Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway explained

Haakon
Crown Prince of Norway
Cor-Type:Benediction
Full Name:Haakon Magnus
Birth Date:1973 7, df=y
Birth Place:The National Hospital, Oslo, Norway
House:Glücksburg[1]
Father:Harald V of Norway
Mother:Sonja Haraldsen
Religion:Church of Norway

Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway (in Norwegian pronounced as /ˈhôːkʊn/; Haakon Magnus; born 20 July 1973) is the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne. He is the only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

Haakon represents the fourth generation of the sitting Norwegian royal family of the House of Glücksburg. He married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, with whom he has two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.[2]

Haakon has been a member of the Young Global Leaders network, its Foundation, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, and a philanthropist. He is a trained naval officer and, as crown prince, a top military official in the Norwegian Armed Forces. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.[3]

Early life and family

Haakon was born on 20 July 1973 at The National Hospital in St Hanshaugen, Oslo, the only son and younger child of Crown Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja. His father was the son of the reigning Norwegian monarch, Olav V. At birth he was named Haakon Magnus, and it was stressed in the announcement that he would go by the name Haakon. He was baptised in the Church of Norway on 20 September 1973 in the chapel of the Royal Palace. He was named in honour of his paternal great-grandfather, Haakon VII, his maternal uncle Haakon Haraldsen, and Magnus for the Norwegian saint and martyr. When Haakon was only 17, his grandfather Olav died on 17 January 1991,[4] leading to the accession of his father as King Harald V and his own advancement to crown prince.

Haakon has one sibling, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (born 1971). In 1990, the Norwegian constitution was altered, granting absolute primogeniture to the Norwegian throne, meaning that the eldest child, regardless of gender, takes precedence in the line of succession.[5] This was not, however, done retroactively (as, for example, Sweden had done in 1980), meaning that Haakon continues to take precedence over his older sister.[6]

Education and military

Haakon served in the Royal Norwegian Navy. He graduated from the Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995,[7] followed with a year aboard missile torpedo boats and navy vessels.[8]

He attended and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1999.[9] Haakon later attended lectures at the University of Oslo and took the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' civil servant introductory course in 2001. He completed his education in 2003 at the London School of Economics, where he was awarded an MSc in development studies, specializing in international trade and Africa.

As of 15 November 2013, in the Royal Norwegian Navy his officer rank is Admiral, and in the Norwegian Army and the Royal Norwegian Air Force his rank is General.[10]

In 2016 he completed the Norwegian Army's paratrooper course and was certified as a military paratrooper. The course attended was administered by the Special Operations Commando.[11]

Marriage and children

See also: Wedding of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby.

Haakon married a commoner and single mother, Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, on 25 August 2001, at Oslo Cathedral.[12] Frederik, (then Crown Prince, and now King) of Denmark was the best man. When the engagement between Crown Prince Haakon and Høiby was announced, many Norwegians felt that his choice of wife was inappropriate.[13] This was primarily about her being a single mother, but information concerning her involvement in the rave scene in Oslo, which included a significant drug-subculture, also added to the controversy.[14] [15] In addition, the father of her child was convicted of drug-related offences. In a heartfelt press conference before the wedding the bride explained her past, saying among other things that her youthful rebelliousness might have been stronger than most young people. The issue of Mette-Marit's past was an ongoing discussion in Norwegian public discourse in the early years after their engagement and marriage.[16]

The couple have two children together: Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (born 21 January 2004 at Oslo University National Hospital in Oslo) and Prince Sverre Magnus (born 3 December 2005 in Oslo University National Hospital in Oslo).[17] Haakon is also the stepfather to Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby. The Skaugum Estate, situated in the area of Semsvannet, is their official residence.[18]

Activities

From 25 November 2003 to 12 April 2004, Haakon was regent during the King's treatment for cancer and the subsequent convalescence period. Likewise, Haakon was regent from 29 March 2005 until the King had fully recovered from the heart surgery he underwent on 1 April. This period ended on 7 June. Haakon served as regent a third time during 2024 during the King's hospitalization due to an infection and pacemaker implantation surgery.[19] [20]

In addition to his official duties, Haakon has a strong interest in cultural matters. He also has given patronage to a number of organisations. In 2006, Haakon was one of three founders of Global Dignity, alongside Pekka Himanen and John Hope Bryant.[21]

In 2003, the Crown Prince was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In 2013, Crown Prince Haakon established the SIKT conference.[22] The Crown Prince attends the annual conference of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), and met the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) for an introduction in the Tripartite cooperation in 2016.[23]

Crown Prince Haakon was a member of the Young Global Leaders network from 2005 until 2010. From 2010 until 2017, the Crown Prince served as a member of the Young Global Leaders Foundation Board.[22]

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit established The Crown Prince and Crown Princess's Foundation.[22] He is a patron of 4H Norge, ANSA, The Ibsen Stage Festival, Nordland Music Festival, and several other organizations.[24] In 2017, he became a patron of the Norwegian Refugee Council.[25]

In May 2022 Haakon joined an expedition from the University of Tromsø aimed at disseminating knowledge about polar history and the critical scientific research taking place in the Arctic for two weeks and crossed the Greenland ice sheet using a snowkite.[26] [27]

In response to the 2022 Oslo shooting, Haakon told reporters, "We must protect the right in Norway to love whomever we want."[28]

Personal interests

Haakon was involved in several sports and seemed to take a particular liking to windsurfing and surfing, although he has not engaged in serious competitions. Haakon is known as a big music fan. When he was younger, he attended music festivals all over Europe, including the Roskilde Festival in Denmark and the Quart Festival in Kristiansand, Norway.

He has also been part of Olympics ceremonies. In 1994, the Crown Prince and his father played roles during the opening ceremony in Lillehammer: while the King declared the Games opened, the Crown Prince lit the cauldron, paying tribute to his father and grandfather having served as Olympians. In 2016, his daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra did the same at the II Winter Youth Olympics, which was also held in Lillehammer. In 2010, Haakon attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

He accompanied the band Katzenjammer in their recording of the song "Vi tenner våre lykter" (i.e., 'We light our lanterns' for the 2011 Christmas-themed album of the same name). Proceeds benefited "Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess funds."[29]

Titles, styles, honours and awards

Titles

Honours and medals

See also: List of honours of the Norwegian royal family by country.

National honours and medals

Foreign honours

Awards

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Royal Family. 25 October 2014. 25 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141025163427/http://www.royalcourt.no/seksjon.html?tid=28435&sek=27259. live.
  2. Web site: 2021-08-25. The fairtytale bride and the first royal wedding of the 21st century. 2022-01-25. Royal Central. en-GB.
  3. Web site: Crown Prince Haakon Biography & Facts Britannica. 2022-01-25. www.britannica.com. en.
  4. News: Flint . Peter B. . January 18, 1991 . Olav V, Norway's King 33 Years And Resistance Hero, Dies at 87 . The New York Times .
  5. Web site: 2019-07-19. A look at the Norwegian line of succession. 2021-06-19. Royal Central. en-GB. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200945/https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/a-look-at-the-norwegian-line-of-succession-126706/. live.
  6. Web site: 2020-12-13. Absolute primogeniture - How Sweden revolutionized the royal world. 2021-06-19. The Royal Pages. en-US. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202339/https://theroyalpages.com/absolute-primogeniture-how-sweden-revolutionized-the-royal-world/. live.
  7. Web site: Alliance. Sustainable Ocean. HRH Crown Prince Haakon. 2021-06-19. www.soalliance.org. en. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202802/https://www.soalliance.org/speakers/hrh-crown-prince-haakon. live.
  8. Web site: 2021-01-18. Haakon, thirty years as heir. 2021-06-19. Royal Central. en-GB. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201924/https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/haakon-thirty-years-as-heir-154375/. live.
  9. News: Crown Prince Breaks Tradition at Berkeley / Norway's royal son has enrolled at Cal. SFGate. 2017-05-31. 25 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211225180707/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Crown-Prince-Breaks-Tradition-at-Berkeley-2969170.php. live.
  10. Web site: Hans Kongelige Høyhet Kronprinsen utnevnes til admiral og general. 15 November 2013. 20 June 2021. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202145/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/hans-kongelige-hoyhet-kronprinsen-utnevn/id745632/. live.
  11. Web site: Completed Army paratrooper course. 20 June 2021. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200953/https://www.royalcourt.no/nyhet.html?tid=135008&sek=27262. live.
  12. Web site: 2018-03-15. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's royal wedding. 2021-06-19. HELLO!. en. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203620/https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/gallery/2018031568069/crown-prince-haakon-crown-princess-royal-wedding-photos/6/. live.
  13. http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/crown-princess-mette-marit/ Hello profile of the Crown Princess
  14. Web site: Abrams . Margaret . 21 Feb 2018 . Meet Mette-Marit, the Crown Princess of Norway with a wild past that includes drug use and a controversial ex . 14 Aug 2022 . Business Insider.
  15. Web site: Osborn . Andrew . 23 Aug 2001 . Norway's royal union causes an uncommon row . 14 Aug 2022 . The Guardian.
  16. Web site: Crown Princess Mette-Marit | Norwegian princess. 20 June 2021. 11 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201111200256/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Crown-Princess-Mette-Marit. live.
  17. Web site: Hellomagazine.com. Prince Haakon. Biography, news, photos and videos. 2021-06-19. hellomagazine.com. 8 October 2009 . English. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200942/https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/crown-prince-haakon-of-norway/. live.
  18. Web site: The Royal House of Norway – Skaugum Estate . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131213115205/http://www.royalcourt.no/artikkel.html?tid=28708&sek=28594 . 13 December 2013 . 11 December 2013.
  19. https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/king-harald-norway-surgery-crown-prince-haakon-regent/4916b490-34c0-4b01-bdc8-97214f23a3b8 Crown Prince Haakon of Norway steps up as regent while King Harald prepares for surgery.
  20. News: 2024-03-03 . Norway king returns home after Malaysia hospital admission . 2024-03-08 . en-GB.
  21. Web site: Our Story. Global Dignity. 2021-03-31. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411044938/https://globaldignity.org/our-story/. live.
  22. Web site: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon. Norwegian Royal House Official Website. 2020-08-17. 24 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200824182321/https://www.royalcourt.no/artikkel.html?tid=28766&sek=28640. live.
  23. Web site: In focus: Trade, industry and innovation. Norwegian Royal House Official Website. 2020-08-17. 27 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210827120200/https://www.royalcourt.no/artikkel.html?tid=84153&sek=28625. live.
  24. Web site: Organisations under the patronage of The Crown Prince. Norwegian Royal House Official Website. 2020-08-17. 1 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210301194311/https://www.royalcourt.no/artikkel.html?tid=28794&sek=28620. live.
  25. Web site: Crown Prince becomes patron of the Norwegian Refugee Council. www.nrc.no. 2021-11-27. 2017-03-01. 27 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211127053359/https://www.nrc.no/news/2017/february/crown-prince-becomes-patron-of-the-norwegian-refugee-council/. live.
  26. Web site: Crown Prince crosses the Greenland ice sheet . royalcourt.no. The Royal House of Norway . 8 June 2022.
  27. Web site: Rød . Mathias Moene . Kitekongen over Grønland . 7 June 2022 . NRK . 8 June 2022.
  28. News: Solsvik . Terje . Fouche . Gwladys . 25 June 2022 . Horror on Oslo Pride day as gunman goes on deadly rampage at gay bar . en . . live . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625034411/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/two-dead-several-wounded-norway-nightclub-shooting-police-say-2022-06-25/ . 25 June 2022.
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToFpo4KAz0s&feature=autoplay&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNqTchQ9d7Y-IbEf7L_wptrN&playnext=12 Katzenjammer – Vi tenner våre lykter
  30. Web site: Tildeling av Kong Harald Vs jubileumsmedalje 1991–2016. Kongehuset. 20 January 2016. no. 25 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160125143313/http://www.kongehuset.no/binfil/download2.php?tid=133159. live.
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  33. Web site: 2019-11-06. The Decorations of HRH The Crown Prince. The Royal House of Norway. 2022-04-22.
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  35. Official website of the President of Estonia (Estonian)
    • Estonia: Member 1st Class of the ((Order of the White Star))

    Estonian State Decorations – Kroonprints Haakon

  36. Web site: Vabariigi President. www.president.ee. 2019-09-03. 3 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190903121007/https://www.president.ee/en/estonia/decorations/bearer/19149/haakon. live.
  37. Web site: Statsbesøk fra Island. 13 May 2017. 26 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200326114016/https://www.kongehuset.no/nyhet.html?tid=152550&sek=26939. live.
  38. Web site: Le onorificenze della Repubblica Italiana. www.quirinale.it. 2019-09-03. 3 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190903121006/https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/144229. live.
  39. Web site: Norwegian Crown Prince website . 31 August 2012 . 10 June 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110610175606/http://www.kongehuset.no/c34892/artikkel/vis.html?tid=34905 . live .
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  45. https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/3045513/details/normal Alvará n.º 2/2004
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  47. http://www.newsinenglish.no/2011/08/10/crown-prince-wins-pakistani-prize/ Crown Prince wins Pakistani prize