Norway Mourns King Harald V: A Life Story

Norway is bidding farewell to King Harald V, a monarch whose life has been chronicled in various media. His personal journey and reign were notably depicted in the series "From the Other Side of the Atlantic" and "Harald and Sonja," both of which were accessible to viewers in Slovenia, offering a glimpse into the Norwegian royal family's history.

Born on February 21, 1937, Harald was the third child of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. His birth marked a significant moment, as he was the first prince to be born in Norway in 567 years. According to the succession law of 1814, which established male-line inheritance, he was the direct heir to the throne, with his grandfather, Haakon VII, reigning at the time.

Harald spent his early years at the Skaugum estate in Asker, west of Oslo, alongside his sisters, Princess Ragnhild and Princess Astrid. This residence, rebuilt in 1932 based on plans by Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg, has also served as the official and private home for his son, Crown Prince Haakon, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The estate is situated at the foot of the Skaugumsåsen hill.

The article also references the historical context of April 9, 1940, the date German troops invaded Norway, suggesting this event played a role in the royal family's life during Harald's childhood. The provided text includes placeholders for further details about his life and reign, indicating a broader narrative beyond his birth and early years.