Olav V of Norway

His Majesty King Olav V (July 2, 1903 - January 17, 1991) reigned as King of Norway from 1957 to 1991. Born in England, the son of Prince Carl of Denmark and of Princess Maud, (daughter of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom), and given the names and title of Alexander Edward Christian Fredrik, Prince of Denmark, he assumed the name Olav when his father became King Haakon VII of Norway in 1905.

Related Topics:
His Majesty - King - July 2 - 1903 - January 17 - 1991 - Norway - England - Prince Carl of Denmark - Princess Maud - Edward VII of the United Kingdom - Denmark - 1905

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On March 21, 1929, he married Princess Märtha of Sweden with whom he had one son, Harald, and two daughters, Ragnhild and Astrid. As exiles during World War II, Crown Princess Märtha and the royal children lived in Washington, D.C., where she struck up a close friendship with Franklin D. Roosevelt. She died in 1954, before her husband ascended the throne.

Related Topics:
March 21 - 1929 - Märtha of Sweden - Harald - Ragnhild - Astrid - World War II - Washington, D.C. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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During World War II Olav stood by his father's side in resisting the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany. When the government decided to to go into exile he offered to stay behind with the Norwegian people. As crown prince he had received extensive military training and was respected by other allied leaders for his knowledge and leadership skills. He was appointed to the post of Norwegian Chief of Defence in 1944 and led the Norwegian disarmament of German occupying forces.

Related Topics:
World War II - Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany - Chief of Defence - 1944

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Olav reigned as a king of the people, and became extremely popular. He liked to drive his own cars and would drive in the regular highway lanes though he was allowed to drive in the public transportation lane. During the 1973 energy crisis Norway banned car-driving for certain weekends, but the king, not wishing to miss an opportunity to go skiing outside Oslo, took the tram. When he tried to pay for his tickets, the conductor told him that people further back had already paid for him. A journalist once asked him if he was afraid to walk around unprotected, he answered Why should I be afraid? I have 4 million bodyguards! -- referring to the Norwegian people.

Related Topics:
1973 energy crisis - Oslo

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King Olav also was an accomplished athelete. He jumped from Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo, and also competed in sailing regatas. He won a gold medal in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, in sailing (6m mixed) and was an active sailor until old age. He had a strong interest in military matters and took his role as titular commander-in-chief very seriously. As well as his ceremonial roles in the Norwegian Army, he also served as Colonel-in-Chief of the Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Yorkshire Regiment).

Related Topics:
Holmenkollen - 1928 Summer Olympics - Colonel-in-Chief - Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Yorkshire Regiment)

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In 1961 the King was a laureate of the Nansen Refugee Award.

Related Topics:
1961 - Nansen Refugee Award

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The night after he died (at the Royal Lodge, Kongsseteren) and for several days up until the state funeral, Norway saw a great demonstration of mourning as Norwegians lit hundreds of thousands of candles in the courtyard outside the Royal Castle in Oslo, with letters and cards placed amongst them. The National Archives have preserved all these cards.

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He was nicknamed "Folkekongen" (English: "The people's king".)

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Olav's son Harald V succeeded him as King.

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