King Harald of Norway was Queen Margrethe's second cousin

The recent passing of King Harald of Norway marked not only the loss of a monarch but also the deepening of a familial connection for Queen Margrethe of Denmark. The two royals were second cousins, their royal bloodlines intertwined through their shared great-grandfather, the Danish King Frederik VIII.

This shared ancestry underscores the historical ties between Denmark and Norway. The two nations were once united under a single crown, a union that dissolved in 1814. It wasn't until 1905 that Norway re-emerged as an independent nation, choosing Prince Carl of Denmark to become its king, Haakon VII. He was the second son of King Frederik VIII and brother to the future Danish King Christian X, establishing the modern Norwegian monarchy with his son, Crown Prince Olav (King Harald's father), securing the line of succession.

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The bonds between our families are long and close, and our personal friendship has grown strong over the many years we have known each other.

Queen Margrethe has often spoken of the close relationship she shared with King Harald. In 2023, during a visit to Denmark by the Norwegian royal couple, she remarked on the long and close bonds between their families and the strong personal friendship that had grown over many years. She also acknowledged the consistent hospitality shown to her by King Harald and Queen Sonja, extending beyond official duties to personal interactions.

The shared heritage and personal friendship between Queen Margrethe and King Harald served as a symbol of the enduring connection between the Scandinavian monarchies. Their relationship reflected a history of shared governance, familial ties, and mutual respect that has continued into the modern era.

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