King Olav V

King Olav was born on 2 July 1903 as Prince Alexander of Denmark. He succeeded King Haakon VII to the Norwegian throne in 1957. Like his father, he adopted the motto ‘All for Norway’. King Olav died in 1991 and is buried in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.

Further reading

King Olav's biography

The future King Olav V was born on 2 July 1903 at Appleton House in England. He was christened Alexander Edward Christian Frederik and was a Prince of Denmark.

State visits

King Olav V conducted more than 30 state visits during his reign and hosted an equal number. Between 1954 and 1968, he was accompanied by Princess Astrid, who served as Norway’s First Lady during this period.

The Consecration of King Olav V

King Olav was consecrated at Nidaros Cathedral on 22 June 1958. A new consecration ceremony had been devised in accordance with the King’s wishes.

Crown Princess Märtha

Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha married in 1929. They had three children: Princess Ragnhild, Princess Astrid and Prince Harald - the future King Harald V.

World War II

Crown Prince Olav was in London during the Second World War, together with Norway’s government-in-exile. On 30 June 1944, the government appointed the Crown Prince Chief of Defence.