 17, 2026. Local news outlets stated that he died after being treated for complications related to hemolytic anemia. It is a rare blood disorder affecting red blood cells.
The doctors treated him for a bacterial bloodstream infection, but couldn't save him at last. The Palace said he passed away peacefully at 06: 35 local time at the national hospital in Oslo. Since then the royal flag on the roof of the palace has been half mast. Meanwhile, Queen Sonja had already canceled all her public engagements to be by his side during his final moments and Crown Prince Haakon had also suspended his official duties. He has now succeed his father as the new King of Norway. He is 53 and will hold an extraordinary council of state with the government later in the day.
For those who do not know, the king had faced many health challenges in the past few years. He also had an implantation of a permanent pacemaker and stated that he had no intention of abandoning his lifelong commitment to the cocountry.
Rest in peace, King Harald V.
Pic credits: Royal Family's official website
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