Like yesterday, today is a very special day as well, though for a different, yet similar reason. Today marks the 25th anniversary of the reign of His Majesty The King of Norway, King Harald V!
It was on this day in 1991 that King Harald V succeeded to the throne upon the death of his father Olav V. Like his father and grandfather before him, King Harald adopted the motto “We give our all for Norway.” Four days later, King Harald swore an oath to uphold the Constitution in the Storting. The ceremony was also attended by Queen Sonja, marking the first time in 69 years that a Norwegian queen had been present in the main chamber of the Storting.
In accordance with their own wishes, the King and Queen were consecrated in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on 23 June 1991. The consecration of Norwegian kings dates back more than 1,000 years in Norway, and was previously carried out during the coronation of a new monarch. In 1908 the Storting repealed the article in the Constitution relating to coronation. King Olav, who was keenly interested in maintaining traditions, expressed a desire to take part in a consecration ceremony in Nidaros Cathedral, and thus to receive God’s blessing for the performance of his royal duties. King Harald and Queen Sonja wished to continue this tradition and chose to hold a consecration ceremony in the same cathedral. Bishop Finn Wagle presided over the ceremony.
This is a day of jubilee and celebration for all Norwegians and Sons of Norway members. On behalf of the entire organization we wish His Majesty a heartfelt congratulations and many more years of health and prosperity!