What to Know About the Late King Harald of Norway’s 2 Children, Including the New Monarch

King Haakon of Norway Succeeds Father King Harald V Following His Passing

Norway has entered a new chapter following the death of King Harald V, who passed away on 28 August at the age of 89. Having reigned for over thirty years, he is succeeded by his only son, who has now ascended to the throne as King Haakon.

King Harald’s death came just a day before he and his wife, Queen Sonja, would have marked their 58th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on 29 August 1968 and welcomed two children during their union: Princess Märtha Louise and Prince Haakon. The royal family has expressed deep sorrow at the loss of their patriarch, who was celebrated for his commitment to Norway and its people.

Princess Märtha Louise, the elder sibling, was born on 22 September 1971. Although she retains the title of princess, she took a step back from official royal obligations in November 2022 to define her own path and to clearly separate her private ventures from the royal family’s commercial interests. Notably, she ceased using the style “Her Royal Highness” as early as 2002, choosing instead to focus on her career in alternative medicine.

Märtha Louise was previously married to Norwegian author Ari Behn, with whom she had three daughters: Maud Angelica, Leah Isadora, and Emma Tallulah. The couple divorced in 2017, and Behn tragically passed away in December 2019. The princess has since remarried to American Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman, in a ceremony held in Norway on 31 August 2024.

In contrast to his sister, King Haakon, born on 20 July 1973, has spent significant time preparing for his royal duties. He served in the Royal Norwegian Navy and pursued higher education in political science at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics. His extensive training has positioned him well to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Before assuming the throne, Haakon frequently took on royal responsibilities, stepping in when King Harald was undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. He served as regent in 2003 and was called upon numerous times to fulfil the king’s duties in subsequent years, demonstrating his readiness for the role.

As King, he held his first cabinet meeting on the day of his father’s passing and addressed the nation, announcing his commitment to the royal motto: “Everything for Norway.” He expressed profound sorrow over his father’s death while outlining his plans to continue the legacy of service to the Norwegian people.

Upon his ascension, King Haakon also welcomed his wife, Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, as the new Queen Consort of Norway, furthering the royal legacy as they continue to raise their two children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. This transition also means that Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now one step closer to the throne.

The royal family faces new challenges ahead, particularly concerning the health of Queen Mette-Marit. In October 2018, she revealed a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition that has progressively worsened. In June 2026, the Royal House announced that she was placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant, highlighting the personal trials that coincide with the public duties of the monarchy.

As Norway looks to the future under King Haakon, the nation remembers King Harald V’s legacy of leadership and dedication. The royal family, while grieving their loss, stands poised to continue serving the people of Norway, forging ahead in honour of King Harald’s remarkable reign.