Yesterday we learnt of the tragic news that King Harald V of Norway had passed away. To commemorate his passing, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about Queen Victoria’s connection to the Norwegian royal family and the new King Haakon VIII.
On 22nd July 1896, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Maud of Wales, married Prince Carl of Denmark at Buckingham Palace. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon at Appleton House on the Sandringham estate, which had been given to Maud to live in whenever she visited England. However, the princess was reluctant to leave her homeland and the couple ended up living there for five months before moving to Bernsorff Palace, Grtntofte, near Copenhagen in Denmark. Maud struggled to adapt to her new home, particularly its cold winters, and often returned home to Britain. It was here at Appleton House that Maud gave birth to the couples only child, Alexander, on 2nd July 1903.
In 1905 the union between Norway and Sweden finally dissolved and the Norwegian government began its hunt for a new monarch. While several candidates were put forward, Carl soon became the favourite option. He was a decedent of the last independent Norwegian Kings and his wife’s British heritage would help form strong alliances. However, the fact that Maud and Carl had a son was a huge factor in him being chosen as it meant they had already secured an heir. While he was honoured to be selected, Carl wanted a referendum to allow the Norwegian people to decide if they wanted monarchy or a republic. Monarchy won with 79% of votes and Carl was officially elected King on 18th November 1905.
On 23rd November, the family left Copenhagen on board the Danish Royal Yacht, Donneberg, and arrived in Norway just two days later. On 27th Carl became the first Norwegian King to take the oath in 518 years but unfortunately he would also be the last to undergo a ceremony of its kind. During the ceremony, Carl changed his name, becoming known as King Haakon VII. His son, Alexander, also changed his name and became Olav, Crown Prince of Norway.
The couple’s coronation took place on 22nd June 1906 in Nidaros Cathederal in Trondheim, Norway. Having been brought up in the presence of Queen Victoria, Maud understood how important it was for the monarch to be seen by their public. As a result, the new King and Queen embarked on an extensive tour of Norway, where they explored its culture, gained a love of native pass times and were also photographed wearing Norwegian folk costume. It wasn’t long before the couple were adored by the people of Norway.
Whilst Maud passed away in 1938, Haakon lived until September 1957, when he was succeeded by their son, King Olav V. In 1991, the throne was passed to the next generation and King Harold V who ruled for 35 years until his death on 28th August 2026. Today, a new ruler, King Haakon VIII, sits on the throne.
© Queen.Victoria.Roses 2026
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