The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of an era, felt deeply not only within the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth but also among royal families across the globe. Among those sharing in the profound sorrow was the Norwegian Royal Family, who have maintained remarkably close ties with the British monarchy for generations.
King Harald of Norway expressed his condolences upon the Queen’s death, stating, “Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and the members of the Royal Family on the loss of Queen Elizabeth.” His words underscored the personal connection and deep respect between the two royal houses, reflecting a relationship built on kinship and shared history. For nearly a century, Queen Elizabeth’s reign was a cornerstone of British identity and global stability, and her dedication resonated far beyond her own kingdom.
Queen Elizabeth II: A Monarch’s Enduring Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was the longest of any British monarch, spanning over 70 years. Ascending to the throne in 1952, she became a symbol of continuity and stability through decades of immense social and political change. As Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, she navigated her constitutional duties with unwavering dedication, becoming a globally respected figure.
Her Majesty’s commitment to service was legendary. She traveled extensively, undertaking countless official visits and engagements. Beyond her formal roles, Queen Elizabeth championed numerous charitable causes, holding patronage or presidency in over 600 organizations. This profound sense of duty and tireless work ethic defined her reign and solidified her place as an iconic figure in British and world history. Her legacy within the British Royal Family is one of steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to her people.
Royal Kinship: Tracing Anglo-Norwegian Lineage
The bond between the British and Norwegian Royal Families is more than just diplomatic; it’s rooted in genuine family ties. Queen Elizabeth and King Harald were second cousins, sharing great-grandparents King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Queen Alexandra, in fact, was the mother of Queen Maud of Norway, further cementing the familial link. This shared ancestry has fostered a sense of kinship and understanding between the two monarchies across generations.
Queen Elizabeth holds a unique place in Norwegian history as the only head of state to have undertaken three State Visits to Norway. These visits, spanning the reigns of King Haakon VII, King Olav V, and King Harald, highlight the consistent importance of the relationship between the British and Norwegian crowns. They represent not just formal diplomacy, but also a personal connection that has been nurtured over time.
Members of the Norwegian Royal Family have also been frequent visitors to the United Kingdom, both for official events and private family gatherings. This constant interaction has reinforced the personal bonds alongside the formal diplomatic relationship.
“Uncle Charles”: A Special Affection
The personal connection extends back to Queen Elizabeth’s childhood. She first met King Haakon and Queen Maud as a young princess. King Haakon, originally Prince Carl of Denmark, held a special place in Queen Elizabeth’s heart. The name Charles is the English equivalent of Carl, and Queen Elizabeth affectionately referred to King Haakon as “Uncle Charles.”
It is believed that “Uncle Charles” was indeed Queen Elizabeth’s favorite uncle. Such was her affection and respect for him that she named her eldest son, Prince Charles – now King Charles III – after King Haakon in 1948. This act speaks volumes about the depth of the personal connection between the British and Norwegian Royal Families.
During World War II, when Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav sought refuge in London. This period of exile further strengthened the family ties, as the British Royal Family provided support and sanctuary. This shared experience during a time of global crisis forged an even deeper understanding and bond between the two houses.
Continuing the Legacy into the Modern Era
In 1955, Norway held special significance for Queen Elizabeth as the first country outside the Commonwealth she visited as monarch. Arriving on the Royal Yacht Britannia, she joined in the celebrations for Norway’s Golden Jubilee of Independence. In a speech many years later to King Harald, she fondly recalled this visit, highlighting the warm welcome and the enchanting midsummer atmosphere.
King Olav, having spent formative years in England during WWII and numerous childhood visits, also developed a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth and the British Royal Family. His frequent visits and annual presence at Remembrance Day ceremonies in the UK underscored the shared history and mutual respect.
Since King Olav’s passing in 1991, King Harald and Queen Sonja have continued to nurture this vital relationship, both on official and personal levels. Their annual visits to the United Kingdom and the British Royal Family demonstrate the ongoing commitment to maintaining these inter-royal connections.
Queen Elizabeth and King Harald, through their personal friendship and shared history, have successfully carried the deep ties between their families into the 21st century. This enduring bond, stretching from their grandparents King George V and Queen Maud to the younger generations like Prince George and Princess Ingrid Alexandra, illustrates a lasting and significant relationship between the British and Norwegian Royal Families.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Norway in 2018, representing Queen Elizabeth, further exemplifies the ongoing importance of this relationship. As the British Royal Family moves into a new chapter under King Charles III, the strong and affectionate ties with the Norwegian Royal Family, forged over generations, are set to continue for many years to come.
